Continuation of the 'baby bug' will be next chapter. I had a request for a 'Cardverse'. So I googled that. I think this is right... but... either way...
THANK YOU REVIEWERS! I am like a woman of loose morals for reviews ;) (Don't take that seriously.)Also 'Just Call Me Wife' will be updated sometime tomorrow.
I own nothing.
OoOoOo
Trolls always got him into trouble.
They created mischief only he could see, and he was often trying to save others from their trickster ways. However, they were also his friends and few companions that listened to what he had to say. His cold exterior did not credit his intelligent mind and passionate heart.
Norway was a low ranking noble from the Heart Kingdom, and it had never bothered him until he reached an age where he understood that he could not change the way of things because of the status of his birth. There were many aspects about his kingdom that Norway adored. He loved the people, and the nature around him. The lush green landscapes and forested areas housed his most adored companions.
The fairies and trolls.
So, in his recent years, he'd taken to counseling with the trolls for their wisdom and the fairies for their innovative ideas. However, no matter his own thoughts on the matter, the Kingdom would not benefit from them. The King of Hearts, while a good ruler, did not enjoy much change.
Norway showed none of his frustrations externally, they built inside him to the point where he was desperate for the power to bring about something of benefit for people.
That led him to asking a familiar troll what he should do. To begin with, the creature had no answers. Every day Norway would ask, and receive only silence as a response. It went this way for many a year. Until today. His old friend told him to head toward the meadow clearing on the other side of the forest.
The neutral boundary between the Kingdom of Hearts and the Kingdom of Diamonds.
He would not be in too much trouble, if he stayed more on the Hearts side of the zone.
Norway, not lacking courage, did as his trusted friend instructed him, and his red clothes stood out sharply against the surrounding green.
It was not long before he saw a flash of color through the trees.
Yellow. A woman wearing white and yellow peeked at him from the meadow. She was busily gathering some of the multitude of flowers in a small patch at her feet.
She heard him approach, and Norway stilled at the sight of her.
Blonde, sun kissed hair, with a lock that stood up proudly. A cow lick. Her eyes were a lighter blue than his, and much brighter. He stared at her for a few moments, wondering if what he saw was real. It was not often, but sometimes the things he saw where not people as he first thought. They were spirits, or things out of fairytales and mythology.
A simply white dress, with yellow diamonds clad her lithe figure well. He admired it from a distance.
"Hello," she called out, looking up at him.
Norway had not thought that he made any noise, but he must have been mistaken. For she clearly looked up at him when he stopped.
"Hello," he returned easily.
It crossed his mind that he had not heard such an accent before from a citizen of the Diamond Kingdom.
The fairies played in the distant edges of the forest. He could see their lights and hear their light laughter on the soft breeze.
The woman seemed not to hear them, for she did not turn at the sound.
Real then?
He walked slowly forward. She was the only one as far as he could see. His eyes scanned the surrounding.
"Heart Kingdom?" The woman asked brightly, with a curious smile.
Norway nodded.
"What are you doing here, then?"
There was no hostility in her words, just child-like interest. Her blue eyes were wide, and he noticed that she wore glasses. Norway was not all that comfortable around strangers, but there was something about her that drew him in.
She seemed bright, like a flame almost. Every part of her oozed light and excitement. She honestly looked nearly ecstatic to see him. It was... strange. Norway did not wear his emotions around for all to see, like this woman.
"Diamond Kingdom?" He asked, looking at her simple dress again.
She laughed and followed his gaze downward. "I'm in it, yes." There was a wry sort of smile on her lips. Something flickered briefly in her eyes.
Norway found that he enjoyed her smiling at him, even if it was a little strange.
"So what are you doing here?" She repeated again, having no problems accosting a stranger with questions.
He stared at her blankly.
"Looking for something."
"Oh?" She replied, even more curious. "What are you looking for?"
Norway teetered on the edge of lying. After all, how many sane people would say a troll told them to come here.
"Something important."
The woman's features pitched to amusement. She shook her head gently. "Can't say, huh?"
Norway looked down to his feet, then back at her. "I could."
"So," the woman said with a brow rising, "you won't"
There was a note on her words, that lingered between them, and had him nearly spilling the truth because he had no want to lie to her.
"I... was told to come here. I thought I would find what I was looking for."
He looked away, and them back at the woman. Her blonde hair danced in the breeze, but she watched him.
"Which would be?"
"A way to change the way things are."
