Ivan was taken prisoner and would stand trial in Spades. Spades had once been an Empire, and quickly, it seemed as if it was becoming such again under the new, powerful monarchy. The entire Kingdom of Clubs now would be under subjugation, although to whom, no one had decided. The other three Kingdoms would need to sign a treaty quickly to solve that problem.
Francis had done his job magnificently: the capital city of Clubs was officially captured. The people were to give up their weapons until further notice- Diamonds and Spades declared martial law due to the arrest of the King of Clubs. Men from each army were selected to patrol the land in the absence of each monarchy, who would be gathering in Spades for the treaty.
The King of Clubs was bound and his hands wrapped with durable cloth to prevent dark magic. A large guard patrol escorted him behind the monarchies of Diamonds and Spades. Without hesitation or words, he complied: Alfred noticed the tension in Yao, but remained silent. He didn't tell Yao nor anyone that he had taken the reactor tube that revealed the past.
The journey home was significantly more pleasant than the previous. Slowly, the snow was melting- spring was approaching, and with it came the beautiful color green. Alfred had missed the warmth greatly. He supposed that although the winter was harsh and cold, killing life, spring always came after, bringing with it rebirth: just as the people had been re-birthed into this world after their death in their past lives.
To Alfred's relief, the farther they traveled from Clubs, the warmer the air was. Winter cloaks became unnecessary and were shed. Morning dew and humidity returned to the earth, accepted ever so joyously by every Kingdom.
Hearts still remained neutral, but Alfred knew they regretted their decision in the long run. Diamonds, even though they were a weaker trading partner, was now allied with Spades, and that fact would not change for quite awhile. Since Hearts had helped them defeat Clubs in the first battle, Alfred decided he would ask his Queen and Jack if they wanted to cut Hearts a small deal when the treaty was discussed- perhaps give them a small region of Clubs. Then again, he wasn't sure if Yao even wanted to split Clubs into three districts. And knowing Arthur, he'd probably come up with his own solution.
It would be discussed as soon as they reached Spades. As they marched through Diamonds, Alfred noticed how different the landscape appeared now that the winter had passed. No longer bleak and distasteful, the woods looked warm and welcoming, bright green and almost fairytale-like. Even the villagers looked high-spirited. Yao glanced tentatively at Alfred and explained, "I suppose it was a very wise move on Francis's part to ally with us. Diamonds has suffered several food shortages this season."
Alfred nodded. "And now with Spades as their trading partner, Diamonds will be on the mend." He spared a glance at Francis, who was conversing with Arthur, but his thoughts were elsewhere- they'd been elsewhere ever since departing Clubs. Yao and he hadn't spoken of the past- it was an understood subject that neither would discuss. Yao, fiddling with his hair, murmured an absent, "Indeed." Apparently, his thoughts were also elsewhere.
They passed through the capital city of Diamonds, greeted by exuberant commoners and wives who leapt into their husbands' arms, returned from the war. Even golden confetti was thrown into the air- Alfred grinned, pleased to walk through Diamonds feeling safe, not unwelcome, not constantly fearing that Francis would stab his back. The castle, like Alfred had suspected before, reflected golden light in the sun- it was an absolutely beautiful country.
And yet, Alfred anxiously awaited return to his own country, especially knowing how close Spades fared. As Francis walked into his castle quickly, just to make sure everything was running smoothly before he left for the island of Spades, Arthur rode up to Alfred, smiling warmly. "If this is what being a royal means, I would've signed up long ago."
Alfred laughed and agreed. Arthur had adapted so easily to royalty, though, it was difficult to remember what he had been like before. Recalling their first meeting, Alfred remember a young man that had certainly told him off, even if he didn't know Alfred was the King. Gazing at Arthur, he fondly supposed not much had changed.
Francis eventually rejoined them, and they eagerly set off for Spades. Yet, during the ride, Alfred's mind was plagued by thoughts and memories. Things perhaps had changed for the better, conquering Clubs and all, but for Alfred, it had changed too drastically. He'd never been good at keeping secrets nor emotions locked up. On that basis, it would only be a matter of time before Arthur discovered their past.
Alfred had been drawn to Arthur ever since they'd met. He'd just never expected that it was because they had loved each other in another life. It changed everything. If Alfred had been fond toward Arthur before, he was absolutely, completely doomed now: all of the love he'd had in the previous life for the Queen had not simply just dwindled away when they were shifted into this parallel universe.
