Breakfast was unusually quiet. Ludwig, Kiku, and Feliciano sat sullenly on one end of the table: Alfred, Arthur, and Yao sat at the other. Granted, the table was smaller in size than the dining table in Spades, so it wasn't as if they were separated by too much space. Yet, it seemed enough to draw some sort of segregation, and Alfred didn't like that.

Arthur noticed, too, glancing at Alfred with a wondrous expression. Alfred shared his curiosity. Perhaps the monarchy of Hearts were simply forlorn concerning the war?

Alfred was distracted momentarily as Arthur shoveled eggs from his plate onto the King's. The gesture was almost sweet, Alfred thought. Their eyes met once again- Arthur smiled wordlessly, as if saying, I know you'll eat anything.

Of course, Yao had decided that he would break his King and Queen's moment by irritably addressing Ludwig. "Is there a reason for your pointed silence, King?"

Ludwig glanced up, eyes narrowed. "I've come to the decision that you like to pick fights."

"Did you figure that out all by yourself?" Arthur shot back, promptly coming to his Jack's defense. Kiku audibly swallowed from the other side of the room, and Feliciano nervously looked down at his hands, plate of food still untouched.

"You should watch your tongue," Ludwig observed cooly. "Lest you wish harm against you."

Arthur would have replied, but Alfred stood, fists hitting the table, silverware clinking. "Do not insult my monarchy, Ludwig."

"Do remember that Clubs declared war against you, not Hearts. We can ally ourselves to Clubs just as fast as we can ally ourselves to Spades."

There was silence. Alfred looked to Yao, then to Arthur, and spoke, "Is this the reason for your foulness? You wish to join the enemy?"

Kiku broke in this time. "We heard of Ivan's encounter with Arthur. Perhaps Clubs is not the enemy we have assumed." He paused, eyes cold. "Perhaps you are the enemy."

"That's preposterous!" Arthur hissed, standing furiously beside Alfred. "Listen to yourselves! You would blindly fall into Ivan's traps? Do you not trust that we have been allies since our Kingdoms were founded?"

"We have been allies because Spades has been the dominant power. Now, a shift is starting," Feliciano said distantly. "The power is falling to Clubs, and we wish to preserve our Kingdom."

Alfred couldn't believe what he was hearing. Life-long allies splitting, just like that, even after barely riding out a victory the day previous? Alfred had known Ludwig since he first joined Spades' military. This was not the man Alfred knew- this was a fearful man, desperate for complacency and security. Gaze hardening with his resolve, Alfred muttered, "Understood." He gestured for Yao and Arthur to follow him, and the monarchy of Spades exited the room without another word.

"We must leave," Yao whispered fiercely as they strode down the hall. "If my prediction is right, they will completely neutralize themselves before evening. Staying on their land is like a death wish."

"But where do we go?" Arthur asked. "The King of Diamonds clearly stated that he didn't want Spades marching through his territory uninvited. We can't go west. Yet if we go east, we enter the Kingdom of Clubs."

Alfred turned, stopping the other two in their tracks. Momentarily, he realized for the first time how tall he was compared to his Jack and Queen, and then murmured, "We must continue into Clubs and face Ivan once and for all. Our world will not be safe until this war is finished."

"I agree," Arthur replied. They looked to Yao, whose opinion would sway them either way. After a long moment of silence, eyes flitting from the King to the Queen, Yao gave a short nod of his head.

"I will assemble the soldiers, then. Gather your things and meet me outside the palace."

—

The army of Spades departed from Hearts quickly and entered the territory of Clubs. Alfred had never been on campaign past Hearts, and expected an instant change in surroundings in Clubs, but honestly, it was just colder. Everything else looked the same- heavy snow, dense forest, overcast sky.

A certain gloom settled over the troops as they rode through Clubs. Alfred could sense it from where he led- Spades' morale was low after an uncertain victory and the loss of an ally. Turning to Arthur, he was struck by how beautiful the man looked, hood down and snow in his hair, and couldn't compose himself in time.

"What?" Arthur smiled.

