Chapter Five: Apologies
The faint light of the early morning shone through the linen curtains, obscuring the surrounding scenery, from the singular window in Arthur's bedroom. The smaller blond woke up as soon as the small rays of light hit his eyelids; reflexively burying himself into the warmth beside him to avoid the harsh sunlight.
A familiar scent embraced his senses, one of wisteria, with a hint of a summer's morning; a scent that could only be recognised at the Prince of Spades. Arthur opened his eyes and glanced up at the figure who had him in a comforting hold; his emeralds met the other's golden hair, sun-kissed skin, and lashes that lay gingerly against his cheeks. The Prince had an expression of peace on his features, natural laugh lines were carved into his skin, and occasional, pale freckles dotted his cheeks.
Arthur smiled to himself; how was he so lucky to have the chance to marry, let alone fall in love with, the Prince. He was truly wonderful; there wasn't really a thing that Arthur could fault about Alfred. He knew what to say and when to say it. His teasing would never last longer than he deemed necessary. Perfection; that was the only word Arthur could use to describe the Prince.
"What are you starin' at?" A deep, tired voice rang in Arthur's ears; he snapped out of his reverie, only to find a pair of sapphires focused on him. He could truly see how blue Alfred's eyes were now, as he was not wearing his glasses.
"N-Nothing… I've just woken up…" Arthur quickly said, to retain his dignity around Alfred. The Prince simply chuckled and pressed a soft kiss to the other's nose, before getting up, and dressing himself.
"We better go down and greet your family; we kinda' need to return to the Castle sooner rather than later, just in case Yao, or Mom and Dad, file a missing persons' ad… Basically ringing the alarm bell and screeching at the top of their lungs," He grinned cheekily, his eyes sparkling. The other male sat up and rolled his eyes at the Prince, but proceeded to get up as well, changing into a pair of black dress trousers, white shirt, and a green waistcoat: the outfit he wore when he had first met the Prince at the ball.
The two then walked, hand in hand, to the main living space, greeting those who were already awake: Victoria, Alistair, and Eire. The Kirkland family perked up at seeing the Prince and Arthur step into the room; the latter's mother getting up from her usual chair and walking into the kitchen to serve some breakfast for them.
After sitting at the table for a few moments, plates were placed in front of Alfred and Arthur, a traditional breakfast lay on the fine china. Both of them ate happily; constant compliments left Alfred's mouth as he tried each new part of the plate, which caused Victoria and Arthur to chuckle brightly.
Once finished, Arthur got up and helped with the dishes, despite his mother's complaints. He believed that he should at least continue doing some chores around the house while he was here. He won't be doing any in the Castle, and it would feel odd to the blond not doing labour of that sort anymore. However, Arthur vowed that he would assist with a few chores whenever he came home.
Alfred glanced out the window, then pulled out a small, silver pocket watch from inside his jacket, opening it. "Arthur! We better be heading back; any later and Yao will panic." He looked up at his betrothed, and frowned at how upset he look.
"Do not worry Arthur. It shall not be too long before we see each other again. Most likely your wedding day and coronation," Victoria spoke, her frail features expressing a joyous expression that her son was getting married. "I would not mind you writing to us if you cannot visit often. That would suffice; as long as we know you are doing well." She was embraced by her son, and she responded by wrapping her arms around his shoulders, carding her delicate fingers through his hair.
A moment later, Arthur pulled back from the embrace, and turned to Alfred, signalling that he was ready. The Prince responded with a solemn nod, before bidding the Kirkland family goodbye, and heading to the stables to collect Kimberley and Coconut for the arduous ride back to Spade Castle. After mounting Coconut, Arthur glanced to his home, noticing his family standing at the door waving goodbye, the younger siblings were in tears, but the elder siblings and Victoria were smiling proudly. He smiled brightly, tears slipping down his cheeks, waving back to his family, before cracking the reins, and riding away, alongside Alfred.
The servants of Spade Castle were hurrying around under instruction from Yao. The Jack had noticed the Prince and his Queen's disappearance; then ordered everyone to search the castle and nearby towns for them.
Standing in the entrance hall, the unshakable Jack trembled as there had been no news on the two. He turned around at hearing footsteps, but gasped as he saw the King and Queen dash towards him.
"Yao! What's happened? Where's my baby boy?!" Amelia cried out, her sky blue eyes wide with panic and worry for her son.
"Y-Your Majesty! T-There are guards and servants looking everywhere for them. Villages have been notified and will keep an eye out for them as well-!"
