Re: Courting Arthur Kirkland.

[Queen of Spades]

Arthur cleared his throat again, and with much difficulty, he sat up. "Alfred? Are you all right?" He would be lying if he said that he didn't have to stifle a laugh at the image of Alfred lying there on the floor, but he tried to resist. Laughing might only make him angry.

"You told me last night you were going to sleep in your room after I fell asleep." Arthur wasn't upset that the other fell asleep, he had sort of expected it. It was perhaps a bit. . .cute.

[King of Spades]

Alfred crawled out of the messy tangles, humiliated to the bone and made an pathetic attempt to rise with dignity. Though the bed hair and the blush ruined his intention."I- I must have fallen asleep...shit."

"Anyway...how are your injuries? Do you...like, have great pain?" He hoped not, he didn't need more oil to be added to the raging fire of guilt in him.

"How," and his voice had toned down into something barely above a whisper, "How could I make up for everything?" More roses? He only knew the roses. Perhaps a room full of spades roses would make Arthur forget everything.

[Queen of Spades]

"I. . ." Arthur paused at Alfred's face, his whole body hurt when he moved but he already looked so guilty that saying anything would have made him feel aweful. "I'm a bit sore, but it's all right." There. That was a good enough like. Alfred would probably leave now.

And then, again, Alfred surprised him. He wanted to make it up? Likely for just how much of a disaster the date had been. "Well. . .I. . ." He almost felt guilty for asking, but Alfred looked so eager. "I like theatre. And nice dinners in places that aren't full of drunks. Not fancy necessarily, but nice." Arthur wasn't going to demand an arm and a leg plus the red carpet. Just no drunks and a clean floor. Hopefully those hints were enough for Alfred.

[King of Spades]

"That's all?" Wow that didn't sound too complicated. The theatre didn't seem too bad; well he'd never been to one but it was most definitely exciting. Alfred nodded eagerly. "Okay then, you go rest. I'll arrange the perfect day for you! Expect it in two days!"

He was going to let Queenie get better first before he could take the other out. He quickly left the room with a wink and went straight ahead to order some more spades roses for Arthurs healing bath and got strangled and beaten up by the raging gardener for picking the flowers like a barbarian. That Matthew Williams sure was scary if he wanted to be...for someone who seemed to be invisible all the time.

Alfred did everything in his power to look as presentable as possible, he even consulted one of the girls about how to cover bruises. And two days later they were ready for the theatre; a dramatic performance of a love story with lots of heartbreak, bravery and sex jokes. One could not forget the poetic wooing parts that took place in secret, because the man's social status was lower than the poor maiden's.

And Alfred snored.

[Queen of Spades]

Arthur found the play truly extraordinary. He admired the lush stage and costumes, and the acting was truly wonderful. Clearly there was a reason the Kingdom of Spades had the finest theatre in all the Kingdoms. Arthur would have been embarrassed of Alfred's sleep, but they were in their own private booth away from everyone so no one saw or heard, and he was pleased that Alfred actually had the thought to do this for him when clearly the other didn't like it at all. It was sweet, even if he fell asleep.

When to play was over Arthur clapped very loudly, standing for their wonderful performance. Then he turned and shook Alfred's arm, trying to wake him up. "The play is over, Alfred. It's time to go."

[King of Spades]

Alfred shot up as he was shaken awake, almost knocking down his chair in the process. At first he seemed to hectically turn his head to his sides with a lost expression as if trying to register where he was. Then he relaxed. Right, he was with Arthur. Arthur. The theatre. Oh shit.

"Hahaha, wonderful play! I really enjoyed it, especially when Romeou fell in love with Mercutiou!" He hoped that was the name of the chick.

"Now let's go to dinner. Mercutiou sure was sexy!"

[Queen of Spades]

Arthur smiled, patting Alfred's arm. "Her name is Juliet. I know you were asleep, you don't have to pretend. The fact that you brought me at all is enough." In the future Arthur might just go alone. It was nice seeing it with someone, but Arthur didn't want to put Alfred through that.

The exited the theatre, escorted by guards at Arthur's insistence. They made their way to a calm restaurant that was lovely and quiet, a far cry from the bar the other night. Something Arthur much preferred.