His emotions constantly warred. If he made Arthur hold the reactor tube, he would remember. Maybe he would love Alfred back. Maybe he wouldn't. If he didn't tell Arthur, perhaps they'd fall in love anyway, and Alfred would be able to start over, to protect Arthur this time. After all, ignorance was bliss. He strongly favored the later reasoning.
"Alfred, look," Arthur breathed. They'd finally emerged out of the woods: across the channel of water lay the Kingdom of Spades.
—
Nothing was better than smelling the sea foam as they crossed the channel into Spades' territory. Arthur set sight on the shore, wind blowing his hair around every which way as the ship neared the dock, eager commoners tying them in. The Queen didn't look back once as he leapt off the side of the boat, boots thumping on the sturdy wood of the docks. Alfred and Yao followed, striding into the stone paths of the city where they were greeted by cheering people. Like a parade, the monarchy walked through the crowds on each side, who waved and shouted joyously. Arthur spotted an old acquaintance from his workplace at the docks, and walked into the crowd to say hello, but was promptly ambushed by his excited people, who asked him questions and honestly all manner of things. The women even flirted with him, laughing at his modesty as he flushed.
Yao noticed, and elbowed Alfred, pointing at the Queen. "Is... is he socializing with the people?" Laughing, he mirthfully continued, "In all my life, I've never met a Queen like Arthur."
Alfred gazed at Arthur, reflected on how true those words were, and smiled as Arthur leaned down on his knees to talk to the small children who gazed at him with wide, amazed eyes. However, his reverie was broken as howls and jeers suddenly whisked from the crowd- Arthur turned and met his eyes, confused. Alfred opened his mouth to ask when Yao quietly said, "It's Ivan."
The mood turned sour and somber quickly. Ivan was led down the pathway toward the castle where he would be imprisoned. The people of Spades switched from exuberant to vile in seconds: Alfred could tell it frightened Arthur. He held out his hand for the Queen to join him, and quickly, Arthur took it, green eyes wide as he stayed close. Yao's lip curled in disgust and anger as he watched the scene unfold, people hurling all manner of items at the once great King of Clubs, jaw clenched, head still held high.
And Alfred was torn. Does Ivan deserve this? Painfully, he let his memories channel in, and winced. Arthur noticed, glancing up at him with worried eyes. "Al?" he murmured quietly, trying to keep his voice low.
Alfred's hand tightened around his. If they were anywhere else, he'd wrap Arthur in his arms, focus on keeping him safe and protected because he'd so terribly failed the last time. The jeers from the crowd echoed into his ears, and as he swallowed, one thought rang in his mind.
Who is in the wrong here?
—
Promptly, Ivan was taken to the dungeon and locked in the damp, rotting cells, and would stay there until the treaty was resolved. Alfred, Arthur, and Yao quickly looked over Spades' well-fare, pleased to see the economy was booming despite the recent war. Perhaps allying themselves with Diamonds would benefit them in the long-run after all.
Although the advisors were as stuck-up and snobby as ever, and many issues were yet to be resolved, Alfred felt high spirited. Ivan was locked away, Yao was treating him normally again, and Alfred started to truly believe this was his second chance. This world, as long as it didn't know who he used to be, would accept him.
Even though Alfred wanted acceptance of the world, there was one person whose acceptance he sought out over the rest. Said object of his affections sat beside him on the bench they had met in, just on the outskirts of the castle, under the Spadian tree. The spring breeze whisked Arthur's blonde hair side to side, his head tilted back slightly. Alfred eyed the curve of his throat and quickly flushed after realizing what he'd been thinking.
Despite his old memories, Alfred felt as if he were experiencing these feelings- falling for Arthur- all over again. Sighing out and relaxing, Arthur said, "It's beautiful this time of year."
Alfred warmly gazed down at him. "It is."
Smiling, Arthur looked up to the Spadian tree, its emblems clinking in the breeze. "Alfred, do you think the war is over? Do you think..." he trailed off, almost nervously. "Do you think we'll grow old together as partners?"
Alfred's hand sought out Arthur's, squeezing reassuringly though he didn't know the answer, though he knew too much and Arthur did not. "I'd like that, to be honest. I'd like to grow old with you."
Arthur didn't reply. Alfred thought he'd gone too far until he felt Arthur tentatively lean his head on his shoulder. Heart swelling, Alfred closed his eyes, the wind cooling his skin pleasantly, fingers twining with Arthur's as he rested his cheek against his Queen's head.
