House of Cards

King Alfred let out a long yawn, his body numb from the morning cold, as he was standing there and waiting for Arthur, who was as fresh as a daisy, to open the book store. The king lifted his glasses a bit and rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand, trying to get rid of his sleepiness. It was incredible how active Arthur was right now, after an almost full night of... well... doing other things than sleeping. "Wake up, Alfred, we won't close earlier today," the store owner demanded and headed to the backroom to leave his keys and coat there, to prepare some tea and to get ready for the work day. Still yawning from time to time, Alfred followed him slowly and without saying a word, took off his coat as well and received a broom from Arthur. It was time to sweep the street. As listlessly as before and almost falling asleep on the way, the king went to the entrance. Suddenly, he saw someone passing by... first, he didn't care about that, but then he spotted the unusual curl sticking out of that person's head, and Alfred knew only one possessing a curl like that. He looked closer. There could be no doubt: it was the Jack of Hearts. He immediately stepped out of the store, making the bell ring. "Jack!" he shouted, getting carried away by his excitement. The boy, however, didn't stop. "The Jack of Hearts, there you are!" This time, the other did stop and turned around. Alfred's smile became wider, as he took a few big steps and found himself facing the teenager with the big almond eyes. "So I was right! You are Ludwig's servant," the king said, eyeing the latter, who looked surprised. "Are you... a king as well?" Feliciano inquired. Alfred's smile vanished for a second. "Of course I am! I am the King of Spades, you've seen me a thousand times during the audiences with Ludwig, don't pretend to not know me," he said, putting his hands on his hips and wondering why Feliciano was talking to him as if he were a stranger and even without having lowered his head while addressing him. What a servant. "Ah, no, I'm sorry, it's just that..." "Alfred! Confusing people again, aren't you?" Arthur asked, leaving the store and rapidly heading to the aforementioned one in order to scold him, until he suddenly noticed whom the king was talking to and looked at Feliciano for a moment, managing to recognize him. "Feliciano... from the orphanage?" The boy nodded, forcing himself to smile. "Ve~ yes... it's me. Hello Arthur, long time no see," he replied, while Alfred's gaze was wandering between the two of them. "You two know each other?" the king asked, frowning slightly. "Sure. Feliciano used to live in the orphanage until he got adopted, I met him while bringing books there," Arthur simply replied, shrugging. "That's impossible. He's Ludwig's servant, I've always seen him with him, never in an orphanage," Alfred objected, getting a light slap on the arm. "You're probably mistaking him for someone else again, it wouldn't be the first time, after all," Arthur reprimanded him and looked at Feliciano. "Forgive him, I think he has a problem distinguishing people." "It's okay, in fact, he's right," Feliciano said, confusing now both Alfred and Arthur. "I mean I do look like the person he's talking about. We're not the same, but I know Ludwig, too," he added, directing his gaze into Alfred's blue eyes. "Ludwig, the King of Hearts." Hearing this, the latter seemed to do a jump from sheer happiness. "So Francis was right, after all. Ludwig is here," he said, wrapping his arm around Arthur's shoulders in a strange bear hug that made the other let out a groan. Feliciano put on a sad smile. "Where is Ludwig? We have to inform Francis, too, by the way... oh, then Ivan's the only one missing. I wonder if he's nearby as well," Alfred wasn't able to control himself anymore, talking way too fast. "I could bring Lud here if you want," Feliciano suggested, looking at the excited young blond, who turned around to Arthur. The latter didn't seem to like the idea of having another lunatic playing king in his store, but when he saw the childish joy in Alfred's face and the way the king was hopping on his spot, he groaned and muttered an "Alright" between clenched teeth. "Do that! And I'll call Francis, and we head out together to look for Ivan," Alfred decided. Feliciano nodded, and Arthur simply shook his head and returned to the store, leaving the lunatics alone. The Italian followed Arthur with his gaze and then looked at Alfred again, who was beaming with joy to have found another king. "Do you miss your kingdom a lot?" Feliciano asked out of mere curiosity... perhaps because he had never asked Ludwig that question. Alfred looked him directly into the eyes, and his smile got wider. "Yes, I do! And Yao, too," he replied, remembering the jack and his constant scoldings, but also all the lectures he had received from him as his best friend. "But I won't go back..." he then added, surprising Feliciano, who noticed how the king turned towards the door, where Arthur could be seen through the glass walking to and fro in the store without knowing that he was being observed. While watching him, the king's face started to relax. "I made that decision a while ago... and want to find the others to let them know. I won't go back, I will stay here, with the one I love," he said, turning back and showing his white teeth while smiling once again. Feliciano felt jealous. "Alright, then I'd better hurry up and bring Ludwig here," he said, smiling back, then made a few steps backwards and turned around in order to run home. What envy, what envy he was feeling towards that lucky Arthur, who didn't have to do anything to make the king stay! What envy... The Italian ran home, his mind still being a chaos of thoughts. There were so many things he was feeling at the same time, but he had to control himself, he had to be fine. After all, it had been like this all his life, so this couldn't be an exception. He reached the entrance of his house and took a deep breath in order to calm down and smile. Feliciano had to be alright. He didn't have any other choice. "Ludwig!" he called, as cheerful as always, surprised by his own talent for acting. "Feliciano," Ludwig said, coming out of the living room with a worried expression on his face. "I am glad to see you back. Are you alright? Did that guy do something to