[King of Spades]

"Oh? Really? Juliet?" Alfred looked at Arthur with embarrassment written all over his face, the blush wouldn't disappear.

Alfred really tried his best to find something fancy and high class for Arthur, even though he really didn't feel very comfortable in there as it was somehow even more uptight than at court. It was then that it occurred to him, back in the castle, they were actually trying to adjust themselves to his character. But here, it was all anonymous, overly polite society.

The owner of the establishment was overjoyed to have the King and the future Queen as his patrons and did everything in his power to lead them to the best table, the best table also being the centre. At least there weren't too many people. A place that Arthur would like.

"I hope you like it here," he said with a hopeful smile.

Dinner was quiet. Alfred simply didn't know what to talk about, he could hardly tease Arthur now. He wanted to actually have a conversation with Arthur, was it too much to wish for?

"W-what's your home like?"

[Queen of Spades]

"My home. .?" Arthur sat back in his chair, thinking. "Well. . .I'm the youngest in my family with three older brothers. . .all of whom are much more sporty than I am. My father focused his attentions on making them into. . .true men, while I was left to my mothers whims. That is why I prefer to do indoor things." Arthur shifted in his seat, smoothing the table cloth.

"What about yourself? What do you enjoy doing?" Arthur didn't really know anything about the prince at all.

[King of Spades]

Now, talking about himself was something he liked. He rested his elbow on the table, hand supporting his chin while playing around with the fork. "I hardly ever got to go out, just like you. Sometimes I kind of managed to sneak out when nobody was paying attention to me," he seemed to ponder. "And then I simply spend time with the few friends I have, practise sword fight and then skipping lessons?"

Alfred chuckled. "But now that I think of it...my life has been pretty boring. No adventures, only routine."

And he didn't even dare to wish for something to actually happen, cause everything exciting was bound to be related with bad news like war or misfortune, and would be irresponsible for someone of his position to even think like that.

Was Arthur able to bring a good kind of excitement in his life?

He eyed Arthur intently while lightly chewing on the fork.

Maybe.

[Queen of Spades]

"Oh, I see." Arthur set his napkin in his lap and took a drink of water. "It's a shame you never got to adventure, then. You seem the type who hates being cooped up in one place." Arthur moved his attentions directly to Alfred now. "Didn't you ever think about going on a tour of the Kingdom? No one would fault their King for wanting to see his people, I think it would be a very lovely thing to do."

Arthur smiled for a brief second. He too thought it was noble of a King to care for his people enough that he would give up the luxury of the palace to travel. He would even be willing to go with Alfred for such a trip, if the other wanted him there.

[King of Spades]

Alfred smiled, a hint of sadness showing, and shook his head. "Unfortunately, I wouldn't be allowed to see the whole kingdom just yet. Especially not so short before the...marriage. Or in the near future." That was depressing. But he was the king, damnit, he should be allowed to do that!

"But I'm stubborn enough, so they'll likely let me do that pretty soon. You...you may come along. If you want to, that is." A thought seemed to struck him that moment and his entire face lit up. "We could then visit your city! Visit your family and friends. And meanwhile I'll look for information about dangerous beasts and damsels in distress!"

[Queen of Spades]

Arthur laughed briefly and quietly. "I would like that. My family would be glad to meet you, I'm sure. My brothers are. . .arses, but they can behave long enough to meet the King." Arthur reached out to pat Alfred's arm. "I'm sure there will be plenty of damsels for you to save."

Their food was brought out and set in front of them, presented in the best way the owner possibly could. They wanted to impress the to-be royalty. Arthur took a dainty bite of his food, eating slowly and properly with good manners.

[King of Spades]

Alfred eyed Arthur and hesitantly reached out for his own silverware, discreetly trying to imitate the other's graceful movements, delicate cutting and elegant chewing. The King was no barbarian of course but he was a far cry from mastering the art of high class eating. But he was doing okay in his opinion, even though he was making a lot more noises than Arthur, at least his chewing was soundless.

"You're really good at this," he reluctantly praised. "I should be embarrassed, I guess." Alfred laughed. While they were eating, Alfred could feel the stares of the other patrons. Not many were aware of how the king looked like but they were at least suspecting or speculating, especially after the special treatment that the couple had received. "And it's weird to have all eyes on us."

