Chapter 5: Let's Dance

The annual Spades ball was a mere four days away and the castle was buzzing with the planning and preparations. Not a single member of staff or guard was without a duty to do and that included the King, Queen and Jack.

While the Jack was in charge of invitations and preparations of the amenities of their guests, the King was in charge of security to assure a safe and smooth evening. That left everything else to the Queen and Arthur was meticulous in his duties.

"I think I'm going to be sick." The petite royal bemoaned with a hand over his mouth. "I do not want to even smell food for the rest of this season."

The two maids behind the cart of dessert samples gave him a sympathetic smile and pushed it out the grand hall. They could understand the Queen's sickness as he had spent all morning sampling all platters that were to be served at the ball. The amount of food would make anyone sick to their stomach.

"We shall bring forth a remedy for you, your highness."

"Thank you." He nodded and wrote down the last of his selections into the feast menu. "Please take this to the kitchens. They need to get all the ingredients as soon as possible." He ordered and they took the list before excusing themselves.

Arthur took a look at his list of tasks to finish, crossed out the feast selection and then stood up heading for the large table set out in the far corner, different textiles in various blues and purples laid down for his decision on which would best suit the banners that would hang above the dance floor.

He turned to the opening doors and raised an eyebrow at the pair of guards who guided several men inside the hall.

"Excuse the interruption your highness. These are the musicians that will be playing at the ball." The guard who was in front explained.

"O-Oh yes." Arthur remembered Yao having said they would be arriving to set up their instruments which he now noticed they carried in their suitcases. "I've been expecting you. Welcome gentlemen." He greeted them and the musicians stumbled nervously in their greeting which Arthur smiled. "We have the platform for you all set and if there is anything you might need do let me know. This way please." The guards and musicians followed the royal to the middle left side where a solid stage was set up with chairs and stands for the music sheets.

While the men took their selected spot, Arthur turned to the guards. "Is the King in the premises by chance?"

"Our majesty should be back in the castle by now my Queen."

"Do you wish for us to look for him?"

"Ah no, I was just wondering. It's not necessary to call him. I'm sure he is busy." The guards nodded and went to help the musicians with the larger instruments and after taking a few of their ideas Arthur went back to what he was previously doing.

An hour later, the grand hall echoed with the sound of tuning instruments as the royal finished the cup of tea the maids had brought to help settle his stomach and gave his decision in textiles to the seamstress and her aids.

The large double doors opened and the King stepped inside, the music stopped to allow the players to bow to him and he returned the greeting with his usual bright grin. He spotted the other royal and made his way to him.

"I love balls just as much as the next person but planning it is nuts." Alfred let out a over exaggerated sigh just before hugging Arthur. "I'm so tired!"

"Oh you poor thing, Want me to get you some cheese for that whine?" Arthur rolled his eyes and Alfred chuckled burying his face on the Queen's neck. "Are you just here to avoid finishing your job?"

"Nope. I finished for today." Alfred announced with pride. "Thought you might like to know that and wondered if you needed the help."

"How considerate." Arthur said with mirth.

"You sound surprised." Alfred smirked at him and looked back towards the group of players. "I have an idea. Dance with me."

"Alfred-"

"Come on, please." Arthur sighed and nodded making Alfred smile guiding him closer to the stage. "Wait here."

Alfred went to the closest player and whispered in his ear which made the waiting Queen's eyebrow rise in question. The king just grinned at him when he came back to take his hand. Arthur decided to ignore it as they both took their positions as the first string of a song began. He placed a hand on the broad shoulder and the other in the King's hand while a hand went to his lower back.

"I admit I'm impressed." Arthur said as he was guided smoothly into a slow waltz. "You have improved greatly since the first time we danced."

"I had a great teacher and a lovely partner." Alfred smiled at him pulling him closer.

Arthur's cheeks colored and he looked down embarrassed. He allowed himself to listen to the smooth melody and feel the warmth pressed against him along with the hand in his own hand and lower back. He relaxed and leaned his head on the firm chest and closed his eyes.

Alfred smiled softly bringing the Queen's hand up to his lips. It had been a week since they had more than 5 minutes together besides the nights where each fell into bed too exhausted to actually share more than a quick kiss goodnight. He was more than happy to return to their daily lives after the ball in 4 days.

"What's the matter love?" He looked down to meet his favorite eyes peering up at him. Smiling he leaned down to press their lips together.

"Hold on to me." Alfred whispered against Arthur's lips guiding the delicate hand behind his neck. He ignored the confused look and turned to the band giving them a nod.

Arthur let out a yelp when he was suddenly guided to the side and spinned as the music turned into a fast paced dance. Alfred laughed pulling him closer and pulling him all around the ball moving sideways and spinning. The hands on his shoulder and neck quickly moved to holding onto him as Arthur tried to not trip and make them fall.

Alfred's laughter filled the hall and Arthur opened his eyes to look at him. The King looked at him with glee and called for the music to be faster which made Arthur scream again as he forced them to spin and move just as fast.

Arthur's lips began to quiver and he finally let out a soft laugh before joining the King in laughing and smiling. The music began to slow down to a stop and Alfred brought their spinning to a halt, dipping the smaller blonde.

The musicians shared a laugh and clapped as the two royals caught their breath grins on both their faces.

"Better be grateful my stomach had settled or else I'd be so happy to throw up on you." Arthur's breathlessly pointed looking up at Alfred. He smiled as he was gently pulled to stand straight and kissed the King's cheek. "You better not try a stunt like that in the actual ball, love."

"What?" Alfred squawked with mocked indignation. "And have you laughing and smiling like this in front of others? I would never." Arthur blushed and Alfred grinned pulling him closer yet again.

They thanked the musicians after everything was set and done and Alfred pulled Arthur with him to the set up throne on top of some stairs. The King flopped down on the throne and swiftly lifted Arthur to lay on his lap.

"What's this? You got tired of our dancing?" Arthur mused and Alfred chuckled laying his head on the Queen's lap. "Better rest up or you won't be ready for the opening number."

"I will never not be ready for you sweetheart." Arthur smiled leaning down to press a gentle kiss on the King's head.

"I'll be sure to remember that. You're my dance partner after all."

Sorry about the lack of activity here, guys! Work and language school are killing my free time! Hope this chapter is enjoyable. This was the prompt gotten by Julianess.

More to come soon. Reviews are so very welcomed!