She paused. Stilling like a deer in the sights of a hunter. Her blue eyes looked him over quickly. Then she relaxed and blinked at him.
"Change things? Why?"
"For the people," he answered honestly.
The woman stared him, flowers nearly forgotten as she clenched them tightly, her posture changed entirely. The coyness from before, the light teasing was gone. In its place was a woman who seemed weary and tired.
"The people?"
"Yes," he stated neutrally, wanting her to understand. He wanted someone to know what he hoped to achieve. "I want to help the people."
She smiled softly, caressing the petals of one abused meadow flower.
"And someone told you that you'd find it here?" She asked quietly, her tone very serious.
He shifted his weight, coming closer to her. She did not appear afraid of him. Even if he was low ranking, she should have been more respectful as a peasant. Yet, she did not curtsey, nor shy away from him.
Perhaps the Diamond people were like this?
He blushed slightly, refusing to seem embarrassed. Technically, it had not been a person that told him to come here.
"A friend," he replied instead, his voice even and controlled.
"Ah," she murmured gently, "... a friend."
Her blue eyes wandered to his again. Blue met blue and she seemed to be thinking about what he said.
"Well, friends are hard to come by, these days."
Norway couldn't say what it was about her words that almost made him feel slightly sad for the woman. Not really sad, but perhaps a touch of empathy. Her words were not bitter, nor self-deprecating. They almost sounded like a simple fact.
"Here," she said, plucking a blue flower from the patch at her feet. She walked toward him gracefully and held it to him.
His dull blue eyes looked at it, perplexed.
"A flower?" He asked, not understanding.
She shrugged, and smiled at him brightly. "Most people enjoy them, don't you?"
He narrowed his eyes on her for a moment, wondering if she knew that women were the ones that normally received flowers, not men. Still, there was a hopeful expression on her face that made him loathe to deny her. Norway reluctantly accepted the flower.
"Thank you," he said stiffly.
She laughed, and he enjoyed the sound. Her pretty features were lit up in delight as he took the offered flower.
He noticed that her other hand was full of flowers of many colors. However, those must have been someone else. He felt a tinge of sadness at the thought, that perhaps she had a fiancé at home. Or even a husband. At the very least, a sweet heart.
"Why are you here?" He asked quietly.
Her eyes took a faraway look, before she grinned.
"Freedom. Everyone needs a moment to themselves now and then."
He nodded his grievance. No one could be surrounded by others all of the time. Though, sometimes, it could be pleasant with dear loved ones.
"What is your name, anyway?" She asked.
"Norway," he said formally.
"Hello Norway, I'm America." She beamed at him, holding out her hand. He shook it firmly, his gaze met hers, and he couldn't help but feel lost at the warmth in her eyes.
OoOoOo
She was addictive. To him, at least.
The day turned to night, and still he could not part from her. Not yet.
There was something about her bright-eyed questions and earnest interest in his life and ideals that left Norway half out of his mind. He was both grateful and annoyed by the woman, America.
They had talked for hours, laughed and chatted. She even listened to his ideas, pointing out good parts and flaws.
Somewhere along the way, the formality and distance between them melted. He was looking at her, the barest hints of a smile on his face, one moment.
And the next, she was kissing him.
He closed and internally sighed. He had been waiting for this. He had wanted this since he saw her gathering the flowers that now dried on a nearby rock. His hand twined in sun-kissed golden strands.
He was falling for a peasant from the Diamond Kingdom.
He would have to tell her. Yet, he knew she would not mind.
There was something budding between them rather quickly. If her mutual stares of appreciation were anything to go by.
"I should tell you," he warned gently, nibbling at her lips, begging entrance. "I am a nobleman."
Her mouth parted sweetly, and she allowed him to plunder the moist cavern.
"A low rank nobleman?" She asked, when they broke for air. Something flashed in her eyes, but was quickly gone again.
"Yes," he said as he leaned in to kiss her again.
Her lips were soft and sweet. He could kiss them forever. She fit against him perfectly, and he pulled her even closer, hoping to keep her there forever.
He was in over his head, half-drunk on lust and the feeling of being alive around her.
She pulled him downward and he followed as they lay on a bed of flowers and grass.
"That's fine," she whispered huskily as he worked to discard the layers that separated them.
He reached for her, fingers caressing and touching. Clothing parted, searing kisses were given. Her moans turned to cries of pleasure on the night wind. The stars and the moon the only witnesses to the pair searching for paradise in each other.