Alfred shook his head. "Nothing. I was just..." he trailed off, the ground shaking slightly beneath him. Arthur saw the change in his demeanor and frowned as Alfred halted the troops. "Do you feel that?"

"Someone is coming," Yao hissed. "It could be Clubs."

"What if it's Hearts?" Arthur urgently questioned. "Could they have changed their minds so soon?"

Turning and facing the troops, Alfred peered out at the horizon, muttering, "Neither."

"What?" Yao huffed, eyes widening as he spotted what Alfred saw. "What are they doing here?"

Angry, burning jealousy welled up in Alfred's chest as Arthur grinned. "Gods above, it's Francis."

Francis it was, the army of Diamonds spanning out behind him. Some of his men held the golden flag of Diamonds high, a peaceful gesture as they neared. Making his way through the army of Spades, Francis held his head high, halting in front of the Spadian monarchy.

"What are you doing here?" Alfred gritted out. He tried his best to keep his tone neutral.

"News travels fast," Francis replied, his eyes on Arthur. "And though this is quite informal, I wish to ally our Kingdoms."

Yao's mouth dropped open, astonished. "Diamonds is a neutral country," he stuttered. "You would forsake the wish of your ancestors?"

"I would," Francis stated firmly. Out of the corner of Alfred's eye, he saw Arthur smile. "Times are changing. Hearts is foolish not to realize that the King of Clubs is power-hungry. If they ally with him, they will surely fall. If I maintain neutrality, I shall fall as well. To ally with Spades and protect the balance of power is to save my country."

Snow continued to fall, the sky remained shrouded. Yet there was a powerful increase of morale among the troops, one that Alfred couldn't turn away for his own personal gain. With the addition of troops, Spades had a chance- a good chance- at taking on Clubs in their own territory. It was a deal that Alfred couldn't reject. Nodding stiffly, he said, "Then, welcome aboard."

—

A fortnight passed, in which Hearts declared themselves a neutral entity- an ironic shift between Diamonds and Hearts had taken place. Two weeks of stomping through the snow in bitter cold conditions caused some men to fall ill: Alfred found himself falling under a sort of illness as well- a mental illness. Although Francis was polite, he obviously didn't fancy Alfred the way he did Arthur- Alfred could barely sneak in three words with Arthur before Francis was by his side, and the two would drift back into the lines, away from Alfred and Yao in their own world.

It was absolutely infuriating. Just as Alfred came to terms with his feelings, Francis swept in, and all of Alfred's previous doubts concerning his and Arthur's relationship came sweeping in with him. Being in the territory of Clubs was of no help: every second, Alfred felt on edge, constantly expecting an ambush, although it never came.

The march to the capital city would be complete in two days. Still, Alfred had no plan, no brilliant siege prepared, and bitterly blamed it on Francis for stealing his Queen's attention. As the troops rested for the night, Alfred and Yao discussed strategies in their tent. Halfway through, Yao paused. "Are you okay, Alfred?"

It was odd to hear Yao speak his name, and it was enough to jostle him out of his irate thoughts. "Peachy," he grumbled, running fingers through his hair.

Yao didn't look convinced. "I sensed that you didn't like Francis, but I didn't expect it to be this... hindering." Alfred didn't reply. "This isn't about... Arthur, is it?"

Alfred refused to look at him. "No."

"I would hope not. Your relationship should be purely platonic."

That's exactly what Francis said. "Why is that, Yao?"

The Jack looked slightly taken aback and slightly nervous. "It has always been that way between the monarchy. You do not fall in love. You do not get attached."

Studying him closely, Alfred realized there was something Yao was hiding from him. Frustrated, Alfred stormed out of the tent despite Yao's protests and into the cold, deciding that Francis had occupied Arthur long enough, and took off to find the two.

—

"Don't you think we should return to the camp?" Arthur dropped his firewood, exhausted. "You always drag me out for the strangest of reasons."

Francis smiled, drawing closer to him. "Gathering firewood isn't strange. Besides, I yearn to talk to you." He dropped his firewood next to Arthur's pile.

"Haven't we talked enough over the past week?" Arthur backed away pointedly.

