A/N: Please read this chapter before Gold & Blue's last chapter. Thank you.

Arthur's head whirled of colors, music, beautiful dresses, and Alfred's smile. The wedding was grand and long, exactly how the kingdom wanted it, but it was the reception that would be the thing all of Hoyle would talk about for years to come. Alfred demanded that all Numbers be allowed to attend, regardless of status. It resulted in a comical clash of cultures.

Tens rejoiced in seeing so much of their harvest being served at the royal event that they danced and hollered in joy, effectively startling the Ones and Twos that looked on in disdain. However, they still complimented the Tens on their hard work and delicious crops. Their taste buds had grown too used to rushed restaurants. Fours and Fives swapped stories while Sevens, Eights, and Nines scared Sixes with their eating habits. The dances, of course, varied from each Number due to each status having their own popular style.

All eyes were on the King and Queen of Spades, though. Despite the fact they weren't together much during the reception due to mingling, their love was felt through-out every inch of the palace. It was amazing to think a horrible battle had taken place in the Grand Ball Room just months ago. Most of the Numbers didn't even realize what had transpired here after returning to normal.

Arthur had thought of Alice daily since her death. It was hard to forget someone he saw live their entire life right before his eyes. In his heart he knew he'd done the right thing, but the pain was still very much there. Alfred helped to ease that as much as he could. And, as the wedding grew closer, Arthur soon became distracted with the arrangements.

Despite the fact the wedding had been fully planned before Alice's arrival, the catering and inviting of the guests had to be completely redone. This set it all back a good two months. Amazingly, though, everyone was still able to attend.

The night wore on, and Arthur grew tired. He kept dancing and talking even as his stomach tightened with nerves. Soon, he was to be ushered up to Alfred's chambers. There, he'd be undressed, washed with scented oils, and given a thin robe to dress in. His servants would leave him to wait for Alfred. Then they would have to consummate their marriage.

Shortly before their original wedding date, the couple found it hard to reign in their lust for one another. Now they both walked around on eggshells around one another out of sheer anxiety of what was to come later that night.

Yao approached Arthur. "You look slightly pale. Do you still hear voices?"

Arthur smiled and shook his head. "No. Since Alice's passing I haven't heard a thing, nor have I seen her memories."

"That's a relief. Then what is the trouble?" Yao asked. There was a knowing look in his eyes that said he wasn't completely oblivious to what was going on.

Arthur caught on to that look. "You know very well why I am feeling so…nervous. Tonight is…"

"And why do you worry?" Yao asked.

Arthur bit his lip. "I… Well… I'm worried…"

Performance anxiety," Yao said all too casually. Arthur flustered beside him as his face filled with flush. "Alfred has never been with someone before either. It's not like he can judge you."

"I know that!" Arthur snapped. Yao was unphased by the outburst, however other guests were startled. After clearing his throat, Arthur said, "Regardless… I am still quiet nervous. It will be announced to all of Spades. Eventually all of the four kingdoms will hear of this. It's…embarrassing."

"What does that have to do with you and Alfred?"

"What if it hurts?" Arthur mumbled. He watched the other guests warily in case they overheard him. "What if Alfred doesn't enjoy it or I bore him?"

"I doubt it."

"What if-"

"Why not focus on what is truth rather than wonder about what could be a lie?" Yao suggested. "Alfred is nervous too, but he also loves you deeply. He even stopped your internal clock and gave you some of his time so you could live. The odds of tonight not going well are slim. Focus instead on how much you love Alfred."

Arthur stared out at the crowds. Even amongst all the bright colors and outrageous outfits, he could clearly make out Alfred. The King seemed a natural. He had come from a backwater hick that tried to play nice with everyone, to a man that had truly come into his own as a great and powerful King. It made his heart beat hard to know that a man who had seemingly been the bane of existence, to the love of his life, and to know Alfred felt the same.

He sighed, "I shall try."