His movements were unpracticed and erratic. Hers were wild and equally inexperienced. Between them, perfection was found. Their breathing turned to pants of pleasure and exertion. The wind softly blew across the field, bathing the lovers in a gentles breeze.
Her eyes were the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen when she flushed with lust at his touch.
However, their joining could not last forever, and soon he was reaching a pinnacle that she coaxed him over the edge with. Every little touch, her fingers clutching at his back, and needy moan she gave forced him to the point of no return.
He pulled out of her warmth, and kissed her gently. Leisurely the pair returned to some semblance of normalcy. The stars twinkled overhead, as he wrapped his arms around her. The earth was quiet and the songs of crickets filled their ears.
"What now? My nobleman of Hearts." She asked him softly, her words nearly afraid of the future.
He looked at her, a soft small smile on his face. She made him want to smile.
"We'll marry of course." He said, as if it were his right.
Shock colored her features.
"Marry?"
He missed the way her words were whisper soft. He did not miss her wide eyes, as she turned toward him.
"You have my word." He swore, meaning it until his very last breath.
"But.. But I-"
"I know you're a peasant," he said kissing her chastely on the lips once more. "I don't care. I don't care if you're a 2 or a 3 of diamonds. It doesn't matter."
Her eyes glittered with unshed tears.
"You would marry me?" Her words were gently, filled with such sweet emotion he could not name it. "Even as a 2 or 3 of Diamonds?" She repeated, and looked at him.
As if she were weighing the truth of his words.
He stared at her, and nodded swiftly.
"Even if I could not help you fulfill your ideals?" She asked softly, her question causing his stomach to tighten.
Blue met blue, and her bright eyes yielded to his gaze. America looked away.
"I will marry you. We will just have to find another way to bring about change," he said, squeezing her hand gently.
Her lips twitched. He watched her beautiful face shutter into a mask of seriousness.
"You would take me, when you believe I have nothing?" She queried with utmost sincerity.
He misunderstood her words, thinking she was apologizing for having nothing to give him in return.
"You have me," he corrected gruffly, pulling her close to him.
She gently traced a hand over his chest in soothing strokes as he kissed the top of her head. Her gentle ministrations made him rather relaxed.
He thought she whispered something as his eyes lids grew heavy.
Sleep soon claimed him.
When he woke, the only thing around him were the trees and a few giggling fairies. He startled, noting that he was covered in a white blanket, but she was nowhere to be seen. It left Norway wondering if the woman he'd fallen for was even real.
Or if she was simply a beautiful dream.
OoOoOo
Weeks dragged by, without a word from her. He went back to the meadow day after day without success.
Then the summons came.
Everyone was asked to gather, even those of lower ranking houses, such as his own. Norway kept a watchful eye on the higher ranking nobility with some sense of irritation. He had no need to come watch some sort of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and another.
Most of the lower ranks did not even know which Kingdom had called last fortnight and demanded to been seen. All they knew was that they had been called. It was rather strange for his house to be summoned to court. They had not influence nor riches to speak of.
He pulled at the stiff collar of his red coat, ignoring the looks of his neighbor. They all wondered what this day would bring.
Norway almost could not care less.
The door to the large hall slammed open roughly. The resounding 'bang' caused all eyes to turn toward the sound, except Norway who was wondering if he could discreetly leave out the nearby window.
"Oh, am I late?" An achingly familiar voice loudly called out across the room.
Norway felt his heart still in his chest. Could it really be her? His unknown and flighty dear. His dull blue eyes locked on her figure, and his heart nearly stopped.
America was wearing a long blue coat having two spade shaped buttons near the collar. She also wore a darker blue and black dress. Small spades decorated the entire bodice in a stacked pattern. Atop her head sat a Silver crown that was delicately molded into the shape of a spade. It was prominent and proud where it sat.
Her blue eyes sparkled, and she looked around with amusement. However, Norway noticed her eyes were scanning the crowd. They rested briefly on his King of Hearts.
There were almost no guards behind her. A man with dark hair, and keen eyes watched her like a hawk though.
Norway felt his stomach drop into the soles of his feet.
The Queen of Spades. His lover, America, had been and was the Queen of Spades. He could be put to death in both kingdoms if they wished it.
Norway stared at her blankly. His mind trying to process that the woman he had loved with all his body and heart was actually a Queen of a rival Kingdom. He blinked.
"No, you are right on time," The King of Hearts said with authority, high atop his throne.
"Oh." America responded politely, "how fortunate. "
They proceeded with introductions as a harried looking man tried to announce her, far too late. However, it was obvious that the Queen had refused to be held back for announcement.
