A/N: This has been written for years. I'm so sorry. I actually really miss this story. There was like, one line from Antonio that seriously tripped me up so bad I couldn't post it because plot. I fixed it. Man. I am SORRY. This chapter is incomplete but if I start writing this story again I'd like to just start from chapter 7.

Chapter 6

"I shall give my regular update of Spades' military status," The Ten of Spades, Captain of the Guard announced. Antonio tapped his papers neatly on the conference room table and cleared his throat. His king sat at the end of the table, and the queen to his right. Lining the table were generals and advisers and high-ranking military officers. The Queen of Spades seemed more irritable than usual; Antonio suspected that Arthur was nervous because today's report would reveal the true nature of Spades' foreign relations.

"We have received nearly 3,000 recruits in the past five months," Antonio started, "Given our official peacetime, this is very good. This brings the total to more than 5,000 recruits in the past eight months. This turnout was unexpected and unsolicited, so I do not have an estimate for the end of the year. Finances are not strained; we have enough to pay the new soldiers. However, the increase in people forces me to request new training equipment..."

Arthur sighed and let Antonio ramble about finances. Yao sat in the center of the conference, scribbling notes. Yao handled finances for the most part, with outside help. Yao would receive council from the room to see if there was enough money for Antonio's requests. Arthur and Alfred would give the official approval. The process was all very tedious, but at least Alfred seemed to be paying attention. Accounting was more Alfred's talent than Arthur's anyway. Arthur's interests lay with strategy (Which he supposed involved numbers to a certain extent).

"There has been movement from Diamonds,"

Arthur's attention snapped into focus again. Antonio pulled out a map which was stuck with little pins, and pointed to the changes.

"We're not certain of the reasons," Antonio said, "But two armies of about 1,000 each have moved to the northern borders near Spades. Both positions are located on their own forts which have typically been occupied as guard posts. I have not received word from the Ten of Diamonds' intentions." Antonio looked directly at Alfred, "I would advise questioning his highness, the King of Diamonds, on the nature of this movement."

'Joan D'Hooke,' Arthur thought, 'If we ask, they'll probably say the movement is because of precautions to protect their royalty at our home. Just in case something goes wrong.' Not in so many words, of course. Such a response would imply Diamonds didn't trust Spades, or Spades' guests.

"Diamonds has sent an army of 3,000 south, to a guard post at Hearts' border." Antonio gestured to a spot marked with a yellow pin on his map, "This movement was announced. Diamonds says due to recent animosity from Hearts' peasants, Diamonds is merely sending troops to guard the border for public safety for the people of Diamonds. Hearts did not protest the movement." Antonio paused, gathering his thoughts, "Those have been the important movements. There has been nothing from Clubs, that we're aware of."

Antonio continued his briefing for another length of time, before taking a deep breath and smiling, "So, any questions?"

Arthur spoke quickly, "Do we have enough people to send to Diamonds, according to our recent agreement?"

Antonio nodded, "Of course, Your Highness. We will be sending some of our newest recruits. Diamonds has agreed to continue training them."

Arthur frowned, "Do you have any insight as to the resent upsurge in recruits?"

Antonio fidgeted and glanced around the room. The occupants were all interested in his answer; he wouldn't be able to give a vauge answer, "Ah, somewhat," Antonio started hesitantly, "Word among my men varies, but there is a feeling of unrest," he looked down at his papers, "The revolutionary mood in Hearts has spread to Spades."

An upset rumble vibrated through the room.

Antonio flustered and spoke a bit louder, "But do not worry! The consensus seems to be of disapproval." He looked around and cleared his throat, "The people of Hearts' intentions would be to attack Spades as a whole. Spades does not want foreign invaders, the recruits have joined out of nationalism."

"Tell me, Carriedo," said a general from the center of the table, "For as many nationalistic recruits, there will be people who agree with Hearts' revolutionaries - that the people are tired of their monarchy's bad decisions." There was a murmur of agreement, "How many people have we lost since we have entered an alliance with Diamonds?"

Arthur suppressed the urge to protest against the question, but the answer was important. He glanced at Alfred, who merely returned the look without expression.

Antonio fell silent for a few long moments before answering, "We have lost approximately thirty people in the last month, for various reasons." He said firmly, "But what you are asking is, 'do our men approve of the alliance?'"

Arthur could appreciate Antonio's honesty, and preference for getting to a point.

"Do I have permission to answer an unasked question, your highness's?" Antonio looked to Arthur and Alfred.

Arthur looked at Alfred again, but this time Alfred ignored him and answered alone, "I believe the mood of our soldiers is very important," he responded, "If they joined for one reason, but find they are fighting for one that they don't agree with, we will not have a strong army. Yes, you have permission to answer."

"Ah, in that case," Antonio smiled weakly, "If I put things simply, our people do not approve," Another murmur rippled through the room, and Antonio hurried to amend himself, "But the sentiment is out of traditional dislike for Diamonds!" He looked around and knew no one was really listening, "It is not a revolutionary dislike! They merely wonder what their monarchs were thinking."

But the room had already heard what they wanted to hear, and more importantly, Alfred had also.

-0-0-0-0-

"I wonder what the peoples' monarchs were thinking, too," Alfred said to Arthur. They sat in Arthur's study at the tea table near the window.

Arthur sipped at his tea while Alfred nursed a cup of coffee. Arthur allowed himself to the blankness of someone who has made the wrong decision. He couldn't help but be a bit defensive, "You haven't been talking to me lately," Arthur snapped with venom, "I can't make a decision if you don't share your concerns-"

"My concerns!?" Alfred slammed his fist on the small table, rattling the delicate china laid on the table, "My concern is that you made this whole deal behind my back! You've never done that before! What's going on Arthur?"