you?" He examined the boy, who shook his head and waved his hands. "No, nothing, I'm perfectly fine..." he replied, calming Ludwig down a bit, but not for long. "Are you sure, Feliciano? I'm asking because of everything that happened to your brother and then this between us..." The king's cheeks started to turn red, as he remembered their kiss. "I am..." Feliciano answered, not daring to look him in the eyes. They stayed silent for a moment, until Feliciano decided to break the tension. "By the way, Lud, I just met the King of Spades," he suddenly said, making Ludwig snap out of his thoughts and look at him, baffled. "What?" He could believe his ears. "Yes, the King of Spades... Alfred was his name, I think. He told me to bring you to him and wanted to inform another king. You have to go, Ludwig!" The Italian took him by the hands, as if wanting to drag him to the door. "Wait, King Alfred? But how?" Ludwig asked, trying to stop the other, who didn't let go of him. "Yep, exactly, and he wants to meet you and the other kings. You have to gather in order to return to your kingdoms, because... you want to return, don't you? You have to go back to your queen... and the Jack of Hearts. I'm sure he's worried sick by now, and you can't let him suffer like that, you have to go back," he said, lowering his head, so his bangs' shadow covered his eyes. "But what about you?" Ludwig asked. Feliciano forced himself to slowly let go of the king's hands. "I'll be alright, I have my brother... even though we aren't together right now, I know that he's there for me. So you have to return home," he finally raised his head and looked at Ludwig, who wasn't very convinced by his words. "Lud, I know what it feels like to be far away from the people you love. You have to return. Go to the other kings and return home together." The boy was now almost begging, since he knew that the separation would only get harder with time, as the affection would grow until becoming painful. "Give me just a minute to make a call, and then we'll go to Arthur's book store, where the king is," Feliciano then said, walking inside the house. "You're going to see your friends again, I'm so happy for you!" He started to go upstairs followed by Ludwig's preoccupied gaze until he left his field of sight. Entering his tutors' bedroom, the Italian allowed himself to stop smiling. Then he sat on the bed next to the bedside table, took a few deep breaths and picked up the telephone. Maybe he would get permission to talk to Lovino for a bit... he hoped Antonio hadn't punished his brother. He dialed the number and waited... nobody answered the call… The ringing of the office's telephone was drowned by the screaming and laughter of the kids, who were running through the hallway as always, eager to be the first ones to get breakfast that morning. Lovino was among them, too, but he didn't even spare a look at the telephone that stopped ringing after a while, instead keeping on walking, evading children and glaring at the ones who dared to bump into him, scaring the smallest ones with his gaze and making them cry. Not giving a damn about that, the teenager went upstairs to his room. He had lost his appetite almost overnight, and was letting out involuntary sighs for hours while spending his time daydreaming. A very strange behavior for him, indeed. Having reached his room, he sat down on the lower bed, the one he had shared with Feliciano once, and could see through the window everything happening outside. So he leaned against the window frame, letting his gaze wander towards the yard, where he spotted Antonio... sitting there with his eyes half-closed, he could feel his face starting to burn and the blood gather in his cheeks. "Stupid Antonio," he muttered, placing his cheek on his palm without taking his eyes off the Spaniard, who was talking to Francis and smiling like an idiot. "Stupid," Lovino repeated, seeing him burst out laughing and beaming with happiness. This made his heart twitch in his chest. "Why are you doing that to me?" he finally asked into the silence, continuing to watch the other. So unfair, so damn unfair that Antonio was doing all these things to him... confessing his feelings like that and even suggesting him to live together. This just had to be a bad joke, because who, apart from Feliciano, would even be able to love Lovino? The problematic one, who was getting abandoned by everyone? But then he remembered that pathetic confession and the fact that Antonio had even called him by his full name in order to convince him that he did mean it. Lovino buried his head between his arms, slightly raising his gaze to keep observing Antonio, who was still busy having a conversation with Francis. God... but what if his words were true, after all, and he did love him for real? Lovino was pondering on that option, while following the other with his eyes up to the gate, where the beautiful Emma appeared to greet him. If Antonio really loved him as much as he said he did and wanted the two of them to live together... then he supposed the Spaniard wouldn't have eyes for anyone else. He would have to look solely at Lovino and love nobody but him... This was what the Italian was thinking about, as the two friends were hugging and kissing each other's cheek with affection. Lovino fixed his chocolate eyes on Antonio. His usually furrowed brows relaxed, and he just sat there neither moving nor saying anything, just watching the two old friends talk and Francis join their conversation. Antonio laughed again, and Emma clung to his arm for a few moments. Seeing that, the teenager narrowed his eyes... Tell me you are mine alone. Then he let out something similar to a groan and hid his face between his arms that were still leaning against the window. "Why is it so hard to love someone?" he asked, with his face still hidden and his cheeks burning, just now realizing how stupid he was feeling for being in love. He wished Feliciano was there to tell him what to do, after all, his little brother was an expert concerning these things... or at least so he thought. "Antonio, you idiot," he said once more, and his heart twitched again. "Achoo!" Antonio sneezed for the third time in a row. "Did you catch a cold as well? At this rate, this will soon become epidemic," Francis complained, stepping away a bit from the Spaniard while covering his nose