"Welcome to my Kingdom," the King continued.
"I am very thankful that you have agreed to have me." She replied elegantly, her head high and smiling.
"You made mention of a reason for your visit?" The blonde male said, cutting to the chase.
"Yes, yes," America replied. Her white gloved hand, coming up to her chin thoughtfully.
"I have gathered my court, as you have asked."
He made the word 'asked' sound like 'demanded' or 'threatened'. Norway watched her beautiful face smile even brighter. His heart clenched painfully in his chest, though outwardly he showed no sign of his inner turmoil. Would she use his indiscretion to declare war? Bankrupt the Kingdom? It would heap shame on her, but it would be far worse for every Citizen of the Hearts.
"Thank you, your Majesty," she replied coyly, "I was so hopeful you would indulge me."
Their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. The Queen waited patiently for him to say something. The King stubbornly wanted her to be the first to crack.
A whole ten minutes went by and no noble dared even move out of place, lest they catch the ire of one or both royals.
It was the Queen of Hearts that broke the silence.
"We welcome you, Your Highness." The black haired female said quietly. "What brings us the honor of your presence?"
The King looked at his Queen. Norway only had eyes for the blue-clad queen who glanced at the red-clothed queen with a bright smile.
"Why, I have come to find my King, of course."
The statement was said so earnestly, and openly that several gaped. It was the gossip of the century! They Queen of Spades was finally choosing a King! From the Hearts Kingdom no less! The King of Hearts quickly recovered from his shock, as the Queen of Hearts gasped.
America appeared unfazed by their reactions. Her blue eyes were already back to scanning the crowd. Norway felt his breath quicken as he remained outwardly calm.
Was she looking for him? Had her affections been real then? There were sayings about the Spade kingdom that were far from flattering. They fell in love too easy, they were too aggressive. They were contradictory and they were lazy.
However, The Queen of Spades appeared to be anything but. Her eyes were determined, and traveling all this was did not seem lazy. She was a contradiction to the sweet and nearly docile thing he'd loved into the wee hours of the morning.
As for aggressive, well... he had witnessed some of that in-between her docile moments. However, that was not the sort of aggression his people spoke of.
Her blue eyes wandered, looking for someone. He knew it was him she looked for. It was instinct, or perhaps he simply knew. Their eyes locked, and The Queen of Spades smiled widely.
With unhurried steps, she walked toward him.
"Surely you look to my Jack," The King of Hearts declared proudly.
America turned slightly, with a coy look, and stood before the Jack of Hearts.
"You're in my way, Dear," she said softly. She waved her hand in a dismissive fashion.
The auburn haired man leapt to the side quickly. Leaving him, the King, and Heart-Queen confused.
She wove through the courtiers, as if they were not worth her notice. Some parted for her, others were too frightened to move. She was smiling at him softly. Her eyes warm and bright as she drew closer to him. A look of triumph clear on her face.
"Found you," she stated in quiet happiness and Norway could only just hear her.
The others around him stepped back quickly. Their faces mirroring their shock and confusion. His neighbor eyed him sympathetically and enviously all at once.
"Your Majesty," He replied neutrally, dipping his head to her in respect. He should have bowed.
They all knew it, however when he locked his gaze with hers again she did not appear affronted at all. In fact, America looked delighted.
She tilted her head to the side and watched him for a moment, an emotion flickered across her eyes too quickly for him to catch.
"I told you I'd see you again," she told him with a teasing note to her words.
Perhaps that is what she'd whispered before he'd fallen asleep?
"So you did," he returned politely, watching a troll skitter around the corner.
Trolls always got him into trouble. He internally frowned.
"You don't look so happy," she commented gently.
"You said you were from the Diamond Kingdom," Norway rebutted, with a slight bite to his words.
"No," America said laughing softly, "I never said I was from that Kingdom. Just in the Kingdom." She smiled at him. "Visiting, and all."
"You often go places unescorted? And wearing the colors of another kingdom?" He asked neutrally, drawing a sharp breath from a few people surrounding them.
She gave a delicate shrug.
"I did that day."
He knew the way he was speaking to the Queen was scandalous and impertinent. His King looked concerned over his behavior. Norway stared at the woman in front of him. Equal parts amazed and upset.
However, his anger was cooling in light of her happiness to see him.
"Speaking of that day, I believe you said you wanted more than your current life provided," she hinted without malice.