Arthur leaned away on reflex from the outburst, clutching at his cup a little harder than necessary, "Nothing's 'going on,' I-"

Alfred interrupted, "You see something that I don't, and I know you do," he growled, "Whatever this something is, it's made you unsure. I'm sure you think you're acting for the best, but whatever that best is, it involves something personal with the King of Diamonds, something you don't want to share with me."

Arthur felt his stomach drop, "What do you mean, personal?" Arthur asked shakily, "We've only spoken in regards to business." Which was somewhat true, but not really.

"I..." Alfred stumbled on his words, and flushed a bit, "Don't think I don't know about your late night visit the last time he was here. I received word from the guards of suspicious activity."

'He thinks I'm sleeping with him,' Arthur suddenly laughed. He propped his elbows on the tea table and covered his face.

"W-what?" Alfred puffed defensively, "Why are you laughing?"

"You think-" Arthur continued laughing, "Do you think I'd travel that far for that?" he just couldn't stop laughing.

"It's not like..." Alfred stopped himself, and Arthur could practically could hear Alfred saying, 'It's not like you get it from anyone here.'

"There's nothing like that between the King of Diamonds and myself." Arthur finally looked up and smiled weakly, "Any agreements between Diamonds and Spades has nothing to do with that."

Alfred frowned, "Then why...?"

"He wanted to share a drink, since we hadn't met before," Arthur answered. Which was completely untrue, but he had been ready in case Alfred had ever found out, "That night was actually when I figured out I can't stand Francis."

However, Alfred's observation that he was overlooking something was correct. Arthur still couldn't tell Alfred that the alliance was supposed to protect everyone from Alfred.

Alfred looked at his coffee somewhat sheepishly, "Oh. Well." he glanced up, "Sorry."

Guilt stabbed at Arthur's gut; Alfred was apologizing for being correct. Arthur tried to bypass forgiving him for something that he shouldn't be sorry about, "I'm only hurt that you seem to not be trusting me lately," Arthur said, "I'm only doing what I feel is right."

"Try not to be so sneaky? It's weird when you are," Alfred returned.

Arthur grinned, "Deal," and held out his hand for a handshake.

After sealing the agreement, Alfred stood up, "I've got more work to do. I'll see you tonight."

"Good bye then," Arthur said, and watched the younger man leave. As soon as his study door shut, he sighed heavily. He was still stretching the truth too much for his comfort.

And part of him worried that anyone would think he and Francis had a "personal" relationship.

-0-0-0-0-

Arthur had been speaking to a person in a hallway when he received what could only be categorized as a summons.

"Your Highness."

Arthur stopped in the middle of his conversation to look at the messenger who had so rudely interrupted him, "What is it?" he asked irritably.

The servant bowed, "My apologies Your Highness, but the Ten of Spades is requesting a formal audience with you."

"Then he may speak to me during the designated time for public audiences." Arthur snapped.

The servant remained bowed and responded with a nervous shake in his voice, "Lord Carriedo insisted that this was very important, and that it would not take much of your time."

"Good Lord." Arthur huffed, "You tell him that if he is not there in five minutes he has missed his chance, and will not granted further audience with me next time."

"Yes, Your Highness."

As it turned out, Antonio was already waiting at the throne room in full military dress. Arthur perched himself in his throne and gestured for the herald to announce his visitor.

"Lord Carriedo, the Ten of Spades, Captain of the Guard." Boomed the herald, and shuffled off to allow Antonio to enter. Antonio strode in and immediately fell to one knee and bowed his head.

"State your business." Arthur said curtly.

"I have come to formally apologize for the uproar in today's conference." Antonio said, "I believe the attendents mistook some of my report as evidence against recent changes in legislature. I wish the Queen to know that was not my intention in the least."

Arthur waited for more but Antonio fell silent, "And?" Arthur responded dryly, "What else have you come here to say? Surely you did not take time out of my day for a simple apology."

"Perceptive, as always Your Highness," Antonio praised, "I also wish to state, that no matter Your Highness' decision in regards to Diamonds, I believe Your Highness made the correct choice. I stand fully beside Your Highness."

Arthur mulled over Antonio's words, "I would assume everyone in Spades would adhere to their monarchs' wishes," Arthur said with a bite of sarcasm, "Yet your appearance here implies that there are those who would against their monarchs' decisions."

"Indeed," Antonio confirmed, "Which is why I desire transparency in my position now, while any future internal conflict is still young."

"Why not approach your king? Why do you speak to me?" Arthur asked.

Antonio stumbled on the question, and hesitated, "It is my duty to consider all possible military outcomes." He stated, "I appear here to confirm, in front of everyone, that any future decisions on my monarchs' part will not be met with my opposition. Your Highness, Queen Kirkland, is more likely to make those decisions than His Majesty."

Arthur considered Antonio's words before responding in short, "I was not angry over your words at the conference. But in the future, direct your declarations of military loyalty to your king. He has the final say in regards to battle." Arthur stood, "You are dismissed."

-0-0-0-0-

Behind the curtains of the throne room Arthur jumped in surprise when he walked straight into Alfred.

"What are you...?"

Alfred frowned and gave Arthur some room, "He's not lying, you know," he stated, "He thinks you've made the right choice."

Arthur surveyed the young man in front of him, not entirely sure what to think, "Carriedo and I have not gotten along well in the past." He said slowly.

Alfred made a noise, "And?"

Arthur chewed his lip nervously, "I don't like that everyone seems to be preparing for war."

Alfred's expression fell unexpectedly cold. Arthur recoiled, and watched Alfred turn and leave, "Then maybe you shouldn't have started one."