Shouts awoke Alfred, and with a start, he realized Arthur was no longer beside him. He dressed quickly, wondering what was amiss with the troops: the moment he stepped foot outside and into the chilly mountain air, wrinkling his nose at the biting cold, he saw a good quarter of his troops all wolfing down watered down oatmeal with a certain Queen quite at home between all of them. If they were as bitterly cold as Alfred, it didn't show. They laughed jovially at Arthur's jokes, as if he were just like... them.

Confused, Alfred watched the strange encounter between royalty and commoners, and after Arthur tipped his head back with genuine laughter, the King decided that Arthur was exactly what the Kingdom of Spades needed.

So, even though Alfred tried to hold back, he couldn't help but be overly-affectionate throughout the day. Arthur, however, didn't seem to notice, relatively quiet, riding beside him through the snowy mountainside. They came to a halt at the final peak, and Arthur pointed out at the horizon. "The Kingdom Of Hearts lays just beyond the horizon."

"We've made good time," Alfred commented, glancing at Arthur. The Queen opened his mouth to reply, when loud clamor sounded from the army behind them. Turning his horse quickly, Alfred readied himself to snap at the soldiers responsible for such a loud noise that could blow their cover in the Kingdom of Diamonds, but quickly shut his mouth at the sight of two distinctly brown horses galloping their way to the front of the line.

Alfred's hand flew immediately to his sword, shifting protectively in front of Arthur as the two foreigners came to a halt directly in front of the King and Queen. Upon closer look, these two men were not mere foreigners, but royalty. As Alfred opened his mouth to address whom he assumed was the King, he heard a sharp intake of breath behind him. Glancing back, Alfred saw Arthur's eyes widen, staring directly at the King of Diamonds: the aforementioned stared just as dumbfounded at the Queen of Spades, who suddenly exclaimed, "Francis!"

"Arthur!"

They both dismounted, laughing incredulously, to everyone's confusion, and Arthur leapt into Francis's opened arms. Alfred's chest instantly dropped in livid jealousy.

"What... how... You're the King?" Arthur babbled as Francis let him go, hands on the Queen's shoulders, looking him up and down.

"I could say the same! You're a Queen, no?" Francis laughed, gesturing to Arthur's crown.

Alfred coughed, grabbing everyone's attention. "Arthur," he almost growled, "You... know him?"

"Know him? I lived with him since I was a child!" Arthur started. "Until he and his family moved to Diamonds-"

"And we haven't been in contact as of late. Ah, when our scouts spied foreigners in the Alps, I didn't expect you, my love!" Francis sighed, still gazing at his childhood friend. Alfred cringed at the term of endearment, eyes narrowed.

"We are joining our allies to unite against Clubs," Alfred interjected, clenching his teeth. "No harm was intended on Diamonds. We will continue peacefully-"

"Oh, non! Your soldiers are famished and cold from such treacherous elements. Come to Diamonds! We offer you food and shelter for as long as you need," The King offered, smiling. Alfred spared a glance at his troops, who all looked willing to take up Francis's offer, but still loyally faced their own King.

Sighing, Alfred started a battle he knew he'd already lost. "That's very kind of you, but-"

"Non! I will have no objections. Let your soldiers rest, my King. I am sure most have never seen Diamonds, non?"

Arthur's eyes caught Alfred's, obviously urging him to take the offer, tilting his head. Alfred sighed. "I... suppose that will be fine."

"My King," another voice sounded, "Are you sure? Diamonds is famished as it is, and with the addition-"

"Of course I am sure! Vash, we have plenty." Francis mounted his horse, glancing at Alfred and Arthur. "Forgive my Jack. He has been quite impudent since-"

"Shall we be leaving?" Vash interrupted with a pointed glare. Francis, ignoring his Jack, beckoned for Spades to follow him. Alfred glanced out at the horizon, anxious to arrive in Hearts and unsure of Francis's true intent.