"I did," he agreed easily, not bothering to lie about a truth they both knew.
She nodded at him approvingly. Her blue eyes raked over his appearance and back at his eyes. The Queen watched him for a moment and Norway felt stripped in front of her gaze. However, her look was not judging, merely appraising as if he were something of high value to her.
"You want power," The Queen said bluntly.
"If that is what it takes, yes." Norway replied, "I want power."
"Everyone wants power," she said with a secretive smile curling her lips. "Anyone who says otherwise is lying."
Her blue eyes pierced him once more and Norway felt the overall sensation of having been spared a terrible fate, or the crushing weight of her disappointment.
"But you," she continued as she neared him, "you have always told me the truth. Right from the beginning."
He could tell there was satisfaction in her gaze, and the very air in which she carried herself. Norway refused to admit that he found it more than slightly alluring. As was her smile.
"I could have been lying," He murmured as she drew closer to him. Almost within reach.
"You weren't," she replied with a knowing look.
"I could lie later," he stated as if he were bored.
The Queen of Spades grinned at him, heedless of the onlookers watching them intently. Or the mounting rage of the ruler of the land.
"Then all you have done is warn me," America replied with an impish tone. Her fingers trailed up his arm seductively, and he felt a strange energy even through her white gloves.
"My King." She purred at him.
Her king? He blinked down at her, his dull blue eyes widening as he understood what she was saying. She was making him the King of Spades. Her husband by rights and decree.
She was his Queen now.
Norway felt the change at the title. Power coursed through him, his place at her side cemented as his clothing turned from red to a bluish black. A firm weight settled on his head, and he knew without a doubt that it was a crown. Likely larger, but matching hers.
Shock rippled through the court, each kingdom taken aback by the boldness of the Queen of Spades. Her lovely face turned back toward the whispers and shouts of outrage. Her blue dress wrinkled slightly as she looked at them all with a raised brow.
Norway couldn't help but believe she was taunting them to say something. The slight curve of her mouth, as if she were amused by their upset was enough to leave him doubting America cared over much about what they thought.
However, there was something about her now, that had not been there during their impromptu affair. An air of danger. The magnetism of power that had drawn him in, but it was her sweetness -of which he saw none now- that he held him fast.
"He isn't even a Jack!"
"No," his queen replied easily, as if should be woefully obvious to everyone present. "He is a King. So a mere jack is not of my concern."
Her blue eyes flashed, and some of the lesser ranks stepped backward, or closer to their sovereign rulers to protect them in the event of violence. However, Norway knew from reputation that his queen of Spades would lay low anyone that interfered with her.
"This is an outrage!" The King of Hearts shouted angrily, his face flushing from his ire. His Jack having been slighted for someone no better than a seven.
Norway watched his Queen stand before him, shifting slightly, and his eyes could not help but trace the black spade on her coat. It was large and prominent. When juxtaposed with the silver crown in the shape of a Spade, it made it clear that she was far from shy about everyone knowing which Kingdom she ruled alone.
Or... had ruled alone.
He allowed the barest hints of a smile. She had given him power, but far more importantly to Norway, she had chosen him above all others. It was humbling and gratifying all in the same breath.
"Outrage?" She parroted with a laugh, clearly condescending. "What a prankster you are, Dear King of Hearts!" She made a show of looking amused as Norway watched.
"To make such entertaining comments," she said jovially. However, the crowd shifted backward and Norway knew that there must have been a look given, or something non verbal to make the courts more ill-at-ease.
"Of course," America continued, "We all know it is a joke. Because you would never dare even dream of slighting my King."
Norway watched her arms cross gracefully behind her back, as if she were admiring a painting on a summer's day. Her head tipped back, and then turned as if she were contemplating something.
"Because well, that would only be met one way." His Queen said happily, her head moved back up and her posture straightened.
The King of Hearts swallowed soundlessly, and Norway's hand reached for his Queen. She looked at him with surprise and then grinned delightedly.
"Yes my King?" She asked loudly, making sure all heard.
Norway pulled her close, a hugely brazen display of affection, and his eyes wandered to his new colors. Blue looked remarkably good on him, as did black. However, what he found he admired most was the fierce loyalty and the inkling of love in her bright blue eyes.
"I meant no offense," The King of Hearts said after a moment's pause. His Queen whispered something to him, likely warning him of the Queen of Spades rather ... overzealous nature.
The look of unrepentant challenge on the blonde Queen's face bore testimony to her eagerness to prove her point.
"Of course not, King of Hearts," America replied with a bright smile.