They had to return to the palace eventually, but as they returned, their fingers remained locked together. Alfred was absolutely positive then that he had fallen completely and utterly for Arthur Kirkland.
—
Yao quietly walked through the dark halls of the palace, carrying a tray of stale-looking food. Golden eyes darted around as he came to the end of the hall, making sure none had followed him before he pushed into a hidden door. It lead to stairs, dark, dingy, rotten- Yao carefully strode down them, looking up at the prison cell once he reached the bottom.
Ivan's violet eyes caught his in surprise. His wrists were chained to the wall, his beautiful coat had been ripped and dirtied, his wounds had never been cleaned. Yao felt his heart wrench and broke their gaze.
"Yao?" Ivan tried, voice raw. In the week he'd spent in the damp cells, his voice had grown weak from not using it. He was desperate for someone, anyone, to talk to, and though Yao prided himself on being stubborn and resolute, Ivan always had a way with his heart.
Striding closer, Yao kneeled, sliding the food under the bars. "I'm only bringing you food," he hissed, voice breaking slightly. He turned with every intention of leaving.
"Don't leave me," Ivan pleaded. His voice broke, too.
Yao's feet stopped in their tracks, fists squeezing shut. "Don't, Ivan."
"I'm-" The King took a ragged gasp for breath, desperately trying to stop him. Yao turned to gaze at him and saw the tears that welled in his eyes. He was reminded that Ivan was human, too.
"Stop playing this game with me," Yao whispered fiercely, trying and failing not to mirror Ivan's gaze.
"Everything I did was for you." The words fell out brokenly. Ivan tilted his head, jaw trembling. Yao gave a shuddering intake of breath, wordlessly staring back at the man he'd once called his King.
—
A messenger reported that the Monarchy of Hearts would not be arriving on time. They'd been stalled along the road by an uprising in a small town in the Kingdom of Hearts- it was nothing new. The districts of Hearts were known to cause trouble.
However, that pushed the treaty- and Ivan's trial- back two weeks. And Alfred felt impatient. For the first time in years, the usually tranquil people of Spades were growing in dissension. Perhaps it was because of Ivan's presence they grew distrustful.
But, Alfred told himself, it could wait until Hearts arrived. After all, what better way to celebrate victory in war than to host a grand ball? Alfred looked forward to the festivities, the dancing (because it was a tradition that the King and Queen always danced together), but most importantly, giving a certain ring in his right pocket (that he nervously could not stop touching) to a certain Queen.
Yao fussed over Arthur all day- Alfred wasn't even allowed to see him once until the night. That left Alfred with all the work, but he didn't mind being left alone with his thoughts. He signed petitions, finished the trade deal connecting Diamonds and Spades, and discussed a new foreign policy with Francis, who lit up Spades castle wherever he went. All the servants and nobles swooned over him, Alfred was sure.
As he was about to leave the library, a sheet of paper fell to the ground at his feet. Alfred picked it up and skimmed the paper, frowning. He'd missed this document. Blue eyes darkened as they fell across Ivan's name. The paper was a demand from the consensus of the nobles... insisting on Ivan's execution. Alfred lowered the paper, adjusting his reading glasses, breathing out sharply.
Does he truly deserve to die?
Deep down, Alfred knew the answer, and if anyone deserved to die, it was himself.
—
"Hold still! Why must you move everywhere!"
"It's not my fault!" Arthur snapped. "I can dress myself fine! I don't need help!"
Yao, exasperated, finally clasped the long cape into place on Arthur's chest (with the help of 5 servants holding Arthur still). "Sheesh. Now, was that so hard?"
"Yes."
Rolling his eyes, Yao stepped back from the Queen to gaze at him, shooing the servants out. There was only one piece missing from his regal attire: stepping closer, Yao held out the Queen's crown. He didn't miss the shake in Arthur's hands as he reached out for it and slipped it over his head. Yao had always thought the Queen's crown was the most beautiful, situated low on the forehead instead of up in the hair- it suited Arthur more than it had ever suited Yao. Allowing a small smile, the Jack murmured, "If I may, you look stunning."
Arthur laughed. "And I feel a hundred pounds heavier." Shaking his head, the Queen turned, facing the mirror. "Thank you, Yao. For... for all your help." Their eyes met as Arthur glanced over his shoulder at the Jack, biting his lip almost nervously.
"Is something wrong, Arthur?"
With a soft sigh, Arthur drew closer to Yao, voice quiet. "May... may I confide in you?"