—

Diamonds was, indeed, beautiful: trees dusted in snow, stone pathways intricately winding with each other, winter-thriving wildlife everywhere. Alfred uneasily watched Francis's back, as if waiting for him to whirl around and attack. He'd met the King of Diamonds only once, when he was a young general: sparks of hostility had raged through him even then.

All in all, Alfred felt increasingly uneasy as they neared the capital of Diamonds, catching sight of the magnificent outline of the palace looming in the distance. Overcast weather and bitter cold only reflected Alfred's emotions. Fingers tightening around taut reigns, Alfred spared a glance at Arthur, who happened to already be watching him.

"Are you alright?" Arthur asked quietly, eyes burning into his.

Glancing away, Alfred didn't reply. Childish distrust made him ignore the Queen entirely- berating himself, Alfred mused, He isn't conspiring with Francis. He is my Queen, and is loyal to Spades. You saw the way he amiably talked with the men.

While he was musing, apparently Arthur grew agitated himself. Huffing, the Queen snapped, "Fine." He stubbornly flicked the reigns, riding farther up near Francis, who would be better company.

Alfred would have called out to him, but the city of Diamonds suddenly came into view, and grasped Alfred's attention completely. Turning to his soldiers, he muttered, "Keep sharp."

Villagers wandered out onto the strangely desolate streets, gazing in awe at the royal procession that marched by. Alfred assumed that the neutrality of Diamonds meant that the commoners had never seen the Spadian army before. They all appeared skinny, some gaunt- it was clear that Diamonds was struggling in the winter months. Still apprehensive, Alfred, eyes narrowed, glanced at Francis, who still led the strange procession.

Eventually, they reached the castle: Alfred decided that the sun probably reflected off the white marble and made it glow golden in sunlight. It was so unlike the castle in Spades, which was navy blue in color, arched like a gothic cathedral: Alfred felt a tinge of homesickness.

Francis escorted the King and Queen into the castle, throwing casual instructions back to his Jack to find housing for the Spadian army. Vash started to complain, but Francis obviously didn't care, leading his guests into the courtyard with a swish in his step. Alfred, sensing Arthur's stiffness (probably still upset with Alfred ignoring him), leaned down close to Arthur's ear and muttered, "Exhibitionist."

Arthur's lips quirked up, and even though he didn't look at Alfred in the slightest, Alfred could feel the tension fade away. Curiously, he wondered when he had so desperately pined for forgiveness in his entire life.

Francis turned elegantly, searching the King and Queen up and down. "You are both either ridiculously lucky or very unlucky," He started, clicking his tongue as Alfred's hand drifted down toward his sword. "I wouldn't suggest doing that."

"What do you mean?" Arthur demanded more than asked.

"Both of you are naïve. Rushing into war with Clubs, marching through a neutral country in a pitiful attempt at secrecy..." Francis chuckled, amused. "But I like your spirit. And I suppose I'll let this unprecedented visit slide, since you are taking out a powerful enemy."

"You are neutral," Alfred shot back. "It is unwise to call Clubs your enemy."

"Foolish boy. My Kingdom maintains neutrality in war. Anyone who declares war is our enemy."

"We are your enemy?"

"You fight so that the balance of power is equal. Clubs declared war for conquest."

Alfred fell silent, watching Francis intently. His bright orange clothes and crown so drastically contrasted Alfred and Arthur's blue and purple. "Are you allied with us, then?"

"Perhaps," Francis slowly, carefully conceded, a thoughtful expression on his face as he turned around again. "Now, come. You must eat! Everyone knows food from Diamonds is the most excellent."

As much as Alfred hated to admit it, the food was spectacular. Even stubborn Arthur didn't complain, sitting between Alfred and a royal of Diamonds who chatted his ear off. Still curious about Arthur's relation to Francis, Alfred turned in his seat toward the King on his other side, at the head of the table. "Tell me of when you met Arthur," he started, eyes locking with Francis's as if challenging him.

"Jealous, are we?" Francis noted, smirking as Alfred growled. "Fine, fine. I was born in Spades, in the same district as Arthur."

