Chapter 1

"Arthur she's so beautiful, I can't wait for you to meet her!" The White King, Matthew Williams, rambled, bouncing with energy. His dark-skinned and stocky Rook stood behind him smiling. They were in Arthur's study where Arthur kept all his work and also a (arguably) small personal library (with shelves filled with books and maps clear to the ceiling). The curtains were drawn to reveal the streaming sun, lighting the room's blue and purple decor.

Arthur couldn't help but let his brother-in-law's excitement infect him, "When will the date be?" He grinned.

Matthew beamed, "We're setting the wedding for the spring of next year. I'm here to make an official announcement to Spades, but I wanted to see you personally."

Arthur's lips twitched a little higher, "Yao will be miffed that you didn't see him first." He bowed his head slightly, "But thank you for seeing me. I am happy you're happy."

If possible Matthew's smile became brighter. Foregoing formalities he stepped behind Arthur's desk to bend and draw Arthur in a great hug. Arthur stiffened from his chair but returned the hug with a hearty pat.

Matthew pulled back and stepped away to give Arthur his space, "I have missed you." He said affectionately, "I want you to know that no good feelings are intended to be lost over this arrangement."

Arthur leaned back into his chair and twirled his quill pen between his fingers, "Clubs will find offense that you visited Spades first instead of them."

The White King scoffed lightly, "And Alfred will find offense that I'm marrying a Braginski."

Katya Braginski. The King of Clubs' older sister - The same king who The King of Spades despised. Arthur sighed, "Will you be staying the night before moving on?"

Matthew nodded, "If our presence welcome."

Arthur smiled, "Friends of Spades are always welcome."

Much of dinner was spent listening to the Jack of Spades complain.

"Do you know how bad this will look? I have my work cut out for me," Wang Yao chastised while waving his fork at the White King. Matthew was amused. "One of our closest allies is marrying our closest enemy.I think you are trying to give me an aneurysm."

"Well, I'm not marrying her brother..."

The King of Spades chimed in from his end of the table, "I would have thought you'd be happier about this, Wang."

Yao bristled at the casual use of his first name, "I AM happy for his Highness," He snarled, "Congratulations on your future coupling. May you spawn many children."

Matthew laughed despite the Jack's rudeness.

Arthur tidily cut a piece of his steak, "What I believe Lord Yao is trying to say, is that you've created a public relations nightmare for us, Matthew."

Matthew looked at his food sheepishly, "I know exactly what I've done. The Black Kingdom is none too happy either, but White is far enough away they are not too concerned that the marriage is for military reasons." He looked to his brother, "Alfred, I need you to know that this is not intended to purposely anger you. I..." Matthew hesitated and chewed his lip, meeting his brother's bright blue gaze, "I'm truly in love with her."

The table fell silent as it looked to the King of Spades. He was smiling but his face was tight and his eyes flashed before he made a show of relaxing, "Hahhah! I can't be mad at you for falling in love, huh?"

Arthur frowned as Alfred's laughter rang in the dining hall. Lies did not sit well with Arthur. His position as Queen put him in charge of foreign affairs and treaties. Arthur had much influence in the King's decisions, but if Alfred had made up his mind to do something irrevocably stupid the King's stubbornness always won against sense.

The King's position was to ratify any agreements, issue pardons, and also be at the head of any military campaigns. The problem with their positions was that Arthur and Alfred were better at each other's duties. Alfred was an excellent negotiator as long as someone told him what he was negotiating for, Arthur was unrivaled in assisting military tactics but also political moves.

He tried to put his gut feelings out of his thoughts when Alfred's voice came back to him, "Matthew, I got it!" Alfred looked like he was about to jump out of his chair, "Why don't we have a 'you're getting married' party here in Spades! After you're done traveling of course."

Yao and Arthur glanced at each other.

Matthew was at a loss for words but nodded.

Alfred shoved a fork-full of potatoes in his mouth and kept talking, "We'll invite everyone!" His voice was muffled though food, "And they'll be like, EVERYONE. King Alfred threw the most amazing party for Clubs and White! You don't throw parties for people you don't like!"

Arthur bit his tongue.

"Then that bastard Ivan can't say I didn't give my blessing."

Matthew moved past the comment smoothly and continued with another topic.

Arthur's stomach churned. He fought the urge to close his eyes as he let his mind wander from the dinner table conversations.

-0-0-0-0-

Arthur and Alfred walked silently to their bed chambers side-by-side. Alfred was staring off in a moment of thoughtfulness while Arthur remained quiet out of weariness. Arthur's chamber came first and Arthur stopped and looked at Alfred questioningly.