and mouth with a handkerchief. "Don't exaggerate, now," the other scolded him, rubbing his nose. "Maybe there's someone talking bad about you," Emma joked, letting out a few mischievous giggles. Francis joined her. "This does not surprise me at all, since there is a young man, whose sole purpose in life seems to be criticizing him," the king said, obviously talking about Lovino. "Quiet!" Antonio ordered, wrapping his arm around the other's shoulders and forcing him to bend down in order to press his knuckles against the top of his head. "No, no, no! Do not touch my hair!" Francis yelled, struggling with him, until he managed to free himself and arranged his blond hair while letting out angry snorts. Emma laughed even harder, amused by that childish fight. "You reminded me of Feliks for a moment, he turns into a fury if someone dares to do something to his hair," she commented between laughs. "Feliks? Oh yeah, your friend from the hospital," Antonio said. She nodded with a smile and then looked at her watch. "Oh, I have to go soon. Feliks and 'His Majesty' require my attention," she said in an exaggerated tone, capturing the attention of another king. "Right, the hospital also has its own king," Antonio joked, patting Francis' back. The latter frowned slightly. "A king? Who?" he inquired, ignoring Antonio's amicable gestures on purpose. Emma supposed he was just wanting to join their game. "A patient named Ivan. He's really intimidating, to be honest," she replied. Suddenly, Francis approached her and grabbed her shoulders. "Ivan, the King of Clubs?" he asked, scaring her a bit. "Answer me, miss! Are you talking about the King of Clubs?" He still didn't let go of Emma, who couldn't understand the reason for such a reaction. "I... I... don't know," she said, looking at Antonio, as if asking for help. So the Spaniard came to her rescue, but before he could do something, Francis shoved him away. "This is a matter of life and death, miss, the future of the four kingdoms depends on you. So is the king you were talking about the King of Clubs or not?" he insisted, frightening Emma even more, who was about to scream for help, but then remembered a detail that would maybe get her out of that uncomfortable situation. "Yes, I think... that patient has a club-shaped tattoo on his foot. Is this what you mean?" she said, feeling Francis' fingers relax, until he finally let go with a big smile and then took her hands in order to kiss them a few times. "But of course! This is him, this is Ivan!" he rejoiced, still holding on to Emma's hands, while she forced herself to smile and looked at Antonio, who simply placed his index finger against his temple, indicating to her that Francis was insane as well. "Miss, would you be so kind as to guide us to my dear friend? I have to talk to him," the king asked in a calmer tone, letting go of one of her hands. His soft voice and piercing gaze made Emma not only blush, but also agree. "O-Of course, today is visiting day, after all," she stammered, feeling Francis' lips press themselves once more gently against her hand. He smiled at her gallantly, making the nurse blush even more. "Very well, then let us leave immediately. Just excuse me for a moment," Francis said and left them. "But we still have to ask for the principal's permission," Antonio reminded him. "So take care of that, young man. I will be back soon," the king ordered as if Antonio was his servant and resumed his path. He was so excited! With Ludwig, the four of them would finally be reunited again, and if they also managed to find the jokers, their return home was assured. Luck couldn't be more on their side! And he wanted to return! He wanted to sleep in his comfortable canopy bed, eat the delicacies he was so used to for breakfast, see Lily again and tell her all about the things he had gone through while sitting in his palace's garden and drinking tea together, take a long hot bath in his enormous bathtub, wear his usual clothes instead of these rags... and of course he would buy Matthew new clothes as well and also the best toys of his entire kingdom, which he would send to the orphanage every week, since he wouldn't be able to take the child with him. Yes, this was what he was going to do right after having set foot into his palace. But he snapped out of his daydream as soon as he entered the boy's dormitory and saw Mrs. Williams sitting on the latter's bed, while the boy was lying in there because of his cold. The blond woman with the kind smile was holding a plate with soup on her lap and feeding the boy, whose face was still a bit red due to the fever. At the other side of the bed was Mr. Williams, who was also smiling at the little one. Francis abruptly stopped at the doorstep, furrowed his brow and twisted his mouth in a clear expression of disgust at the sight of that sappy scene of a happy family... how despicable... "Francis!" called the boy, his voice barely audible, as soon as he noticed the king's presence. The latter smiled again. "Good afternoon," the Williams greeted him as he entered, but he ignored them, turning his attention only to Matthew. "Hello, boy. Are you feeling better now?" the king asked, running his hand over Matt's forehead. The other nodded, smiling. "I have big news," Francis began, taking out a handkerchief in order to wipe a few soup traces from the boy's mouth, who tried to turn away, as always, but in vain. "What happened?" Matt asked, when the adult put his handkerchief back again. "I found another king, the King of Clubs, and am now going to see him." Matt's eyes widened with excitement. "I'll go, too!" he said and coughed, trying to sit up. But the king forced him to lie back down. "No, boy, you are convalescing and should not leave your bed. But no worries, I will tell you every detail, once I am back." "Alright," Matthew accepted, burying himself under his blanket, a bit annoyed that he couldn't accompany the king. The latter was satisfied by his obedience. "I will be back soon, so do not dare to leave your bed under any circumstances," the king ordered, tapping the tip of Matt's nose slightly with his index finger. "Okay..." the child said, resigned, making the adult smile and turn around to leave the room. However... "Francis," the boy stopped him. "You will be back, right?" he asked shyly. Francis raised both eyebrows and moved his long blond