"It is only a concern of mine that you have taken your king, after having recently accepted the Jokers into your kingdom." He hedged diplomatically.
Norway felt her stiffen minutely. He had heard a great deal about the Jokers and the scandal of being accepted into the Spade Kingdom. Jokers were people that flitted from Kingdom to Kingdom, having no loyalties and creating trouble. Most were evicted on sight, unless a war was being waged.
There were rumors about how it happened. Some said that the Queen of Spades herself saved one from an ten of diamonds. Others stated she'd made a deal with them, and they collected only their rewards. Even more believed they had come to her kingdom seeking refuge, because none would take them in.
Regardless of how it happened, it had. She had given Jokers that entered her kingdom, citizenship even outside of war. Only for their loyalty. They were taxed the same as others, they were welcomed to build homes and lives within the boundaries of the Spade lands.
Norway glanced to the back of the room, noting that America was not the only one that reacted negatively to the King of Hearts Declaration. A man with silvery-white hair and red eyes glared heatedly at the outspoken King.
His Queen shifted in his hold, not even attempting to break it. She would have been able to do so easily. However, she stared at the King of Hearts.
"What was made law during my previously alone reign, is still law. All final decisions rest in the hands of my King," she added with a touch of frost in her tone.
"My King?" She asked respectfully, with her head held high.
"Yes?" Norway responded in a slightly more gruff tone that usual.
"Does my law still stand?"
Her voice rung clear as a bell over the surrounding area. Norway felt a prickle of nervousness in his gut. She was testing him? Or was she looking for him to support her? It did not matter, he could tell America did not want the law to be revoked. Her stiffening in his arms had told him much.
He would not fail her. Not his America.
"Your law is my law," He said easily. "Nothing has changed."
"So it is decreed," she whispered, and he could almost see her trying not to move her lips.
It nearly caused him to give the barest hints of a smile again.
"So it is decreed!" He repeated loudly.
His dull blue eyes landed back on the red-eyed man who looked visibly relieved. The man shifted backward, toward the edges of the crowd. A nearly imperceptible nod given his and his Queen's direction.
"There you have it!" America said happily. "My King has spoken. There is no more cause for alarm."
The King of Hearts did not look convinced. Norway knew he would have to deal with the other man soon enough. There would be time for him to go over the defenses of the Spade Kingdom before that.
"Shall we?" She asked him suddenly, turning in his arms.
Norway glanced down at her. The same sweet and eager expression that, he decided, was only for him on her face. Her blonde hair moved gently in the breeze, as her stray lock of hair stood up proudly. Her white-gloved hand pushed back at her glasses.
He nodded.
"Oh, and before we go," She said, ignoring the gawking courts, "You'll need this."
She dug something out of her coat pocket. A watch, with a silver chain and a the emblem of the Spade Kingdom engraved on the back.
"It's yours now." She stated happily and pushed it into his hands.
Norway took it, feeling the magic in such a simplistic looking timepiece. His dull blue eyes lit up in delight. Magic.
Now he was in his element. He noticed that America curtsied to him, and he touched her shoulder lightly, signaling her to rise.
"Let us go home now, My Queen." He stated neutrally.
She beamed at him. They left a chatting court circulating various rumors about what had happened and why it was that The Queen of Spades would choose someone ranked so lowly in the Heart Kingdom.
His Queen walked through the room as if she owned it. A combination of confidence and the attitude of someone that could back up her words with force if needed.
Her hand was outstretched already, toward the brown-haired man Norway had seen before. The man bowed to him and the Queen. He handed America a royal looking spear, however the head of the spear was shaped like a Spade. Norway could see signs of battle on the metal. This was a spear that his Queen had likely carried into war.
Judging from the look of The King of Heart's face, he knew it well enough.
America turned, her Queenly facade melting into a show of nearly open hostility.
"King of Hearts, I thank you for your warm reception." She pointed the spear at him directly, looking fierce and beautiful all at once. "As long as my King wishes it, consider our two Kingdoms at peace."
She smiled at Norway, and he felt his heart rate increase.
His Queen would willingly go into battle at his behest. Of all the things that had never been said between them, this was the loudest.
True devotion.
The New King followed his Queen as she cleared a path for them to leave. Norway said goodbye to the life he knew before, and refused to forget all the dreams he'd had. All of the things he would try to help the Spade Kingdom with.
America's hand clasped his briefly, another brazen display of affection.
Trolls got him into the greatest types of trouble.