Alfred looked back and grinned almost shyly, "Sleep with me tonight?"

Arthur nodded and ducked into his room to retrieve his night clothes. As Arthur gathered his things he mused that the Captain of the Guard, the Ten of Spades, had probably been telling Alfred ghost stories again. Alfred hadn't asked for his company for nearly two weeks. In truth Arthur didn't mind being Alfred's comfort blanket because he loved him dearly.

Their betrothal had been established when Alfred had been eight-years-old and Arthur 12. In the next six years Arthur acted as a sort of mentor to young Alfred (though not always a good one. He had been 12 after all) and they grew very close. Arthur had watched Alfred grow and was still watching.

Alfred had grown to be very handsome. And Arthur, though Arthur acted like an old man by anyone else's standards, was 23 and not made of stone.

Guilt always hit him in waves when he couldn't keep his mind or eyes from wandering to the boy he loved very much, but not platonically. Alfred didn't make Arthur's plight easier by openly undressing (why shouldn't he?) or with the casual touches (they'd known each other for years). Arthur recoiled at least from the touching when he realized it was happening. Though a hand on his shoulder was never remotely sexual between the two of them, he felt he shouldn't encourage himself by memorizing the feeling of Alfred's body next to his.

Logic never overrode the biological despite Arthur's best intentions, and lust smoldered in him when he entered Alfred's bedchamber to see him half-naked and muscular and tan. Arthur shut his eyes for a moment to collect himself.

They would go to bed tonight. Alfred would complain about ghost stories and Arthur would chastise him. They would wake in the morning for breakfast and Arthur would go about his work like always.

Like always.

Alfred turned to greet Arthur when his face fell a bit, "You look like you're in a shitty mood."

Arthur wondered not for the first time if Alfred even desired sex. He'd certainly never heard of any exploits. Or maybe the servants kept the gossip from him. Arthur grunted noncommittally as he began changing, "It has been a long day."

Alfred glanced at the bed nervously, "You don't mind tonight? Right? Uh..."

Arthur was no virgin, but he was nothing if not fiercely loyal and obligated to defend his integrity. Marriage held some sort of sanctity in his own morals … even though he was less in a marriage and more in a business partnership.

Arthur scoffed as he buttoned his nightshirt, "You should stop listening to Carriedo's wives' tales before the ghosts make your brain rot."

Alfred paled, "They can do that?"

Arthur hadn't had sex in three years since their marriage. Alfred was beautiful and in front of him. Like always.

He mentally piled ash on the smolder flaring in his belly.

Arthur lightly tapped the back of Alfred's head and starting crawling under the covers,"You are daft. Of course not you fool."

Alfred grinned and climbed in after him, "You used your nice insults so that means you're not really irritated."

"I'm always irritated when you're being stupid." Arthur huffed, "I guess two idiots will always get along swimmingly."

Alfred pouted as they situated themselves to be comfortable, "Antonio tells the best stories though. He gets them from the other knights and trainees."

They settled with Arthur tucked up to his chin in blankets, and Alfred's back pressed to his side. Arthur reached down and lightly carded his fingers through Alfred's hair.

"You should be learning war tactics, not befriending your soldiers."

Alfred hesitated before he relaxed in their soft bed and Arthur's petting, "They're more likely to die for me if I show them I'm not a prick." The 'like you' was left unspoken.

Arthur paused before closing his eyes and sinking into his pillows, "I suppose."

They lay in silence for a while before Alfred spoke up softly, "Don't fall asleep before me?"

Arthur's smile was hidden by the dark, "Of course not."

Like always.

-0-0-0-0-

Arthur couldn't bring himself to concentrate the next morning. The windows by his desk gave a view of the castle courtyard, speckled with wandering nobility who meandered in the spring sun. He sighed.

There was a brisk knock before the study door opened without his permission. Yao bustled in with a stack of paperwork and a mouthful of instructions, "Your Highness, a letter has come for you by bird and here are some files that requires your attention," Yao clipped and held out more paperwork. When Arthur stared at the stack without moving Yao raised an eyebrow.

"Do you have a moment, Yao?" Arthur asked dryly.

Yao said in a deadpan, "I never have a moment Your Highness. What may I assist you with?"

Arthur took the folders and loose work and tossed it on his "to do" pile, "I require you take tea with me." He said casually.

Yao sighed, "Yes, your Highness."

Two hours and a game of Bridge later, Yao and Arthur still sat by the windows chatting quietly. While the Jack and Queen were not exactly friends, they were amicable with each other and shared several interests. Mindless chatter was not difficult between them, and mindless is what Arthur desperately needed at the moment.