"Devon?"

Surprised, Francis nodded. "Do you and Arthur discuss such personal matters?"

"Of course. Didn't you ask your Queen where he or she was born?"

Francis's eyes darkened instantly, and Alfred assumed he'd hit a nerve, even if he didn't know why. "The relation between the King and Queen is a purely platonic partnership," he explained, voice hushed. "I would expect Spades of all countries to acknowledge that fact. To answer your question, Diamonds has been without a Queen for two years."

Alfred didn't reply. Francis shook his head and continued, "I met Arthur by the ocean. He was angry over something I fail to remember- perhaps it was about his hair. He tried to hit me."

"Sounds like Arthur."

Francis chuckled, the mood light once again. "Indeed. Every day, I met with him on that dock, until he finally accepted that I wasn't going to leave him alone. We became close quickly: I don't believe he had anyone else. He always seemed lonely." Alfred listened closely, rapt with interest. "By the time we were both teenagers, I could easily detect him in a crowd of hundreds: you see, he was quite rowdy, and always wanted to disturb the peace. We were both poor, and by this time on our own from the orphanage, and so we devised plots to steal bread from the market-"

"Orphanage?"

"Yes. I was adopted eventually. Arthur..." he trailed off, searching for the right words. "Arthur was less fortunate."

Deciding to avoid what seemed touchy, Alfred murmured, "And then your family moved."

"They didn't tell me until the day of. I walked into an empty house." He smiled reminiscently. "They told me I had a measly minute to tell Arthur. He hit me when I told him- he thought I'd been keeping it a secret. I think we both knew we'd never see each other again."

Francis ended with a soft sigh, glancing at Arthur. Alfred did likewise. "And now he is the Queen of Spades. No longer the troublesome boy I once knew."

"Did you love him?"

"I did."

"Do you still love him?"

Francis didn't answer.

—

Morning came, overcast as previously. Arthur walked through the courtyard with Francis, awaiting Alfred to join them. The flowers were bright, the hedges not as properly trimmed as they were in Spades. It suited Diamonds, Arthur decided.

"Is your King always so late?"

Arthur huffed. "He claims his 'internal clock' lost a screw. I tend to agree."

Laughing, Francis drew closer. "And are you happy, being his Queen?"

The sun peeked out from behind the clouds for a short moment, highlighting the edges of Francis's face. Arthur sensed a hidden question behind his original words. "I am, if you must know."

"You would not trade it for anything?"

Arthur considered his words, glancing out at the expanse of Francis's Kingdom, and replied quietly, "It's quite taxing, but I don't think I'd adjust adequately if I became a simpler commoner again, working down at the docks. I feel-"

"Important."

Arthur didn't reply. Francis opened his mouth to continue, but was interrupted by boots clicking against stone and Alfred's voice. "We thank you for your hospitality, Francis. But we must take our leave. Spies from Hearts have spotted Clubs advancing and plead for our reinforcements."

Francis looked disappointed, but nodded. "By all means." They shared a look of understanding; Alfred glanced once at Arthur, and then walked out.

"I suppose I should go with him," Arthur hinted, eyes catching Francis's. He saw the face of a young man burdened with stress, stress and longing. He reached out, cupping Arthur's cheek in his hand, thumb brushing against his skin.

"You could stay," he offered. "You could be my Queen."

Closing his eyes, Arthur willed away the burn, clenching his jaw and placing his hand on Francis's. "You always have to leave me upset, don't you?"

"Likewise," Francis countered.

"You know I can't."

With a last longing gaze, Francis dropped his hand, smiling. "I'll see you again, my love." He turned, the bright orange he'd been wearing appearing dull, and left like he always did.

—

The Royal Army of Spades cleared out of the Kingdom of Diamonds without further dispute. Alfred, relieved to be out of uncomfortable territory, sighed out contentedly as they reached the border of the Kingdom of Hearts. They waded through a shallow river, making way into the heavily forested Hearts, when the faint sound of trumpets blaring caught everyone's attention.

