Staring into the blue sky Alfred could not help but sigh as he admired how beautiful it was, how it just filled up the entire space above him, he could just fall into it. It was just the right shade, not too bright and not too dark, and there were a few fluffy clouds that made the blue stand out more. Even the birds that flew high above him appeared to look much more fairer than he was used to, their lovely singing filling the air and fuelling his heart.

“Alfred, focus!”

“Hmm?”

Alfred’s face was yanked down so he found himself staring in the golden eyes of his Jack, who was looking more panicky than normal. “Alfred, they’ll be here any minute now so could you please get your head out of the clouds!”

“Oh right,” chuckled Alfred, still smiling and his blue eyes were filled with stars and a dreamy look, “sorry, just admiring what a beautiful day it is.”

Yao groaned as his King continued to act like he was in a daze. “Alfred I mean it!”

“It’s fine,” sighed Alfred, “it’s a beautiful day to greet the Heart Kingdom, huh?”

“It is but as the King you have to act more formal.”

“Hmm mmm.”

“Alfred, I will smack you.”

“Huh uh.”

“I mean it!”

Alfred just smirked and patted Yao on the shoulder. “Relax Yao, I got this. Just relax and appreciate the beautiful day all around us.”

Yao dropped his head with a moan. “It’s days like this I wish Francis was wrong.”

Alfred chuckled once again and insisted that he was focused on the task at hand. He stared out at the gorgeous river that sparkled in the sunlight and sighed heavily. The port he and Yao stood in was so clean it looked the place had just been built and the decorations were spectacular to look at, all carefully arranged by the port staff. The royal guard were stood to attention and the harbour master and his team stood by, ready to greet the visiting Heart Court. In the distance he could see the crowds on the other side of the river, and some spectators were out on their boats as they awaited the arrival of their Kingdom’s guests. Everything was ready to go and the only thing Yao was concerned about was Alfred’s dreamy like state, his mind currently off in another world.

He couldn’t exactly help it. Alfred felt like he was smack dab in the centre of the universe, his heart felt like it was floating and a wonderful sensation within him felt like he was soaring through the heavens. It was like fireworks and celebrations were constantly going off in his soul, that no matter what challenge that came his way he could face them head on with a smile on his face. He just wanted to hug everyone he met, pick every flower he saw and arrange it into a beautiful bouquet, and sing his heart out as he run through the streets. The smile on his face was as broad as his shoulders, and it was causing a few people to stare at him out of curiosity, wondering why their King was in such a giddy mood.

The reason? Alfred had recently figured out he was deeply in love with Arthur, and upon coming to realising this emotion that had stirred within him he was over the moon.

Alfred sighed as he thought of all of his memories regarding Arthur, allowing them to flood his mind. He saw him in a different light now, he no longer saw him as a odd man who lived in a garden, now he saw Arthur was cute and loveable even when he got angry there was just something adorable about him. His beautiful singing voice, his many talents, even the fact that he was an awful cook made him seem more loveable. There was also something charming about him, the way he looked and dressed, his smart clothes and his polished shoes. His messy golden hair, his emerald green eyes that sparkles in the light, and even his thick eyebrows that made them stand out. Alfred even thought about the smiles he made and those memories made him feel even more giddy. It also made other feelings and other desires blossom within his mind, like how Arthur’s body was so thin and how slender his limbs were. There was just something attractive about his body and Alfred felt a new desire towards him, although he was still entering new territory and was still unsure of how to deal with these desires, he was still eager to see them through, but above all else he couldn’t wait to see him again.

The flicking of someone’s fingers snapped him out of his daydreaming, and he glanced down at an agitated Yao. “They’re nearly here! Now wake up and get ready to greet them.” With a smile, Alfred gave him a quick thumbs up and looked down the river to see a beautiful ship slowly but gracefully approaching the port.