hair behind his shoulder. "Of course I will, I have just said that I will tell you everything once I am back. No worries." He dedicated a soothing gaze at the boy and finally left the room, not even looking at the Williams nor replying when they said goodbye to him. The king walked through the hallway and headed downstairs, where he met Antonio again, who seemed slightly troubled, explaining to Francis that he had received a warning from the principal that this would be the last time of her granting them permission to leave, since they couldn't just be absent from work every time they wished. "The situation warrants it, she will understand," Francis shrugged off the matter and started to walk, followed by Antonio, who let out a snort. Emma had been waiting for them at the gate. The three of them stepped out on the streets and headed to the clinic, with Antonio having to bear Francis' flirting at Emma, who tried to turn him down. From time to time, the Spaniard said something to interrupt them, since he was feeling a bit out of place... or rather like the third wheel. So he was thankful to have reached the austere white building. Emma went ahead to clock in and inform about the visit; they had decided to present themselves as Ivan's relatives. "Good morning," she said to one of her coworkers, hurriedly left her things, put on her nurse headband and told one of the male nurses to inform Ivan from room thirteen that he had visitors. The tall, robust man obeyed and went to the hallway with the numbered doors. Just in front of the indicated room, Feliks' loud laughter could be heard from inside. The latter and Ivan were both sitting on the king's bed, with their legs on the mattress and Ivan showing his mark that Feliks had been thinking of as a simple tattoo until now. But judging from the other's words, it was a symbol that had been identifying him as king since the day of his birth. "So the others have marks like this, too... what do they look like?" Feliks asked with curiosity. Since the day of their encounter with the joker, he hadn't stopped asking questions, which the king patiently answered and also told him stories: about his childhood in the palace, the elegant balls organized in the big hall of the capital's palace, the caravans and carriages, the members of the royal court and the audiences with the other kings. Feliks was listening to him with shining eyes, trying to imagine every detail. "Ah, Ivan, like, can you imagine what'd have happened if I had been born in your kingdom? Then the mark would've, like, obviously appeared on my body and not on Lizzy's. Then she could've continued to lead her horribly normal life and bewitched the jack in another way, but you and me, we could've been a totally fabulous royal couple," he said with a sigh. "No, I think you would rather have been just another commoner," Ivan joked, earning himself a light slap on the chest. "Don't be so cruel, like, someone like me totally deserves the highest position of the entire royalty," Feliks objected, standing up on the bed with an arrogant smile. "The highest position? Well, then you would have been born as the king... and I as your queen?" Ivan asked, and that sounded so ridiculous that they both burst out laughing. "No, Ivan-baby, the king would've still been you, since as a queen, I would've been able to wear a gorgeous, voluminous and totally sequinned dress. Pompous, very pompous!" Now, Feliks closed his eyes, spinning around on the bed, imagining himself in said dress with a fitted waist, a voluminous skirt, and of a bright green color that would match his eyes. And wearing jewelry he would have gotten from the King of Diamonds, since Ivan had told him that the latter was always giving gifts to the queens. A little dizzy now, he finally slumped down on the bed and placed his head on Ivan's lap. The king smiled. "Yeah, this should've been my life, Ivan, I should've been born queen," Feliks said, raising his hands and letting Ivan take them. "I cannot make you queen, but would you like to become part of my court?" Ivan invited him again to accompany him to his kingdom, but Feliks just put on an enigmatic smile. And before he could say something, the door opened. The male nurse twisted his mouth in disapproval when he spotted Ivan sitting on the bed with Feliks lying on his lap and holding hands. He was definitely getting it all wrong. "You have visitors," he said, pointing with his head at Ivan. Feliks sat up abruptly. "Me?" inquired Ivan, pointing at himself. "Him?" Feliks asked, looking at the king. "Yes, hurry up now." And with these words, the man closed the door again. There was complete silence in the room, as the two of them looked at each other without saying a word. Feliks was having something like a deja-vu, so he placed his hand on Ivan's arm, as though wanting to tell him something, and the other noticed the fear in his roommate's eyes. Perhaps, because he remembered what had happened the last time there was a visit. "I wonder who it might be, I don't know anyone here," said the king and took the still silent Feliks by the hand, then got up and smiled at him like always. "Let's take a look, shall we?" And tugged the other with him. Yes, Feliks was afraid of someone coming to reveal the sad truth that everything he had heard from Ivan was nothing but mere hallucinations, even though he had seen the child with the tail and horns with his own eyes... but there was always the possibility that his medicine had stopped working on him, or that Ivan himself could be a hallucination as well... and no, he wouldn't be able to bear that. "Francis?" Ivan's voice finally snapped Feliks out of his thoughts. Looking up, he realized that they had reached the entertainment room and that there was a blond man with a little beard and blue eyes in front of them, who was staring with the same surprise at the King of Clubs. Next to him was Antonio, Emma's friend, whom Feliks was always watching from a distance. "Ivan! What pleasure to see you!" exclaimed the one named Francis, came closer and tried to wrap the aforementioned one into a big hug, while Ivan was just standing there, tensing up a bit. "Why are you here? I don't understand?" asked the King of Clubs, while Feliks seemed to wish to hide behind him. "It was all the result of coincidence," Francis responded happily. "However, I would have