It wasn't much longer before Arthur was to be shown out. He dared not eat or drink anything for fear of his stomach. The nerves had formed a bundle there right under his gut, edging its way downwards into his intestines. Eventually he retired to his throne where he took a small reprieve from the festivities. It was there that Alfred found him and sat beside him in his own throne.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Alfred asked. There was worry laced in his tone.

"Yes. Quite."

"Me too."

"Wonderful food."

"Yeah, tasty."

"Hm…"

The couple looked away from each other with flushed faces. Normally, Alfred would have thought it amusing that while they were dressed in fancy silks and wore sparkling crowns, they were just like everyone else the night of their wedding. Slowly, Alfred reached out and took Arthur's hand. His palm was sweaty.

"You look beautiful…my Queen…"

Arthur put a hand over his mouth to hide the uncontrollable smile that spread across his face. Such a look was reserved for only Alfred. However, the blush on his face reached all the way to his ears and trickled down along his neck.

"I… I should go…" Arthur released Alfred's hand and stood up. Alfred watched him. "I shall… be in your chambers… my King."

Alfred gulped audibly and nodded mutely.

Arthur was just on the other side of the door; naked and waiting in his bed to open his heart to him. The knowledge of that sent Alfred into a panic. He could feel swear on his arms, which was a shame considering he had just bathed in scented oils. He hoped Arthur would smell that instead of the stink of his nerves.

Beside Alfred was Tolys. He helped him into his royal blue robe. "Sire? Alfred, I mean. You'll be fine."

"You think so?" Alfred asked with a trembling lip.

Tolys nodded. "You showed no fear when you fought Alice or when you charged to rescue the Queen from the Jokers."

"Y-yeah, but that wasn't… sex." Alfred gulped.

"Do you love him?"

"Yes."

"Then you'll be fine." Tolys opened the door.

The bed chamber was dark, having only been lit be candles and the fireplace to hear the room. Incense filled the air. The red, white, and blue draperies that normally hung above the bed had been replaced with deep blues to symbolize all of Spades. Fresh roses were in vases around the bed. Alfred's eyes moved from the roses to the man sitting right in the middle of the expansive bed.

Arthur looked smaller draped in his dark purple robe. His fair skin stuck out even more in the dark room, and his green eyes seemed to flow as they watched Alfred. His hair was still damp after having been washed in the same kind of scented oils. It stuck to his head at odd angles, making him look younger than he really was; almost Alfred's age now. Alfred inhaled and seeing him, and then exhaled loudly. Arthur shifted on the bed at the noise.

"Wow," Alfred whispered.

Tolys smiled, and then showed Alfred to the bed. He pulled back the sheets. He laid down a blue towel in the center of the bed; the consummation cloth. Both Alfred and Arthur gawked at it, and then looked away. Alfred got into bed beside Arthur. Arthur got under the sheets at the same time as Alfred. It was all done at a painfully slow pace.

Tolys whispered, "Congratulations." Then, he was gone from the room.

The couple sat in an awkward silence with their hands in their laps. The fire was louder than them as it crackled and snapped.

"Did you have a good time?" Alfred asked quietly. Mentally, he cringed at how dull he sounded.

"Oh yes," Arthur replied just as softly. "Did you?"

"Yeah. The food was great."

"Wonderful shrimp."

"Mm hm…"

Again, they fell silent. Then, Arthur began to laugh. It was quiet at first, but then became louder and louder. Soon, Alfred joined in, although he had no idea what was so funny.

"Um, why are we laughing?" Alfred asked.

"Because we are such idiots!" Arthur wiped at a tear that had leaked from the corner of his eye. "Honestly, why are we so scared? We love each other."

Alfred smiled, relieved. "I have no idea."

The couple laughed some more to help release the tension. They still didn't know how to initiate the consummation. They knew how and what went where, however, that wasn't the issue. This night would never come again, and both royals wanted it to go over perfectly for their husband.

"Why don't we get undressed?" Alfred suggested.

"Y-yes, I believe that is a good start. Let's, um, undress ourselves, and then…we'll go from there."