"Of course," Yao said, trying his best not to reach out and pick a stray hair off the Queen's coat. "What troubles you?"
"I..." Arthur let out an anxious laugh, one that made Yao smile. "I think... Alfred and I... might possibly, er... fancy each other." His green eyes widened when Yao's did, and quickly continued before Yao could speak. "Slightly, of course! Just... slightly."
Confused, Yao started, "I thought we'd gone over this. Alfred told you that the relationship between the King and Queen... is platonic..." he trailed off, watching Arthur's brow furrow in confusion, and that was when Yao blanched, realizing the hole he'd dug himself into. Oh, gods above. Alfred never told him what happens eventually to the Queen, about why they shouldn't have romantic relations. He's kept even all that a secret... how much is he willing to hide from Arthur?
"What?" Arthur asked, slowly, head tilting. "Alfred never told me anything of that sort."
Yao carefully avoided falling over that cliff. "It's fine." Shaking his head, Yao exclaimed, "Now isn't the time for meaningless words! I still haven't explained the grand entrance you and Alfred will make. Come along, the ball is starting, I'll explain on the way!"
Thrown off-guard by the sudden hastiness, Arthur decided not to focus on Yao's strange words, although they left a particular resonance in his mind, one that would not dissipate so easily. He followed Yao out the door and through the halls of the palace, glancing out the windows they walked past. The town glittered below in the night, lit up with festive lights and decorations. Perhaps he could convince Alfred to sneak out with him into Spades and forget their duties for just one night. Yao rattled off instructions, but Arthur could barely hear over the pounding of his heart in his ears. Adjusting his crown, he tried not to think of all the eyes that would be on him tonight, especially as he made a "grand" entry like Yao so described.
"-and after you two walk down the steps, the people will cheer. The orchestra will swell, the lights will dim, and you and the King will lead the first dance, according to tradition-"
"Dance?!" Arthur hissed out, green eyes wide. "I've never danced in my entire life, Yao!"
"Oh, hush. Alfred will guide you."
Arthur wanted to faint. Apparently, there would be more eyes on him than he thought previously. He couldn't complain further, because Yao led him to a door, whispering, "Good luck." Breathing out sharply, Arthur heard him quickly walk away, and left alone in the dark halls of the palace, he awaited for the door to be opened by the servants.
Everything was happening too slowly and too quickly at once. The door opened- Arthur couldn't move. He was ready to make an embarrassing spectacle of himself until he caught Alfred's blue eyes from across the staircase. Dressed just as regally as Arthur was, Alfred walked out confidently, smiling at the Queen.
It was strange how one look could comfort Arthur, just slightly. He stepped down the first flight of stairs and joined Alfred, adjusting to the bright light in the ballroom, refusing to break their gaze as if it was his lifeline. The people on the first level silenced immediately, looking up at and watching their King and Queen, nobles and commoners alike. Alfred's hand touched Arthur's and their fingers brushed- Yao, watching below, thought the people had never been so enraptured by another monarchy as they were with Alfred and Arthur. Shaking his head and chuckling softly, he thought, It's impossible for them not to fall in love, isn't it? And their love is something the people have never seen before in a monarchy of Spades. It is quite powerful. If only Arthur's fate could change, it would not be so tragic.
Everyone found themselves drawn to the monarchs as, hand in hand, they walked down the final steps and set foot on the shining ballroom floor. Vaguely Arthur heard a servant announce them, voice echoing through the golden-lit palace ballroom, telling of their victory of Clubs, and quite suddenly, the people began cheering and clapping. His eyes somehow caught Francis's figure amidst all the properly-dressed people, and noticed that he was grinning.
The lights then dimmed softly, and violins from the other side of the room started a beautiful tune. Arthur's sweaty palm gripped Alfred's, heart hammering in his chest as they turned toward each other. Smiling softly, Alfred guided Arthur's right hand to his shoulder, wordlessly conveying, Trust me.
Arthur quietly released a breath as Alfred led him across the dance floor, a slow twirling at first, Arthur's long cape sliding lightly over the polished golden floor. They both grew comfortable with the motions and it wasn't long before they danced in wide circles across the ballroom, everyone watching in awe. How powerful the monarchy was to hold such undivided attention. Yet Arthur barely noticed anyone else in the room but Alfred, whose eyes gazed into his as they waltzed smoothly for what seemed hours to Arthur, as if they'd done this thousands of times before, a familiar routine.