Alfred sent a scout ahead, just to be sure- while waiting, Arthur asked quietly, "What if Clubs has taken control?"

"Hearts can not fall easily," Alfred started, his horse close to Arthur's. "I am a close acquaintance of the King. He is strong."

"That's called a friend, Your Highness," Arthur sarcastically observed.

The scout returned, hair wildly whipping around his face, and hurriedly stated, "We are needed immediately. Clubs intends to advance tomorrow at dawn- the King of Hearts is conscripting men into the army, even in small villages as this."

"Do you know what district this is?" Alfred asked. The scout shook his head. Swiftly, Alfred turned to his soldiers, about to ask once more, when Arthur replied, "Blenheim."

"What?"

"We are in Blenheim."

There was no time to question his knowledge. Alfred gestured for the Royal Army to follow him quickly, and galloped into the deep forest of Hearts, searching for the village. It was close, as the scout had said, and past all the shacks and rotting cabins of the poor town, Alfred spotted a small gathering in the center of the town.

Raising the Spadian flag high, Alfred led his army into the town, gathering the attention of the citizens, slowing to a halt at the edge of the clearing. He and Arthur dismounted, quickly walking into the crowd- Alfred tried not to stare at the terrible condition these people were in, cold and shivering and half-naked.

Ludwig had been reading a decree, most likely drafting these poor, sick villagers into the army out of fear that Clubs would outmatch him in number if Spades didn't arrive soon. He stepped off the slight platform he'd been speaking on, the Queen and Jack following suit. Alfred smiled, offered his hand, and Ludwig took it firmly, relief clear in his eyes.

"We feared the worst," Ludwig began. Alfred could see the exhaustion in his face, hear it in his voice. "Clubs draws close, and I anticipated you would not make it in time."

"I apologize. We were sidetracked in Diamonds for a short period." Alfred moved slightly to the side, gesturing to the Queen who stood behind him. "You have not had the pleasure of meeting our new Queen."

Arthur took Ludwig's hand firmly- Alfred felt pleased as Ludwig greeted him warmly. "News spread quickly concerning the new monarchy over the last months. I hear you are quite well-versed?"

Arthur smiled. "I learned quickly."

Ludwig gestured behind him. "Kiku, my Queen, takes to Literature as you." He slightly turned, and Arthur shook hands with someone who was actually, finally his size.

"I've heard much about you," Kiku started. "It is nice to finally have a male Queen as I who shares interests."

Before Arthur could reply, Ludwig continued, "And our newest edition." He grimaced slightly, pointing to their Jack, who didn't leave his King's side, but waved amicably.

"Our Jack is en route," Alfred explained. "He is securing leadership among the advisors."

"Understood. We will need to sign the documents immediately at the Palace. I trust you are ready?"

Alfred nodded. As he and Arthur mounted their horses, Ludwig turned to the village and announced, "On appearance of the Royal Army of Spades, this document is null and void. Vorwarts, Germania!"

The people cheered, and though there was not a multitude, Alfred thought it was one of the most satisfying sounds. Ludwig and his cortège of monarchy and guards headed the large procession, leading them through the dense, snowy forest of Hearts.

Arthur rode beside Alfred quietly for most of the trip, his hood covering his face from Alfred. Glancing over at the Queen, Alfred asked, "How did you know the village name?"

Arthur turned to the King, replying simply, "I've been there once."

"You told me yourself you'd never left Spades once," Alfred pointed out, ready to continue, when Arthur interrupted.

"And you are right," he conceded, smiling slightly. "But I have been in Blenheim before. I can not explain it, for I do not understand myself."

Alfred silently observed him for a moment, then turned back to sifting through his thoughts. He found himself unable to dwell on them any longer.