When they lapsed in their conversation, Yao cleared his throat and looked at Arthur over his teacup, "Your Highness," he started. Arthur frowned, sensing business in the Jack's tone. He nodded. Yao sat a little straighter, "I believe you should take the time to look closely at that letter."

Arthur grunted, "Do you know its contents?"

Yao shook his head, "No, Your Highness, but it came by bird early this morning from the King of Diamonds. Addressed to you."

Arthur raised an eyebrow, "Why would he address me and not Alfred? Are you sure it's not from Queen Lilli?"

"It's not. Which is why I believe you should read it soon."

Queens corresponded with the queens, kings with the kings, and jacks with the jacks because their duties usually required their counterparts' attentions. The King of Diamonds addressing a queen was most unusual.

"Your Highness, may I speak freely?"

Arthur sat down from where he left his seat to retrieve said letter, "Of course Yao," he broke the yellow wax seal that had an imprint of a crowfoot flower - part of Diamonds' royal crest, "Your input is always welcome."

Yao tapped his fingers against his cup, "Everyone knows your talents for warfare."

Arthur glanced up sharply. Yao returned the gaze, "Spades will not be the only kingdom upset about the White King's marriage."

Thoughts whirled through Arthur's mind about each kingdom's economy and why in Suit anyone would want to invade Clubs, or even the White Kingdom.

The Kingdom of Clubs was a vast, snowy land, the largest of any of the kingdoms with a large population and limited farmland if the population was lucky and didn't have a famine from year to year. Clubs was so poor, traders often didn't bother visiting because they would lose money. Clubs did have a rich Eastern culture with spices and cloth, but that area was isolated from the majority of Clubs. The East might as well have been a different kingdom.

So why would anyone want to start a war for Clubs? It was nearly useless, and the Eastern parts blocked by mountains.

Arthur felt the coldness in his gut from last night return.

A land grab.

"Spades will not be the only upset," Arthur said after a moment, "But Clubs is too poor to bother with."

Yao closed his eyes, "Through Clubs is the East."

"No one wants to climb a mountain with an army." Arthur insisted tersely.

Yao opened his eyes and scanned Arthur's face, brown depths searching and making Arthur feel naked. He met the baring gaze, trying to read Yao's own expression to find what the other was looking for.

Yao remained expressionless, "With you, I'm sure a mountain will be a minor hindrance."

Arthur felt baited.

At that moment, The King of Spades made himself known and the door flew open, draft and all, sending papers flying.

"Arthuuuuur," Alfred called loudly, "Wang!" He pointed at Yao whose eye twitched, "Everyone's looking for you and," He walked in the room gesturing broadly, "I run my ass off taking care of business AND looking for both of you and here I find you having a tea party!"

Arthur sipped his tea delicately, "We were taking a much-needed break, Alfred. You're welcome to join us."

Alfred pouted, "Maybe if you were having a coffee party." He frowned a bit, "But really, I'm out there listening to 'Your Highness, where's His Prissiness Yao' and I'm nearly having a heart-attack thinking you've just fallen off the face of Suit so you really need to get going before the castle collapses or something."

Arthur smiled faintly. If Alfred's disheveled blue suit was any indication, he really had been running everywhere. Alfred was nothing if not a hard worker. Sometimes Arthur thought hard work was the only thing that made Alfred a successful king.

Yao tried and failed at not showing irritation at being called "His Prissiness" (More likely, "His Lordship") and stood up stiffly, gathering his things.

"Please think about our conversation, Queen Arthur." Yao said lightly, and stalked out of the room.

Alfred watched Yao leave, turning back to Arthur when the door closed, "What was that about?" He asked, plopping in Yao's vacated seat.

Arthur shrugged, thinking quickly, "Nothing important. He was only saying he thought red roses would complement the blue rose bushes in the garden."

"Huh." Alfred looked at him doubtfully, before something seemed to light up in his head, "Would that make, like," he made a vague gesture in the air with a finger, "The roses turn purple eventually? That'd be pretty awesome!"

Arthur refrained from chuckling, "What did you need, Alfred?"

"Oh!" Alfred reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a wad of crinkled papers, spreading them out on Arthur's tea table, "So Antonio was talking about how he just got more soldiers and needed orders on where to distribute everyone but you know I'm no good at this stuff so I thought..."

Arthur unintentionally started tuning Alfred out as he rambled about defensive plans, watching him talk but not hearing. His mind flitted from the conversation with Yao, to last night, to planning Matthew's celebration party to anything but war-related plans and oh, Alfred really did belong in the sunlight, not some musty old study. The sunbeams from the window made his eyes glitter blue.