Turning away from each other simultaneously, the pair discarded their robes and tossed them on the floor. Alfred was the first to turn around. He was met with Arthur's bare back. In the low light, every sharp angle of his shoulder blades created dark shadows on his pale skin. Alfred could clearly see each one of Arthur's ribs, having no idea the Queen was that skinny. He never showed himself as being weak as he seemed to have great strength in everything he did. Alfred's eyes trailed down until the bones faded away down by-

"Alfred?" Arthur's voice startled the King. He quickly averted his eyes. "I'm going to turn around…"

"…Okay."

Arthur turned. His eyes were downcast, but slowly moved up, taking in all of Alfred. The Queen soaked up every bit of Alfred, amazed at what he saw. Unlike Arthur's white complexion, Alfred was much tanner. The sheets hid his crotch, but it didn't leave much to the imagination. Arthur looked up at Alfred's broad shoulders and taught pectorals. Arthur automatically brought a hand up to touch the muscles, but caught himself in time. He put his hand back in his lap. Alfred smiled at this little move.

"L-let's… um… lie down," Arthur said suddenly. He moved quickly before Alfred had the chance to appreciate Arthur's chest. The King followed him.

"I-it's a little cold," Arthur mumbled.

"You're cold? Should I put more wood on the fire?"

"No!" Arthur exclaimed. He could only imagine watching as Alfred's bare body got up from the bed and made its way in the darkness, illuminated by the fire, and then bending down to grab a log, only to slowly rise up and- "I mean… no, it's fine. I'll be warm enough soon. The sheets are just a little cold is all."

"Ah, okay." Alfred sought out Arthur's hand. He grasped it, squeezing lightly. "I want to kiss you. I-is…that all right?"

Arthur's face heated up as did Alfred's. The King shifted so his shoulder bumped the Queen's. Briefly, he imagined kissing it and feeling Arthur's warmth on his lips. A shiver of excitement he'd never experienced before raced down his back. From now on, he could kiss Arthur's shoulder every day and night for the rest of his life. Unable to wait any longer, Alfred leaned over to do just that.

Arthur tensed up at first. He had never been touched on his bare skin in such an area before. Having Alfred be the first and only man to do so, excited Arthur too. He closed his eyes to savor the feeling. Alfred continued to leave tender kisses along his shoulder and gradually moved inwards across his collar bone. A hand come up to rest on Arthur's chest over is heart. Alfred was reassured by the quickened heart beat that Arthur could feel the same electricity coursing through his body. He moved up under Arthur's jaw, pausing to kiss his chin, and finished when he found Arthur's lips.

Arthur made a soft noise in the back of his throat. Arthur loved kisses. It was as if he were addicted to them, or rather, to Alfred. That obsession suddenly overtook Arthur.

He pulled Alfred closed and opened his mouth. It was a rather awkward position, but Alfred refused to move unless Arthur consented.

"Can you…lie on me?" Arthur asked. His breath was hot against Alfred's cheek.

Alfred kept his face close as he moved atop Arthur. In the quiet room, their heavy breathing was magnified. Eventually, it intensified to panting and loud heartbeats. Arthur's arms wrapped around Alfred's back. It forced Alfred to stay close to his Queen; not like he'd want to be anywhere else.

Alfred's fingers trembled as he touched bare skin. A musky scent of sweat and desire overpowered the sweet incense. Arthur pulled his head back to kiss at Alfred's skin. He enjoyed the salty taste of the man on his lips.

They resumed kissing even after they became aware of their hardening members poking into each other's inner thighs. Lying flush together was exhilarating. Arthur had never felt so protected in his entire life to have the man he loved covering his entire body with his, and Alfred felt powerful as he pleasured Arthur with just his tongue and body. They could feel every twitched, every shiver, every movement of each other's bodies.

Arthur focused on Arthur's body and heart. He could feel the pounding against his chest, and enjoyed seeing Arthur's body respond to him. The Queen opened his legs to Alfred.

"My Queen…"

"Oh, Alfred…!"