Alfred wasn't rushing but he couldn't help the giddy feeling increasing as time flew. He had been clever enough to consult experts this time as to not make any more mistakes. According to the court ladies, a romantic walk along the capital's boulevard was the best idea to end a date.

Suppressing the urge to bury his face in hands, he asked to himself why he was even bothering to actually set up the perfect and romantic rendezvous. In fact, he was so desperate to earn Arthur's forgiveness (even though the other had claimed everything was forgiven) and most of all acknowledgment.

"Jeez, I totally am a social newbie," he murmured to himself.

[Queen of Spades]

Arthur smiled. "Alfred, if you want the truth, I'm just happy you've expended the effort. You simply trying to give me a good time has made me enjoy it. Thank you." Arthur hesitated before leaning over to give Alfred a kiss on his cheek. He hoped he wasn't overstepping, it was just a little embarrassing.

"Should we go. . .?" Arthur looked around, assuming that there wasn't anything else planned for the night. Of course, who knows.

[King of Spades]

There was no way this was happening; that thought flashed through ALfred's mind as he lay his hand on his cheek, eyes wide and cheeks flared in a fiery colour. A dumbfounded king stared at his fiancée who wasn't any less flustered than himself.
Arthur looked up, emerald eyes filled with insecurity and a hint of fear.

Coughing, Alfred stood up and took Arthur's hand, leading him out with as much dignity as he could muster. Naturally, all eyes were on them.

Homosexuality wasn't as frowned upon as in the other kingdoms, so Spades was pretty liberal about it. It didn't mean that it wasn't odd to actually see a pair of same sex couple. Especially because a kiss on the cheek was a very intimate public gesture, a statement. Besides, the couple hadn't had any rings gracing their finger. So it was of no surprise that the very observing noble patrons were pretty startled over Arthur's bold action.

Finally, they were outside the restaurant. Alfred could breathe again, still his cheeks were still burning. "Wh-what was that?" He whispered.

[Queen of Spades]

"I apologize." Arthur looked down at his feet, blushing hotly. "I was only trying to thank you." He hadn't actually thought the plan through. He did did it, which was very unusual for him. Arthur was typically very thought out and calculated with everything he did, always. there was rarely anything he did on whim. Because things like this happen.

"I. . .clearly I wasn't thinking at all." Arthur started walking quickly, glancing to make sure a guard was following him. "Let's just go, then? I've made a right fool of myself now. Thank you for the lovely evening, Alfred." Arthur's instincts were telling him to get out quickly, run to the closest safe place where he could be alone and mull over what he did. Somewhere he could hide his embarrassment.

[King of Spades]

Alfred laughed and stopped Arthur by grabbing his wrist. "Stay, Arthur!" He pulled the other back and poked his cheek. "Don't be silly, the day isn't over yet." Alfred laughed some more after he'd seen the confused and slightly flushed expression of his date. One thing he had to admit, Arthur was cute.

The moment he could feel the salty air he knew that they were close. Though they didn't approach the busy port where large war, trade and fishermen ships were docking and leaving, instead Alfred led Arthur into taking the other road, away from the busy streets.

They reached some narrow steps leading down to the beach. Once at the bottom of the stairs he could immediately feel the soft white sand.

What he wanted to show weren't the stars.

"It should happen pretty soon..." he murmured.

As if on cue, it happened.

The ships light their colourful chain of lights, the glowing colours reflected in the dark water. Thousands of lights appeared to be floating above the sea.

[Queen of Spades]

Arthur's mouth dropped open in a small 'O'. His home wasn't by the sea, so he had never seen such a beautiful sight in all his life. Arthur look at Alfred for just a second before turning back to the ships. "It's beautiful. Does that happen every night?" It seemed like a foolish question, but Arthur was fascinated. The water was like beautiful black glass, if such a thing existed.

"Thank you, Alfred." He meant that, from the bottom of his heart. This was the most wonderful date he had ever been on (even though the only other one was to that horrible bar, which he would rather not think about right now). Still it was a lovely time and he knew that most of it wasn't really Alfred's cup of tea. Which made the date that much more special, because Alfred sacrificed for him.

Arthur thought that perhaps he could do the same and go back to that dingy bar again. . .maybe. He might bring along a guard or two.