"We don't want an update on how many people are looking for them; we need to know if they are safe!" The King bellowed, a vein popping from his forehead with anger, yet worry.
However, before Yao could answer, footsteps clattered against the tiled floor. The three turned to the sound, their eyes meeting the familiar blue and green of Alfred and Arthur. The Prince took a defensive stance, protecting Arthur as his mother approached them.
"Alfred! Where were you, we were all worried sick?!" She scolded, before turning an eye to Arthur. "You hypnotised him into going with you, didn't you? You're evil, I knew it; you've cursed my son, making him fall in love with you!" Amelia growled, attempting to tower over the Queen-to-be, but Alfred stood in her way.
"Will you quit it?! We were never in any danger. All we did was go back to Arthur's family home, because you refused to let him go!" Alfred jabbed a finger at the Jack, who hung his head, before turning back to his mother. "He hasn't cursed me! Where would get an idea like that from?! Besides, Arthur bears the mark, chance brought us together, but fate meant for us to be together!" Blue eyes met green; Arthur nodded in understanding, and raised his right hand revealing the mark to the King and Queen.
Amelia's eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. George's eyes widened for a moment, but then he turned to his wife; giving her a harsh glare.
The Queen glanced down at the floor for a moment, before looking up at Arthur again. "I…I am terribly sorry for all that I've said to you. I had no right to be so harsh to the new Queen that Fate herself has chosen for us." She may not have necessarily agreed with it, however, it was deemed to be the truth that Arthur was the chosen one, and that she would simply have to accept that.
"I forgive you, Your Majesty," Arthur spoke up, his face soft with sympathy. "The concept of a male Queen tends to break Spadian tradition, as it does not happen very often. So, I understand your concern for your son and the Kingdom, as well as the Monarchy's look to the other Kingdoms. You did not wish to be made a fool of. Therefore, I understand why you may not, and perhaps never will, completely accept me into the Monarchy of Spades."
The three elders stared at Arthur; what a terrific speech. Clearly, he was designed to be the Queen; for they had to be a good orator, as they typically read to the people, and organised battle plans. George advanced to the Queen-to-be, offering his hand, which Arthur gladly accepted.
"Welcome to the family, and the Monarchy, Arthur," he spoke stoically, a smile on his face.
But before Arthur could respond, Yao spoke up once more. "I'm afraid to say that… you two will need to be apart again." He gaze darted between Arthur and Alfred. "Today marks the final week until you two are married, and as it has been done in the past, the betrothed are not allowed to see one another until the wedding from this point on. Instead, you two will take this week to train yourselves for the work that will become of you once the throne belongs to you."
"Alfred, firstly, you shall accompany your father in lessons to understand the courage of a King. How he shall organise peace conversation between the Kingdoms, how he prepares his soldiers for war, and finally protects his Queen and offspring from danger," his hazel eyes focused on Alfred, who nodded definitively, yet his hand tightly coiled itself around Arthur's, refusing to let go.
"And, Arthur. You will accompany Queen Amelia in understanding your kindness as Queen. You are prime orator between the King and the people. Anything your King requests to be given to the public is done by your hand. You will accompany him in producing battle plans, and fight on the front line to protect him. Finally, you will assist the public in keeping morale up during times of difficulty." Arthur nodded in response, his green eyes determined.
Arthur and Alfred turned to one another, the latter looking melancholy that he had to leave Arthur for the next week. The smaller male placed his hand on the other's cheek, brushing his thumb along it softly; a reassuring smile on his face.
"It's alright, Alfred. It's not too long until we'll be together again. And, we'll be getting married when we see one another right? So, it's something to look forward to," he grinned brightly. "I… I love you Alfred, my Prince. I look forward to the day that we'll be together, until our final breath." Arthur pressed a quick kiss to Alfred's cheek before being escorted away, hurriedly, by two maids of the court.
The Prince reached for Arthur and frowned deeply. He remembered the other's words, and smiled fondly at them, before being guided by his father to his room.
Studies began the next day. It would be difficult for the two, however, the finale would be something worth waiting for.
Author's Note:
Evening everyone! So sorry this is up late. Uni has been killing me, and plus I stayed up last night to watch the Super Bowl, so wasn't in bed till gone 3.30AM. What a great game!
I hope you all enjoy the chapter; and I appear to have updated everything correctly this week! If there are any issues with updates, don't hesitate to let me know and I'll sort it out as soon as I can.
Thank you everyone for reading! See you next week!