"You wound me," Francis dramatically replied. "I intend to make up for the years we were forced apart." He took Arthur's hands in his when the Queen tried to pull away. "Why are you so eager to return?"

Arthur huffed, "I do not take my position lightly. We should return and discuss strategies with Yao and Alfred-"

"I, too, respect my position, but I have other interests." There were so many implications behind the words that Arthur nervously and forcibly tore his hand away from Francis.

"Other...interests?"

Laughing softly, Francis caught Arthur's arm once again and drew him close: eyes widening slightly, Arthur couldn't react in time as Francis lifted his chin and kissed him. Fingers tightening in the linen Francis wore, Arthur, alarmed, pulled back, gasping out, "Fran-" He was interrupted once again by the King, mouth on his, Arthur's protests muffled. Francis backed him up, pinned his hands against the nearest tree, and leaned forward, kissing Arthur, ignoring the fact that the Queen wouldn't reciprocate his actions.

"What the hell?!" A shrill voice sounded. Francis instantly stumbled backwards, as if being repelled by Arthur, who slumped against the tree, panting for breath. Alfred lividly glared at the other shellshocked King, marching forward and leaning into Francis's face aggressively. "You ally yourself with Spades just to take advantage of my Queen?"

Francis, anger roused by Alfred's harsh words, hissed, "I wouldn't do anything he didn't want me to do."

There was a moment of tense silence. Alfred clenched his jaw, and turing to Arthur, he growled, "Did you kiss him?"

Mortified, Arthur froze, eyes wide. His mouth opened, wanting to assure Alfred, but the only words that came out were, "Why the hell do you care?"

Alfred didn't look offended. "Tell me the truth."

Both stared at the Queen, hanging on his words by a thread. Arthur swallowed, unable to stare back at such intensity, unsure of who to betray. Francis, lovely, idiotic Francis, had been everything in the past. But did Arthur love him? Would Arthur kiss him?

"...No."

Francis was prideful, and would never admit that he lost: turning to Alfred, he bowed to take his leave. As he turned, his eyes caught Arthur's, and smiled graciously. Arthur could read him front to back. His eyes conveyed a type of despondency, perhaps regret- but love nonetheless, a different love for Arthur than Arthur carried for him. And he was gone with the flash of a golden cape.

I've driven him away permanently. What a selfish fool I am, Arthur thought miserably, wishing, waiting to awake from this nightmare.

Hands gently held his shoulders. Arthur gazed up at Alfred, angry and shaken and grieved all at once. Too many problems now surrounded Arthur's mind. What will Francis do now? Will he withdraw his troops entirely? Will we face Clubs on our own?

"Are you okay?" Alfred asked, brushing Arthur's fringe behind his ear. He looked worried, but... pleased, as if driving off Francis had been an answer to his prayers.

Arthur shoved him furiously, shouting, "Why must you meddle in everything?! You drove him away, bastard!" To hide his emotive face, Arthur stormed past him, jaw clenched. It was unfair of him to blame Alfred. In his anxious state of mind, he didn't care. Ignoring the way Alfred called for him to wait, Arthur strode angrily away, leaving Alfred alone in the snowy clearing.

—

Alfred raced into the camp with every intention of swooping Arthur up and carrying him back to their tent, but the sight of Francis entering into his own tent caught Alfred's eye. Alfred followed him, reminding himself of his duty as King, and emerged into the dark tent. He faced Francis's back, the long blonde hair he had tied into an immaculate ponytail hours before now mussed and tangled.

"Francis," Alfred began, voice rough. "I don't want you to leave."

Bitterly, Francis laughed. "Of course you don't. Who would want to face Clubs alone?" At a loss for words, Alfred simply remained quiet, watching as Francis turned slightly toward him, eyes dark, seething. "And yet, I have no reason to stay here. Arthur obviously is in love with his King."

"I thought the law states a relationship between a monarchy is platonic. Why would you assume that Arthur...?"

Francis shook his head, eyes closing. "It's not a law, Alfred. I never said that it was a law. It's... an understanding, of sorts." His eyes shone as they met Alfred's once again. "You do not fall in love."

"Why?"