never thought that you would end up in a place like this. These jokers are truly merciless creatures," he complained, placing his hand on his forehead, as if the mere mention of said creatures had caused him a headache. This alerted Feliks, who tugged at Ivan's scarf to attract his attention. The king bent down a bit, so that the other could whisper into his ear. "Is he a king, too?" "Yes, the King of Diamonds. Look at his arm," Ivan whispered back and straightened his back again. His roommate obeyed and searched with his eyes for proof that would identify the blond man as a king. Then he saw it: a yellow diamond symbol on his arm that went from his wrist to his elbow. Feliks smiled and stepped in front of Ivan, gaining his self-confidence back. "Hey, like, nice to meet you, I think we haven't introduced ourselves: I'm Feliks Łukasiewicz, Ivan-baby's friend, and you are...?" "The King of Diamonds," replied the other, straightening his back. "Your friend?" he asked Ivan, barely believing what he had heard. The latter shrugged, smiling. "A lot of things happened," was all he had to say. "And you're probably Antonio, my dear Emma's super friend," Feliks continued. The Spaniard jumped as he heard his name. "Uhm, yeah... nice to meet you," he said nervously and stretched out his hand, but instead of taking it, the other chose to give him an unexpected "brotherly" hug. Francis was watching Feliks, who didn't let go of Antonio, and then looked at Ivan, who was observing these two with a smile. The King of Diamonds tilted his head, trying to examine the other royal, whose smile got even wider, as he saw how the excited Feliks tried to start a conversation with the seemingly even more nervous Spaniard. "Ivan... you look a bit different. Did something happen to you?" Francis finally asked, snapping the other out of his thoughts. "As susceptible as always, Francis," Ivan commented, making Francis' chest swell a bit with pride. "People are just too obvious," the latter shrugged it off. "I just hope you are not a fool like Alfred, who does not seem to have the intention to return to the place he belongs." "No worries, I already have a solution for that. What did you even expect from young Alfred? He is still far too immature to set his priorities straight," Ivan answered calmly. Francis was relieved to talk to someone reasonable (even though that someone was in a mental hospital right now). But to be honest, he had always been getting along with Ivan, not as a friend, but as a colleague. "Are you talking about another king?" Feliks asked, coming closer and letting Antonio, who wasn't feeling very comfortable among so many "lunatics", escape to Emma. "Yes, the King of Spades, who..." said the King of Clubs. "Oh, have you talked to him?" he asked Francis. "Of course I have. I have found him recently and am certain that Ludwig is somewhere around here as well, together with his jack. That boy never leaves Ludwig's side, not even when the latter is being kidnapped... I am truly surprised," the second king commented. Ivan didn't say anything, immersed in thoughts. "If that is the case, we will be able to go home soon, one of the jokers appears here from time to time, so it wouldn't be too hard to make him send us back," Ivan commented with a malicious smile that made Francis shudder. This was the reason he wasn't the Club's friend. "Er, yes... but first, we need to concentrate on Ludwig and Alfred. I am really afraid that the latter is planning to do something foolish like staying here just because of a passing infatuation, despite having a queen waiting for him at home," replied the King of Diamonds, while Feliks was carefully listening to them both and imagining the romantic drama the King of Spades had to be living: being in love with a simple commoner, while his queen was waiting for him to come back. "Ah... how romantic," he said out loud with an exaggerated sigh and theatrically placing both hands on his chest. Francis looked at him with surprise, deciding to just ignore him, while Ivan let out a few giggles. Now Francis knew who had changed the latter. "In any case, we have to go inform Alfred that you were found, and look for Ludwig. There is no time to waste," he said, about to head out. "Sorry, Francis, but I cannot leave this place," Ivan said out of the blue. "Excuse me? You are coming with me, my dear Ivan," Francis almost commanded. "I believe you did not understand, I literally cannot leave, because for some strange reason, the people here think that I am ill or something like that and keep me locked in," Ivan explained, smiling like always. The outraged Francis seemed to be looking for the right words. "So what should we do now? We need to go this instant and demand you to be freed immediately! What insolence... and I thought I was the only one to be treated like that," the King of Diamonds muttered angrily. "Hey, don't be like that, like, how about we wait for that joker? I mean, if almost all of you have already found each other, it shouldn't be too difficult to command to be sent home and everything. Totally simple," Feliks suggested. "Sounds like a viable option. The jokers usually arrive when we are alone... but with the four of us..." Ivan began, and his appearance darkened. "...they will beg for their heads to be allowed to remain attached to their bodies." He started laughing, making Francis intensively shudder again. He hated it when Ivan acted like this. "I suppose we could do that for now... or else Alfred, Ludwig and I will come to get you out of here even if we have to point a sword to their throats in order to achieve that," said Francis, crossing his arms. "I don't think this will be necessary, Francis. The jokers brought us here, saying we could return once we have learned our lesson... and somehow I think I did," Ivan replied calmly, looking at Feliks for a split second. The latter didn't notice. But Francis did. He realized that Ivan... was looking... happy. The King of Clubs was known for his eternal smile and cheerful way of speaking, but everyone was aware that this smile was nothing but a mask each one of the kings and queens were forcing themselves to wear: the smile, vanity, seriousness, arrogance; a calm face, a strong gaze, a shy one... it was like a big masked ball. But just now, it was as if Ivan would show a real smile, his real face... the king, who