Chapter Six: Work of the Monarchy

The Crown Prince looked back over his shoulder at the retreating body of his betrothed. A look of despair and longing crossed his features; he just wanted Arthur beside him through these final days until they got married. He was shocked out of his daydream, by a firm hand on his shoulder. He turned his head to see his father there, a soft smile on his aging face.

"Don't worry, Alfred. It won't be long until you see Arthur again," George grinned softly. "I suffered the same thing as you, my boy. The time spent without your mother was one of the hardest times of my life." His face turned to one of remembrance, a small smile curled on his lips.

"What time will the wedding happen, Dad? I don't want to wait for ages that day," Alfred frowned.

George thought for a moment, then looked to his son, "Normally around midday. You'll be woken at nine o'clock, fed, then dressed. Catherine shall assist you, as your head maid. Arthur and you will be separate until you meet at the altar for the wedding. Straight after the marriage ceremony, Arthur will be inaugurated onto the throne as Queen, and you as King. Does that make sense to you, my boy?"

Alfred nodded; he originally had no idea how busy the day of the wedding would be. All he knew is that Arthur's inauguration ceremony would be a lot longer than his as he was not born into the royal family or the upper classes. He didn't mind though, as long as he could be with his partner, that's all that mattered.

His thoughts were cut short, once again, as they arrived at his father's office. After being shown inside, Alfred glanced around the room. He had never been in here before; he wasn't allowed as a young boy due to the sensitive nature of materials in the room. George then offered him a seat, while he sat at his desk, leaning back against his chair. The Prince accepted his father's offer, sitting opposite him. It felt like his father was going to interrogate him; but he was going to train him in understanding these different files.

"Yao will take care of a great deal of paperwork, but only with your consent. If there are some papers that you wish to sort by yourself, then that's totally fine. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Just remember that Yao is there to help you should you need it," George smiled to his son, trying to make him feel better about the upcoming work he would need to complete.

The two began to explore the different forms of documents that would need to be consulted as King. These included meetings between other nations, meetings with the Court, as well as constitutional bills that would need to be passed to improve the lives of the citizens of Spades, should the need arise. The Prince sat and read through a draft of each document so he could understand all the technical wording.

Despite all the work and study over the next few days, Alfred simply could not pull his thoughts away from Arthur. A pair of emeralds, and a dainty smile, filled his mind with pleasant memories. The Prince was excited to meet Arthur again; it was like his partner had said, the next time they see each other would be their wedding day. Alfred was determined to stay strong for his betrothed, and wait patiently for their wedding.

Arthur walked with the maids, a frown on his face. He missed Alfred dearly; looking down to his hand where the warmth of the Prince's hand caused his face to flush.

"My Queen, are you alright?" One of the maids spoke up, causing Arthur to glance up in surprise. He nodded hesitantly, brushing his hand back through his blond locks.

The party soon made it to the required room: the office belonging to the Queen, on the opposite side of the castle to the King's. Arthur stepped inside and glanced around, the walls were painted with a vibrant indigo, and the carpet was a pale blue, juxtaposing the light and darkness of the room. White linen curtains hid the windows from Arthur's view, while an oak desk and matching chair sat at the far end of the room. The wood seemed to be freshly polished and cleaned, with neat stacks of books and paperwork covering the top.

"Clara, you are dismissed. Continue your work downstairs, clean the kitchen alongside Emily," one of the maids spoke up; the other nodded, curtsied to Arthur, then left the room. "Now, Arthur, this is where you will spend time with Lady Amelia while learning the work of a Queen. Though if you should need to call on me for help, I'm more than happy to assist you. You may call me Elizabeth, I have been maid for the royal family for at least sixty years." She curtsied in respect for the soon-to-be Queen.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Elizabeth. I'm aware that you have been caretaker for Alfred during his life, while his parents were away on business in other nations," he smiled brightly, taking her hand and shaking it politely. "Alfred has told me a lot about you; he truly seems to admire you, and all that you've done for him."

"The Prince has been my pride and joy, as much as the King and Queen's. He's a very pleasant boy, a little hyperactive at points; but when the need calls for it, he can be very serious and determined to get his work done to the best possible standard. He is quite the perfectionist; he claimed to be the Hero of Spades while he was a boy." The elderly maid chuckled with reminiscence; remembering the times she spent with him in the nursery while waiting for Amelia and George to return from business.

The young Prince was a bundle of energy as a young boy; he still was to this day in a matter of fact. He loved to go out riding with his parents, and hunt with his father. His blue eyes sparkled in anticipation the first time he had ridden a horse, which happened to be Kimberley; Elizabeth had been there when Alfred went out with George. She bid him a safe trip, and tied her handkerchief around his wrist for good luck. The Prince still treasured the handkerchief to this day; but he kept it hidden from numerous people, as to not seem weak.

Arthur continued conversing with Elizabeth about the Prince as a boy, before footsteps entered the room. They turned their gaze to the Queen, who had just entered.

"Thank you for waiting for me, apologies Elizabeth that I took so long, I was discussing some final things with Yao," the Queen bowed her head to the maid apologetically; she held the highest of respects for Elizabeth, due to all her service from when she had become part of the monarchy. "You may leave now, I will see to Arthur's duties."

Elizabeth nodded, "Understood, My Lady." She turned to Arthur, "Good luck; though I'm sure you don't need it." She smiled brightly, before excusing herself and leaving the room, shutting the door carefully behind her.

"Take a seat, Arthur," the Queen spoke up, a smile on her face for a change, as she took her own seat. "F-First… let me apologise greatly for the way I have treated you. It was unacceptable of someone of my status. Please accept my humblest apologies."

"With all due respect, Your Majesty. Your concern was within reason; worry for your son, as I said downstairs with Yao and the King." He held a gracious smile on his face, he was just happy the Queen could speak to him calmly now, without risking the chance of her exploding in a fit of anger.

"Anyway… onto business," she grinned. "As the Queen, you will have numerous areas to attend to. Including war documents, and passing on information from your King to the people of Spades. Whatever the King asks for you to give to the public, you do so; no questions asked."

The lessons for the Prince and his betrothed continued into the night for the remainder of the week. Their hearts yearning for one another, but they knew deep down that their wedding day would truly be wonderful.

Finally, it was the night before the wedding. Arthur stood on his balcony, glancing out at Spades Kingdom. His green eyes shimmered under the moonlight; his pale skin illuminated. "This will be mine from tomorrow, alongside my King." He glanced at his marked hand, holding it up to the sky. "Those who bear the Marks of Power, Kindness, and Wisdom, are deemed to be the saviours of the people in their Kingdom. That's what the Spadian scriptures read when I studied them as a boy. Alfred's power and Yao's wisdom are definitely evident in their character. I'm not so sure about my kindness, concerning my secret." He frowned softly, before stepping back into his room.

Author's note:

Apologies for this chapter being up a day late! Been drowning in work, and came back from holiday with my boyfriend for our anniversary not too long ago.

I want to thank all you for such kind reviews and the views. I'm really happy people are enjoying this story so much!

Thank you so so much! See you next week!