The capital city of Hearts eventually arose close ahead. A year had passed since Alfred had last travelled down the streets of Hearts, and observing how much the capital city had changed since then was astounding. Commoners ran to and fro, shouting frantically, buying frantically, selling frantically- all signs of the closely looming war. The stone streets had cracked, unpaved since last winter- Alfred compared Hearts to Diamonds and felt that there wasn't much difference.

The Palace of Hearts, usually a lovely place, looked somber under the winter clouds. Inside, most halls and rooms were dark, shadowed- electricity was being conserved as well. Kiku, after the long and weighty discussion in the war conference room, led Alfred and Arthur to their room, and after warning of the electricity rule (lights needed to stay off) wished them a good night.

Turning to the bed, which was rather small for two people, Alfred fell onto his back over the sheets, exhaustedly staring up at the ceiling. "I feel as if too much has happened over a course of two days."

Arthur hummed, striding to the opposite corner of the room, back to Alfred as he shed his coat. Before he could stop himself, Alfred's eyes roved over the Queen's entire form as he undressed, an emotion he'd told himself he'd never feel before running through him like a chill.

Easy there, he warned himself, shedding his own coat and flannel and sliding quickly into the soft bed. "There's something I like about sleeping in new beds," he murmured, covering his eyes with his hands tiredly. The bed dipped beside him as Arthur settled next to him, again humming in acknowledgement. The need to ask more questions persisted in Alfred's head, and the one at the top of his mind was going to force itself out. Turning onto his side, Alfred faced Arthur, asking bluntly, "Were you and the King of Diamonds ever sexually involved?"

He regretted his words as soon as they came out. Arthur blushed, beat red, in embarrassment: mortified, Alfred stuttered, trying to reword his question so that he didn't sound like a needy, jealous teenager. Arthur drew the covers up close to his face, as if trying to hide his face as he coughed out, "Heavens, no. No, no, no, not ever." The humiliated rambling suddenly turned into an accusation. "Do you think I whore myself out to the public, you bastard? Why the hell would you even ask me that?"

"You're a virgin?" Alfred asked incredulously, instantly regretting again his hasty, awkward words as Arthur's cheeks continued to burn and both wallowed in humiliation.

"I... well... that is to say..." Arthur skirted the question, stammering endearingly. The roundabout answer was a clear affirmation to Alfred's second question.

"I'm sorry. You don't have to answer that," Alfred quickly muttered, hoping he wasn't reddening himself. Arthur refused to look at him. "Francis was telling me about your childhood."

"Of course he was," Arthur snapped.

"I was an orphan, too."

The mood changed from embarrassing to somber in the room instantly. Arthur's anger dissipated into a look of compassion and uncertainty all in one as he asked, "Were you ever adopted?"

"No." Alfred tried a tentative smile and shifted closer to Arthur. "I wasn't."

They quietly observed each other for a long moment, until Alfred laughed softly, reaching out to touch Arthur's forearm. "This is a horrible way to catch up."

Arthur laughed as well- Alfred caught himself taking note on how Arthur's nose scrunched when he did so. "Your questions are most vile and cruel," he huffed, smiling. He didn't shy away from the contact, nor when their feet brushed. Alfred felt his own smile grow wider, and decided it had all been worth it.

"I already apologized. What more do you want?"

"Kiss my ass," Arthur shot back, his voice lilting into a momentary commoner accent. Alfred could barely restrain a nervous laugh at the implications. "If you're serious, then give me a back rub."

"Anything for my Queen," Alfred complied in an overly-noble tone. Arthur threw a pillow at his face. Alfred caught it right in front of his nose, and as he lowered it, another item was thrown at his face- Arthur's white undershirt. It took Alfred a few seconds to process that new feeling in the pit of his stomach as Arthur rolled onto his stomach, back exposed for Alfred to massage.

Alfred swallowed, hopefully not audibly, and settled close beside Arthur, who arched up as Alfred ran a cold fingertip between his shoulder blades. "Don't you dare tease me," he gritted out, burying his head in his arms.

Ah, Alfred realized, as his callused hands gripped Arthur's shoulders and massaged firmly. He finally trusts me.