had dared to take off his mask right during the ball. And what about Francis himself?.. When was he going to take off his own? The latter rapidly shook his head and returned his attention to the topic they were treating right now. He looked at Ivan again, whose unexpected happiness was making him a bit uncomfortable, and let out a long sigh. "Very well, Ivan, I will take you and your... friend at your word," he said, eyeing Feliks from head to toe, whose vain smile got even wider. "We will wait for the jokers, but at the same time think of a way to get you out of here." The other king just inclined his head a bit, showing that he agreed to that. "Now, I will go to inform Alfred that you have been found. See you later. I think you are in good hands for now," Francis continued, looking at Feliks again. "The best ones, Majesty," the latter replied, winking at him. "But you, like, are as well." He pointed at Antonio, who had been staring into his direction all the time, a bit worried that Francis was getting along so well with someone who seemed to suffer from mental disorders. Francis put on a little smile, looking at the Spaniard, who was standing there with Emma, and then again at Ivan and Feliks. "Yes, I also have a friend," he said, heading to Antonio with these elegant and prideful steps that were so typical of him. There was nothing that could make him bend his back. "Let us leave, Antonio, we need to go to Alfred right now," he commanded. Antonio groaned. "But the principal told us to not take too long, and I'll be the one to end up being scolded for that!" "A simple scolding is not going to kill you. Now stop complaining and come," said the arrogant king. The other rolled his eyes, but obeyed nonetheless. Francis went to Emma, giving her a smile that could steal sighs and hearts. "My lovely miss, I thank you infinitely for what you have done for us, even going all the way as to bring us here. I wish I could repay your kindness somehow," he said, making her swoon. "No need for that... I didn't do that much," she shrugged it off, blushing and giggling. But the King of Diamonds still gave her a little kiss on the cheek. Then he said goodbye and left together with Antonio, who wrapped her in one of his usual big hugs and kissed her other cheek. "Are you always like that with women or only with Emma?" the Spaniard asked, as they were leaving the hospital. "With all the ladies, of course, each one of them is beautiful in her own way and deserves to be treated accordingly," replied the king like the most natural thing in the world. "You don't stop surprising me, Fran, sometimes your behavior makes one want to punch you in the face, but then you let out comments like these, proving to me that you really are a good person." Antonio wrapped his arm around Francis' shoulders and laughed. The other squirmed a bit. "It should have already been clear to you that I am a good person. And concerning my behavior, I am just..." "Whatever you say, but to be honest, I don't agree with your way of thinking," Antonio replied, still smiling. "You just have not lived long enough, young man." "Don't get cocky, you're not that much older than me." Antonio shoved him, making the king angry, but instead of giving a speech about having offended him, the latter just shoved him back. Playing around like that, they resumed their way to the bookstore. The King of Diamonds had never thought that childish things like that could make a walk so much more amusing. Swallowing his pride, he had to admit that it... had been fun. Still shoving each other around, they finally reached the store that had its typical "open"-sign hanging on the door. Antonio went ahead and entered first, making the little bell ring. And the first thing he saw inside was Feliciano, taking a cup of tea that Arthur was offering to him. "Feli..." Antonio was a bit nervous, since the last time they had seen each other was when he had been trying to stop that boy's brother from escaping. "Antonio, hi!" Feliciano greeted him as always and went to hug him, trying to not spill the tea he was holding in one hand. The Spaniard was relieved. As it seemed, the younger Vargas brother wasn't mad at him, after all. "Nice to see you," Antonio said, hugging him back. "Ve~ long time no see," Feliciano replied, not mentioning their real last encounter on purpose. "Yes, Lovi and I have missed you a lot," Antonio joined his act. And while they were smiling at each other, they were interrupted by someone else's throat clearing. Antonio looked at a corner of the store and spotted Alfred and another guy, who was watching them with an extreme severity. A tall and slightly scary man with blond hair and blue eyes. "Ludwig!" exclaimed Francis, who was standing behind Antonio. "King Francis," replied Ludwig upon seeing the aforementioned one, who gave the Spaniard a last shove, which made Feliciano almost spill his tea. "Oh, Ludwig, as it seems, I have received some of Ivan's luck! What pleasure to meet you too!" Francis said, approaching the other with big steps. Ludwig held out his hand, expecting a diplomatic handshake, but was hugged instead. "And I was sure I would have to search for you for an eternity," the other king continued, without letting go of Ludwig, who was doing all in his might trying to break off the hug, but in vain. The King of Hearts felt a bit awkward, especially when he saw that Feliciano was holding back a giggle. "Well done, Alfred, you have found Ludwig very fast!" The King of Spades became another victim of Francis' hugs, which immediately alerted Arthur, who had been completely ignored that entire time. "Oh yes, what a pleasure to have you all in my store! No need to thank me, you know I love having a bunch of role-play addicted lunatics in here," he said in a very loud voice and crossed his arms. Francis glared at him. They really didn't get along from the very beginning. "Please forgive the inconvenience," Ludwig apologized, who was the only one to get the sarcasm. "There is no reason for you to apologize, my dear Ludwig. As far as I understood, that young man is nothing but a simple commoner," the King of Diamonds said, glaring at Arthur, who glared back at him. "He should be more than thankful for the mere fact that we are here, in this sad place," he added, now looking disapprovingly at the store's furniture. "Well, if that 'sad