When daybreak broke Tolys was sent to deliver the King and Queen's breakfast. The other servants were attending to the other Families that were sleeping in the guest quarters. Those that weren't cooking or serving with cleaning up the wedding reception mess, and then dressing the Grand Hall for breakfast for the visiting Families and the mid-morning entertainment when Alfred and Arthur were expected to arrive and greet everyone. Every single one of the servants, though, had their ears open to hear the news about the newlyweds.

Tolys entered the King's bedchamber and was pleased to see the couple cuddling together. A bit of the covers had fallen off, revealing Arthur's bare backside. Alfred had both arms wrapped around the Queen and his chin resting on top of Arthur's head. Arthur seemed to mold perfectly into the King's body, almost vanishing under him.

Tolys grinned, knowing he didn't have to look for the consummation cloth to see evidence of their matrimonial duty. Nevertheless, the rest of the kingdom and all of Hoyle would want to know.

Alfred blearily opened his eyes. He noticed Tolys, but was slow to recognize him. Then he grew startled.

He shot a hand out. "Wait!" Tolys froze. Arthur stirred in Alfred's arms. "Close your eyes."

Tolys did as he was told. He heard the covers rustling and Arthur yawning as he started to wake up.

"No one is allowed to see my Queen naked, but me," Alfred grumbled. Tolys chuckled. "Okay, you can open your eyes now."

When he did, Tolys saw Arthur was nearly hidden underneath the top fur layer of the bed's cover. A slider of his blond hair peeked out from the top. Tolys put a hand over his mouth to stop himself from laughing. It was cute to finally see Alfred openly lavish his love on Arthur. He had kept so much of it deep inside him, hidden away to only Arthur in secret stolen moments. Now, it was allowed, and it seemed he was determined to show the world the intense love he had for his Queen.

"I'm going to make a law that says no one, but me, can see you naked," Alfred said sternly. He nuzzled his face against Arthur's.

Arthur snorted. "I believe that's called marriage, sweetheart."

"Um, may I see the consummation cloth?" Tolys asked.

Alfred waved a hand in an off-direction. "It's over there, somewhere. We threw it off the bed after our second go."

Arthur's ears tinged red. He scuttled down further under the fur.

Tolys smiled widely and collected the blue towel that sported multiple white stains. He was careful to pick it up, folding it so as not to disturb the contents. Officials would be examining it to make sure it wasn't false, although everyone knew that the couple wouldn't do such a thing. Nevertheless, he treated it with the utmost care.

"Thank you, Your Majesties," Tolys said as he backtracked out of the room. "We shall expect you at mid-morning for brunch and festivities."

Months had gone by and the couple was still in much love as when they started. Peace had settled in with no sign of the Jokers or mad Queens or Time Locks. For now, the kingdom could focus on settling matters that were truly important, although, Alfred would prefer to settle another matter, one much more personal.

He sought out his Queen reading under the same tree in the secret part of the garden. Still, no one had learned of such a place. Or maybe they had and decided to let the royal pair have it as a place of pure privacy. Arthur looked up and smiled. He beckoned Alfred over to rest his head in his lap.

"Are you all right?" Arthur asked as he carded his fingers through Alfred's hair.

"I've been thinking… Well, the clock is broken. So how can we do another Counting?" Alfred asked. Arthur stilled his hand.

"I haven't thought of that, actually. It seems so far away from now."

"Well, maybe… maybe we could have a child of our own." Alfred looked up at Arthur with brilliant eyes that spoke of his hope and desire.

Arthur smiled and breathed out a laugh. "That would be nice. I'm sure we'll find a way to do that. But for now, let's enjoy being married and being together."

Alfred closed his eyes. Arthur was right; there was plenty of time later to focus on such matters. They had plenty of time.

Hoshiko2's cents: Well, I hope you enjoyed this story as well as the previous one. If you haven't read Gold & Blue, I suggest you do as it is a fun cardverse story to enjoy as well. Thank you everyone who had read and reviewed my story. I appreciate it.