The Kingdom of Hearts wasn’t that far away, in fact it was almost the same distance as the Diamond Kingdom, only it was surrounded by mountains and vast wild plains that made travelling by land rather difficult. So they came via a ship, sailing round the coast and entering the Spade Kingdom down the wide river that ran through it. It wasn’t as fast but it did allow them to arrive in style and already their ship was attaching a lot of applause from the crowds. The royal ship of the Heart Kingdom was beautifully decorated, their sails looked like it was embroidered with patterns of crimson and gold, their flags flapping in the wind as if they were one with the air. The ship itself was covered in amazing etchings and carvings that looked like a god had come down and made it himself, it looked insanely natural. It sailed through the river, carving through the waves like it could carve through rocks. A few security vessels sailed next to it, making certain none of the spectators in their boats got too close, shooing away those who did try to get near it.

As it drew closer to the port, the crew from the ship threw ropes out to the port crew and they caught them whilst barking out commands, tying them around the bollards and gently pulling her in. The sails were lowered and the sound of the ship’s engines rumbled as it eased itself into dock, the crew dashing about professionally and diligently as they prepared their ship to come alongside. Once it was stable and fully secure, a gangway was lowered from the ship and the royal guard stood to attention ready to greet the members of the Heart Court, expecting to see them march down the ramp to meet them.

Alfred braced himself for when he would see the Heart King standing atop the gangway. However it was not him he saw, it was a pair of excited dogs dashing down the ramp and barking like mad, dragging someone down with them who stumbled and cried out in terror as he clung to the leashes.

“Alphonse! Klaus! Wait! Stop! Down! Please!”

Both Alfred and Yao could only stare in bewildered amazement as the pair of dogs ran about the port, a terrified young man being pulled and yanked in all directions as he vainly tried to get them under control. Alfred had heard the Heart Kingdom was a little strict when it came to law and order, so this was the last thing he expected to see when greeting them. He wanted to laugh but he could practically feel Yao daring him not to, so he held it in. He did feel sorry for the poor man who was at the mercy of those large dogs.

“Alphonse, stop! Heel boys! Klaus that’s not a toy! No, I’m not a toy! That’s not a toy, no! Somebody help me! I’m going to get torn apart! I’m too pretty to die! Waaaaah!”

Before Alfred could even consider stepping in, a loud voice cut through the air like a sword. “Alphonse! Klaus! Heel!”

Almost immediately the dogs ceased their racket and sat perfectly still side by side, allowing the terrified man to catch his breath. Looking up the gangway Alfred spotted the King of Hearts glaring down at the exhausted man. “Feliciano, what have I told you about handling my dogs!? I warned you about riling them up!”

The exhausted man whined silently as he looked up at his King. “Sorry Ludwig, I think they got a little excited to get off the ship.”

The Heart King rolled his eyes and someone else appeared by his side. “I think it was Feliciano himself who was excited to get off the ship,” chuckled a short man with dark hair.

“Don’t encourage him Kiku,” huffed the Heart King.

Alfred was desperately trying to hold in a fit of giggles, forgetting that the Heart Court was a good source of entertainment. There was King Ludwig himself, a tall muscular man with sleek hair that looked like it was made from gold and eyes as blue as the cold sky. A hard working man who was the youngest of twelve brothers, was a neat freak and followed every single rule down to the last letter. When it came to his work he liked to keep everything ridiculously organised and running like clockwork, he was actually very good at what he did and under his rule the Heart Kingdom has prospered. He was actually a rather friendly person but he came across as quite aggressive and had zero experience when it came to any form of relationship, though he was improving according to a good source. Alfred had to admit he felt intimidated by him when he was younger, of course today Ludwig was someone who you almost felt sorry for and the reason most people felt this way about him was because of the Heart Jack.