place' is not to your liking, the door is right there. No one's going to stop you," Arthur spat. "What kind of attitude is this! You are talking to the supreme King of Diamonds, so you better control that tongue of yours if you want to keep it," Francis threatened him and came closer. Arthur didn't stop glaring at him. "Oh please, I could just break that ugly face of yours to make you stop your cheap performance," he countered. The king almost shrieked out as he heard that. "I dare you to repeat that, eyebrows! You are basically begging to be hanged." "Hanged? Can't you even defend yourself with your fists or are you worrying about your nails?" Arthur kept provoking him. Somehow, the mere presence of that king was making his savage and troublemaker-side emerge again. The already furious Francis rolled up his sleeves. "Come here, brat, I will give you a taste of what Vash has taught me!" They attacked each other, but before any blood could be spilled, Alfred and Antonio managed to separate them. "Let me go, I will crush that frog face!" Arthur tried to free himself from Alfred, who was holding his arms, like Antonio was doing with Francis. "I will rip out these rats you call eyebrows, you pitiful plebeian!" Francis was yelling, struggling with the Spaniard, while Feliciano was stepping away out of fear. "Enough!" Ludwig shouted, taking control over the situation. "I cannot believe to see such a behavior from your part, King Francis," he started scolding with his deep, serious voice. "He started it!" the other king objected, while Antonio was trying to calm him down. "Scold him as well! And to top it off, Alfred is doing nothing to defend me!" "Of course not, I am his boyfriend, after all!" Arthur yelled out angrily. There was a deadly silence. Everyone looked at the young king, who swallowed heavily, expecting his immediate explanation. No one said a word. Antonio even freed Francis, who was standing there with his mouth open, not to mention Ludwig, who didn't know whether he should get angry or try to talk about it. Feliciano and Antonio, for their part, seemed a bit uncomfortable by that sudden confession, and Arthur was breathing heavily, liberating himself roughly from Alfred's grip, who wanted nothing more than to escape. "Alfred, you are an idiot!" Francis was attacking again, but this time going at the other king. Antonio, however, managed to stop him just in time, and Arthur was ready to defend Alfred. "I told you, didn't I? You stupid brat!" The King of Diamonds was beside himself with rage. "Don't insult me!" And as if that had started a chain reaction, this time it was Alfred who intended to punch Francis, but Ludwig managed to detain him. "I told you! I told you we had to return to our kingdoms!" Francis spat, still struggling with Antonio, who had to apply the double amount of force to hold him back. "You don't understand, Francis!" Alfred yelled back, being restrained by both Arthur and Ludwig. He was a lot stronger than they had thought. "I do understand, you are not the only one who wants to stay!" The King of Diamonds raised his voice to such an extent none of the ones present ever remembered having heard him scream like that. Francis was panting. With a strong shove, he finally managed to free himself from Antonio, and moved his hair back with his hand in a not very elegant gesture, trying to remain calm. He was frowning, and his chest moving up and down, revealing his agitation... his eyes were showing anger and helplessness. "We all have reasons why we do not want to leave, but our duty is much more important. We should not forget it that easily and even less treat it as something we could just refuse to do from one day to the next… our lives and obligations are marked on our very skin. It is not possible to get rid of them, even if we rip it from our bodies," he said, coming closer, while Alfred was still trying to get free from Ludwig and Arthur, glaring at Francis as if he wanted to kill him right then and there. "So try to grow up a bit. Stop acting like a child and become an adult once and for all!" the latter yelled at him, ripping the door open, which made the little bell ring violently. But before leaving, he directed one last gaze at the others. "By the way, I also found Ivan." And then left the store, slamming the door behind him and making the glass tremble. There was silence again. Antonio tried to find the right words to say. He didn’t know whether he should apologize for Francis’ behavior or follow him and try to calm him down. After a few seconds of an uncomfortable atmosphere, he just managed to do the first. “I’m sorry… sorry, Artie, for everything… ah, I think I should go after him before he kills someone on the way. Sorry again, and see you.” The Spaniard hugged Feliciano briefly as well and left in order to follow his friend. Everyone tried to take deep breaths to calm down, Arthur and Ludwig, however, freed Alfred only after a few minutes when the latter relaxed his muscles a bit. No one said anything, or rather didn’t want to even look at each other. Alfred placed his hand on his eyes, muttering something under his breath no one else managed to understand, perhaps only Arthur. As it seemed, the young king hadn’t wanted the others to learn about his relationship with Arthur that way and even less to see such reactions from them, his point was to gather everyone in order to let them know about his decision to not return to his kingdom… after all, there was also a queen, who could take his place, but no… everything had turned out the worst way possible and surely now he was in for a long lecture from Ludwig, who was standing there with his arms crossed. “King Alfred.” And there it was. Now it was time to hear out the most serious and bitter king of all four. “Could we speak in private?” Well, at least, Ludwig would not make a scene like Francis. Alfred nodded reluctantly and the two of them went to the backroom. Arthur saw them enter the small room and sighed, accompanied by the occasional “Ve~” from Feliciano, who still didn’t say a word. “What’s the matter with everyone? You’re taking this game way too far,” Arthur said, exhaling deeply. Now that everything was silent again, he was feeling the effects of the adrenaline in his body and his slightly accelerated heartbeat. He had to calm down. “But it is no game,” Feliciano replied, staring