[King of Spades]

Alfred signified that they should walk a bit further down along the beach. While their boots were gently sinking into the sand with every new step they made, Alfred was explaining how the sea traffic of Spades Kingdom worked. "It happens every night, yes. Originally, the lights were used by fishermen to lure the fish but the other ships thought it was pretty and decided to have pretty lights as well."

Then a cold breeze blew straight against their front. Both shivered. "It's getting cold. I think we should go. Is there anything else you'd like to see or visit? Or would you prefer we go home?"

The guards had tactfully left them alone and were waiting for the couple to return. Alfred gave a sign that they were leaving the beach.

[Queen of Spades]

The guards being away frightened Arthur and he subconsciously moved closer to Alfred as the other spoke. It was very interesting, yes, and he liked to hear it. Maybe even someday go out on a beautiful boat despite having never learned to swim. The cold breeze off the ocean made Arthur curl his arms around himself and he nodded at Alfred. Going home would be good.

"I can't think of anything at the moment. Tonight has been lovely, thank you." He had said it before, but Alfred had done such a good thing that he had to say it again. He couldn't express how happy this made him.

[King of Spades]

Alfred suddenly panicked, Arthur was shivering because of the cold. Was he supposed to offer his coat to Arthur? Or wait, did it belong to the must do list of royal courting or to the so cheesy it's embarrassing list? Damn it, Alfred couldn't remember.

Nonetheless he took off his indigo coat and wrapped it over Arthur's trembling shoulder. His cheeks flared up and he was simply grateful that it was already dark.
Looking up the poor king witnessed how the guards were suppressing their grins.

Oh shit, it belongs to the so cheesy it's embarrassing list, right?

[Queen of Spades]

Arthur, however, smiled and tugged the coat closer to himself. It was a little cheesy, yes, but mostly considerate and sweet. Or so Arthur thought. His own cheeks flushed when he caught sight of the guards, hopefully they didn't think about it too much. "Thank you, Alfred. . ." Perhaps they would keep this to themselves and not tell the other servants? Doubtful.

Arthur climbed back into the carriage that would take them in to the palace, still grasping Alfred's coat around his shoulders. It was warm and it smelled nice, like a mix of springtime and peppermint. Much how he imagined Alfred would probably smell.

[King of Spades]

The whole castle could see how their relationship had improved. Of course they were constantly bickering, rarely in agreement with each other but it wasn't because of hate, everybody figured. It was probably simply their character. The week was progressing and nearing its end and the castle had long not seen their former prince this lively.

But at the end of the week, two days before the day of their wedding, Alfred grew nervous. And he couldn't ignore this feeling, for everything in the castle was all about the celebrations and ceremony. Maids had the decorations halfway done, the temple was being adjusted to accommodate a larger amount of people, the great hall was immaculate to the extend that one could see one's own reflection on the floor.

Even though it was still a few days to the wedding, he could already hear the wedding bells chime in his head and the thought made him somewhat busy. And suddenly he was afraid. He didn't mind Arthur, even though their circumstance was rather forceful. After all, he was already determined to pull it through and be a good regent. But...he guessed every man was nervous shortly before the big day.

That was why he decided to go down to the city again in order to calm his nerves. Maybe a drink or two would be a great help. He wondered when he'd become such an old man, going out to drink ale and all that. It's not like he liked the taste but the effect afterwards was pretty much funny when you're surrounded by a crazy bunch of drunkards.

He passed the rose garden, heading to the main castle gate when he saw Arthur sitting there, watching the roses as if they were the biggest entertainment ever. Alfred chuckled at the other man's weird antics.

"Hey," said Alfred, halting for a moment. "I'm going to go out for a bit, see you later!"
He then turned to proceed walking.

[Queen of Spades]

Arthur jumped when he heard Alfred speak to him, he was still unused to the other being so cheerfully happy around him. Even though he had turned to leave Arthur jumped up, following quickly behind. "Ah. . .I would like to join you, if you don't mind?" He didn't know where Alfred was going, but he wanted to come anyway.

With Alfred he had gotten over his fear of leaving without guards. Alfred was strong enough to protect him, he would be okay. After all, it was rare for Alfred to leave without a sword and Arthur felt safe enough around him. It was comforting.

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