Alfred slammed his hand on the tea table, "So what do you think of that!" He asked excitedly.

Arthur blinked back into reality, "Oh, uh," He hadn't heard a thing, "I'm sure that will work just fine."

Alfred smirked, "I just said we should replace Antonio with a bear because the other armies will be scared shitless when they see the Captain of the Guard is a fucking bear."

Arthur paled a bit.

Alfred laughed lightly, "You should really take the day off. You've been acting weird for a few days."

Arthur flustered when he thought of all the work he had to do, "Oh, no! I can't! There's too much-"

Alfred stood and glared at Arthur sternly, "No! As my queen I can't have you exhausted and screwing up your work." Arthur gaped silently. Alfred nodded sagely, "I would not be fulfilling my husbandly duties if I let you keep going like this."

I should show you what your husbandly duties really are. Arthur abruptly imagined a large wall that line of thinking was not allowed to pass.

"It's …" Alfred pulled out his spade-shaped pocket watch and glanced, "...Almost lunch anyway. Just do whatever for the rest of the day and I'll tell everyone to leave you alone."

Arthur sighed, "Of course Your Highness. Whatever you wish." He wasn't fighting the order that much anyway.

Alfred's nose wrinkled, "Don't call me that, it's weird."

Arthur smiled and stood, setting to tidy things, "Go on to lunch then. I will join you after I put away some things."

When Alfred smiled he radiated, "Good! I'll see you shortly!" He bounded out of the study, leaving the door wide open.

Arthur's expression smoothed to something more troubled. He closed the door quietly and looked back at his tea table where the opened letter went unread. He picked the letter up and opened it, sneezing when the strong scent of perfume wafted at him.

A pressed, yellow rose fell out of the letter onto the carpet, and Arthur stared at it blankly before reading.

To His Majesty, Queen Arthur Kirkland of Spades,

Our correspondence is most strange being you have only written to my most lovely Queen Lilli. My intentions have everything to do with our amicable foreign relations, although I am afraid Queen Lilli's delicate sensibilities do not lend her to all matters related to her position. Under normal circumstance I would speak to His Majesty, The King of Spades as per custom, but I find circumstance can lead anyone to make exceptions. Perhaps this can attributed to my reign is only one year your senior; I am new and idealistic.I hope you do not find my personal concessions an insult to your king. I certainly mean no animosity. Quite the contrary, I contact you on unofficial means only to acquaint each other.

I am aware my dear cousin, King Matthew of the White Kingdom, will approach you soon about his future marriage. How joyful I am for him! He alerted me unofficially only because we are so close, and I have kept this information hidden so not to cause a stir. You, Queen Arthur, are the official first because he values the Kingdom of Spades' friendship the most. I can speak for the White King personally; He also means no animosity with his alliance, the dear boy.

On these matters of alliances I wish to speak to you personally to keep peace. I do not wish to create more tension between our fine kingdoms than exists already, especially between the passionate Kings of Spades and Clubs.

I intend to arrive at your homestead within a fortnight of this letter's date. I trust you will receive me; There will only be three of us travelling and we will do so quietly.

Please regard this letter as an extension of friendship. As I cannot include an olive branch or watch for a tiny messenger bird such as my Pierre, to carry, I offer you a rose. I am eager for our first greetings.

Yours Most Sincerely,

King Francis Bonnefoy of Diamonds

Arthur groaned and passed a hand over his eyes, knowing in his heart that Yao's insinuations were correct. As brilliant as Arthur was, he was not one for intrigues, and his gut roiled at the thought of having war talks behind his king's back.

He sat back in his plush desk chair, sank heavily and thought of how he would justify King Francis' spontaneous visit. More so, King Francis was known to arrive glamorously and with all the fanfare and dressings. Arthur had never been subject to King Francis' known flamboyance because the only time he had caught a glimpse of him was at Arthur and Alfred's joint coronation and marriage. Then there had been so much fanfare King Francis had hardly been distinct. The future meeting would truly be their first.

Arthur closed his eyes and debated on how much longer his heart could last with an impending war.

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AN: P.S.: The real title of this story is "Ivan Braginski Finally Didn't Do It".

I started this while reading Game of Thrones and you can basically consider Arthur Ned Stark...also it might explain why this plot is ending up cRaZy. The Cards Will Tell is not actually a crossover though.

Well. Maybe a crossover into INSANITY.

I wholeheartedly accept any constructive criticisms. I am lacking a beta atm.