The music swelled, a sign allowing others to join in the dancing. All around, people danced and swirled around the floor, but none rivaled the beauty with which the monarchy danced. When the song ended, the lights brightened once again, and people broke apart and clapped appreciatively, Arthur remained gazing at his King, green eyes boring into blue. As chatter resumed in the ballroom, Alfred murmured, "You must be the most stunning man I've ever danced with."
Arthur laughed softly, his lips spreading into a grin. "Probably the only man you've ever danced with." Biting his lip, he realized their hands were still joined together, fingers twining around each other. The urge to compliment Alfred struck Arthur, and trying not to sound like a nervous teenager, he said almost shyly, "You look wonderful tonight."
Alfred beamed, and it was all worth it. "So do you, Arthur." He opened his mouth to continue, but a certain boisterous King threw his arms around the King and Queen of Spades.
"How powerful you two are!" Francis exclaimed, passionately pretending he was going to faint. "I've never thought two people dancing could be so incredible!"
Unsure if Francis was being serious or not, Arthur glanced up at Alfred, who chuckled with a mischievous expression, "Could it possibly be more incredible than the punch?"
"Oh, non!" The King of Diamonds replied, swishing his golden cape with unbridled flair. "Nothing is better-" He tilted his head up and guzzled down the drink obnoxiously- "than punch!" He finished, smacking his lips. His eyes suddenly honed in on his next target, a pretty noble, and excused himself quite flamboyantly, crying back, "Au revoir!"
Turning to Alfred with an impressed look, Arthur asked, "Did you actually spike the punch?"
Alfred looked slightly proud as he replied, "Only his glass. He'll have the worse hangover in the morning."
The never-ending rivalry between the two Kings amused Arthur to no end. Grinning, he shook his head. "You sneak. Poor Francis can't handle being drunk."
Walking with his Queen over to the side of the ballroom where the food and drink were placed, Alfred snorted, "Poor Francis? If there are two words that don't go in a sentence, they are 'poor' and 'Francis.'" Each sipped on red punch- Arthur affectionately watched Alfred continue as his voice dropped softly, "If... if it would be alright with you, would you mind stepping outside with me for a short time?"
For some reason, Arthur's heart skipped a beat. "Of course. Where are we going?"
Alfred simply took his hand and the two made their escape. The cool air blew Arthur's neatly combed hair, but he didn't mind, following Alfred as he led them under their tree, just outside the Palace grounds. The King turned toward him, gesturing he sit down on the white bench- smiling, Arthur complied.
Nervously, Alfred paced the ground for a few moments, black boots scuffing the dirt, before coming closer to Arthur and taking both hands in his. Arthur tilted his head curiously, teasing, "And why did you bring me out here?"
Breathing out sharply, Alfred said anxiously, "I wanted to ask you something. Something important." He swallowed and continued, "You... you and I... we make a great team. We have ever since we met each other. And coming out of this war, I realized... how much..."
"How much?" Arthur softly supplied, heartbeat sounding in his ears as he watched the breeze sweep Alfred's hair to the side.
"How much I truly care for you," Alfred tentatively murmured. Arthur's eyes were round and strikingly green, he noticed. "And... you must know..."
"Must... know?" Arthur echoed quietly, as if he knew what was coming.
"You must know how much I love you," Alfred breathed out quickly. He inwardly cursed at himself as his hands started to shake, sinking to the ground on one knee. One hand delved into his pocket, pulling out the gold ring and holding it out to Arthur. "You must know how much I want you to marry me."
Arthur stopped breathing completely, staring wordlessly at the ring with an incredulous, shell-shocked expression, lips parted slightly and eyebrows tilted up. Alfred feared he would pass out, and panicking, he opened his mouth to hurriedly take back everything that had just been foolishly confessed, when Arthur's eyes started to well up, a endearing side of him that Alfred had never seen before.
"Al, you idiot," he fiercely whispered, though it held no bite. His jaw trembled as he mouthed, a joyful whisper, "Yes."
Of all the emotions Alfred possessed, he didn't expect himself to become sentimental and misty eyed, laughing very, very softly. Both of their hands trembled as Alfred slid the golden band on Arthur's finger, kissing the back of his hand affectionately. The Spadian tree's delicate emblems clinked against each other in the wind like chimes, purple and black leaves rustling soothingly. Faint music from the ballroom carried over the wind and swept around them as Arthur cupped Alfred's cheeks with his hands and pressed his lips against the King's.