Francis's lifted a hand, covering his face, jaw trembling. Alfred, confused, wasn't sure if he should stay, but Francis hissed out, "My Queen's name was Lili. She was quiet, beautiful... foolishly, we fell in love. I tossed away the warnings without a second thought- what possibly could happen?" His eyes met Alfred's, and even in the dim light, Alfred could see the emotion, could feel it radiating from the other King. "Did you ever wonder why the Queen harnesses magic?" Alfred didn't move, wordlessly staring at Francis. "This land," he gritted out, "is a sick, twisted hell. Our Kingdoms thrive on magic- they choose a King and Queen, give them intricate birthmarks, give the Queen magic- you cannot deny that our world is magical. Yet, as time passes, it festers, and the Kingdom's magic drains. The only person who carries the same magic is the Queen."

Rolling his eyes, Alfred scoffed. "Please. That makes no sense-"

"The Queen dies, Alfred!" Francis shouted.

Silence settled over the pair. Alfred, staring at Francis, narrowed his eyes. "Ridiculous."

Francis stalked closer to him. "I thought so, too. And two years ago, when Diamonds entered a severe drought, she... she took her life. She saved our land- the drought was instantly gone, all because she had restored magic to the Kingdom. It was absurd, I thought, and for years, I read on the issue, sure that the land couldn't do that. Book after book, page after page, were narrated by Kings who had lost their other half, and all came to the same conclusion. Every Queen, eventually, will die to save the Kingdom."

Quietly, Alfred said, "And this is why I am constantly warned? Because... Arthur will die?"

"Yes."

"Maybe you are right," Alfred murmured. Francis's eyes searched his, confused as Alfred's voice raised. "But I still care for my Queen. Everyone dies, Francis. You don't stop loving because of the possibility of death."

"You would rather have your heart broken?" Francis snarled, teeth gritting together.

Alfred turned, leaving his question unanswered. "If you wish to return to neutrality, you may leave in the morning. I won't stop you." He walked out without another word.

—

Arthur was in his makeshift bed, seemingly asleep, when Alfred stepped into their tent. Tossing his blue coat somewhere, Alfred settled beside him, facing his back.

Will you die soon? If you did, I don't think I'd be able to move on.

Alfred shook his head, trying to clear his mind. Tentatively, he lifted a hand, with every intention of sliding it around Arthur's waist, when his Queen whirled around, glaring at him. Apparently, he wasn't as asleep as Alfred thought he had been.

Flushing, Alfred dropped his hand instantly, and explained lamely, "I... I thought you were asleep."

"Piss off." He turned around and scooted farther away from Alfred.

Sighing out, Alfred turned onto his back, staring up at the top of the tent. The material was so thin that it barely held in heat, but even so, there was a benefit: he could make out the stars. Soon enough, he lost himself in his thoughts, thoughts of how powerful this land was, how strange it was that Kings were so revered even though the Queens sacrificed themselves, why only the Queen possessed magic-

Wait. Alfred's brow scrunched in realization. Yao can wield magic. How is that so? Is Francis lying?

"Al?"

The nickname startled Alfred. Curiously, he gazed at Arthur's back. "Yeah?"

"I'm..." he shifted uncomfortably. "I'm sorry."

Heart swelling, Alfred rolled onto his side, pushing himself up onto his elbow so he had a better view of Arthur's face. How am I not supposed to fall in love with you when you do things like that? "Don't be. You were right." He reached out, brushing blonde strands of hair out of his face. Laughing softly, he continued, "It just pissed me off when I saw him kissing you even as you tried to push him away."

Surprisingly, Arthur laughed softly, even though he looked a few shades scarlet. "Really? I would have never guessed, seeing as how you yelled at him wildly." Alfred chuckled at his sarcasm and Arthur turned, facing the King. "I was seconds from zapping him."

The reminder of magic almost made Alfred flinch, but he restrained himself, smiling. "I know. It was written all over your face."

"You're not mad at me?"

"Of course not."

Arthur's eyes were ridiculously beautiful, Alfred thought, especially when he smiled. And this time, when Alfred's arm gently wound around his waist, Arthur didn't glare nor push him away.