at his cup of tea he hadn’t taken a single sip out of. “Do you really believe that fairy tale about kings and queens?” Arthur asked, raising an eyebrow a bit incredulously. But he wasn’t actually that surprised about this coming from Feliciano, who was a bit… naive, not to say stupid. Feliciano just smiled, confirming Arthur’s suspicion. The latter rolled his eyes, sighing again. “But you shouldn’t worry, Arthur… it looks like Alfred really loves you and is ready to leave everything behind just for you… you’re so lucky,” the Italian said, looking at his reflection in the tea, without seeing the discreet smile on the other’s lips as he heard these words. To leave a kingdom, a queen... an entire life behind just to be together with someone else. Feliciano found the mere idea wonderful, almost like something straight out of a romantic novel... and there was the envy again. What a horrible feeling! To wish for someone else's happiness and luck, to see how that someone was happy with the person they loved... while he himself had no other choice than to give up, to convince himself that Ludwig wasn't the one for him, the king, who would ironically be together with his other "version" in another world, while poor Feliciano himself would stay in his dark reality, where no trace of a better future could be seen... perhaps only when he finally would be reunited with his brother after having reached the majority age. Yes, he would cling to that thought, to the idea that his brother was the only one to have a place in his heart from the start. Both Arthur and Feliciano were immersed in their respective thoughts, when they suddenly heard noise from the backroom. Apparently, someone inside had punched the table. "So you are on Francis' side as well?!" Alfred screamed at Ludwig, who remained as calm as he could. "You're never thinking of me and neither of yourselves. All you do is resign yourselves, you're nothing but bitter kings, who are just fulfilling their duties without any objection, but I am different! I want to live my own life and have my own desires!" Alfred was walking to and fro, trying to make Ludwig understand that he just wanted to be free. "I know, but it is not possible for us to do what we want. We are not like other people, we are kings and carry the weight of our entire nation on our shoulders... we should think of that first, not of ourselves. This is our duty," Ludwig tried to explain as if the other was a stubborn child. "Duty, obligation, responsibility... these are the only words we hear since the day we are born. No one ever talks to us about freedom nor about dreams and wishes. What kind of life is this?" The younger king was getting only more frustrated. "The life of a king," Ludwig replied firmly, which made Alfred even angrier. He turned away. Ludwig snorted. Maybe he shouldn't be too strict with the boy, after all, Alfred was still young and seeing things differently than him, who was a few years older. "King Alfred, you may be angry right now, but you will soon understand that the best decision is to return to your kingdom and be with your queen. Here, everything is uncertain, even your love for that man... but your queen..." "My queen what? Ludwig, just look at you and the others! Your marriages are nothing but farces!" The other laughed out sarcastically. “They are not. Kiku is my queen, but also my right hand and an esteemed friend, Queen Elizabetha is a strong, intelligent woman, who is indispensable for King Ivan to rule together over their kingdom, and Miss Lilly is King Francis’ support. You can see how much they trust each other, despite his attitude… a queen is much more than just a person you get married to.” “And what about love? I haven't heard a single word about love in your explanations, what an irony coming from you, King of Hearts,” Alfred mocked him. Ludwig seemed uncomfortable. “There is also a chance of you falling in love with your queen.” Alfred shook his head and looked at him with determination. “I love no one but Arthur, and nothing is going to change that, not even that goddamn mark.” He ended the discussion and left the backroom, followed by Ludwig, who didn't see any point in arguing further with him. They returned to the other two, who were having some small talk right now. Alfred went to Arthur, wrapped his arm around the other’s shoulders and hugged him gently, as if he wanted to provoke Ludwig. The latter didn't say anything. “We got pretty much nowhere today, perhaps, we could talk to King Francis tomorrow and make him explain how he found King Ivan…” Ludwig began. “Arthur, forgive us for all the trouble and incovenience we caused,” he said to the store owner, who didn't reply, but still accepted the apology. “See you later.” Feliciano also said goodbye and thanked for the tea, casting a last sad gaze at the couple. The Italian and Ludwig left in silence, feeling the evening breeze and thinking of a lot of things. Perceiving a sudden cold in his neck, Feliciano automatically turned around, placing his hand on said part and checking whether there was somebody behind him… but didn't see anyone, so he looked up at a shop’s roof at the other side of the street, and, as if he had already expected that, found there the albino joker, who was looking impassively at him. Feliciano decided to ignore him and resumed his path by Ludwig’s side. Gilbert watched him leave. Peter was there as well, lying on his back and playing with a deck of cards. “Ah… Gilbo… people’s lives are so fragile, like a house of cards that collapses from a single blow,” the younger one commented, placing the last card on top of the small house he was making. Gilbert turned around, admired the construction for a moment, and then bent down and blew on it… the cards wobbled and fell one after another. One of them flew up and got carried away by the wind, landing by the book store’s door, where the King of Spades was possessively hugging Arthur and quickly, but also lovingly kissing him. Arthur broke off the hug, smiling sweetly at Alfred. “Let’s return to work, the day still hasn’t ended,” he said, stretching and turning his back to the king, who was about to follow him, but stopped after one step, being attacked by a bad feeling… a bit surprised and not even knowing why, he took his spade-shaped clock out of his pocket and opened the lid… The clock had stopped.