The Heart Jack was in fact the young man who got dragged about by the dogs, a rather laid back man named Feliciano who had been described by many as hopeless. He had been described as cowardly, a picky glutton, and not that bright, and even a lost cause. According to Yao he was a terrible excuse for a Jack and never got his work up to satisfactory standards and only made the work piled up, he and the other Jacks were still confused as to how the Heart Kingdom got anything done. In fact he was constantly chasing around after his King, and was reportedly rather clingy with him. It was also shocking to learn he was descended from a famous and legendary King of Hearts who was responsible for uniting the four Kingdoms during a time of war and strife. Still despite all that he was actually a friendly person, especially around women and was quite the artist, there was supposedly a gallery erected in the Heart Kingdom dedicated to his artwork and it was the No. 1 tourist attraction there. There was also the strange fact that he was crazily addicted to pasta, and he ate more than Alfred himself could in a day.

Last but not least was the Queen of Hearts, the modest and gentle Kiku. His skin was as white as snow and his hair was as dark as midnight, with eyes as gold as the sun and a personality that was gentle as a flower but was as strong as steel. He was a polite man who was older than he looked, and very wise despite his lack of knowledge when it came to other cultures beside his own. He wasn’t ignorant, he just had a hard time adapting according to Ludwig, and he was always interested to learn. Despite his traditional nature he was quite a genius with tech and liked showing off his advanced technology to the Spade King, enjoying his reaction to the normal things he did on a day by day basis. Alfred had met him in his youth and the pair of them were actually good friends despite their huge difference in personalities. Kiku acted as the glue who held the Heart Court together, helping Ludwig to keep calm when he was stressed and encouraging Feliciano when it came to his work. He was respected in his land and loved by all.

The three of them were an odd bunch but they worked together to keep their Kingdom running. They were close despite their clashing personalities and it was quite admirable.

Ludwig marched down the gangway with Kiku gracefully following. Alfred approached and held out his hand to greet him, bearing his charismatic smile. “Nice to see you again Ludwig, you been hitting the gym again?”

Ludwig discreetly enjoyed the praise as he was a fitness fanatic but kept a professional face. “Yah, it is good to see you again Alfred, I’ve been looking forward to this for the past few weeks.” He firmly shook Alfred’s hand. “I apologise about Feliciano, I’ve been trying to train them.”

“Him or the dogs?” joked Alfred.

“Both,” admitted Ludwig with a disappointed frown. Feliciano remained ignorant as he petted a wandering cat.

Alfred then turned his attention to Kiku and the pair of them lowered their heads as they bowed. “Great to see you too Kiku, how’ve you been?” he asked as he raised his head.

Kiku raised his head with a smile. “It is good to see you once more Alfred, you look very different from the last time I saw you.” He tilted his head as he stared at the young King. “Has something changed?”

Alfred blushed and chuckled nervously, forgetting that Kiku was almost like Francis in how he could sense something had changed in an individual. “You could say that.”

“I would very much like to hear it.” Kiku seemed intrigued upon noticing a distinct change in Alfred. “By the way, I brought those sweet cakes you like by the way.” Alfred felt his mouth water as Kiku revealed a decorated box filled with treats. The Heart Kingdom was known for their delicious cakes, he could eat them for days without loosing interest.

“Feliciano, don’t just stand there in your day dreaming,” barked Ludwig, finally noticing how the Heart Jack wasn’t paying attention. “I told you that you have to be the Alpha when handling the dogs, not the Omega!”

Feliciano just lazily looked up and said, “Veeeee, Ludwig look at this kitty, isn’t he adorable?” A laid back smile on his face.

Ludwig groaned as he rubbed his brows. “Mien gott,” he grumbled.

After a few more exchange of words, Alfred escorted his guests back to the palace. Since the port was so close to the palace they actually walked back through a street that had been closed off to allow the Heart Kingdom Court to walk through without fear of getting bombarded with eager spectators. Ludwig appreciated the stroll, insisting that they needed it after spending two days at sea. He admitted that his legs were a little stiff and he was eager to go for a jog. It did also explain why his dogs acted so crazy after getting off the ship, spending that long on a boat would drive any animal insane. Feliciano hummed a tune as he walked beside the dogs, who were acting on their best behaviour around their master though Alfred couldn’t resist patting one of them. Kiku has gotten himself involved in a conversation with Yao, the pair of them sharing some history with each other.

Upon arriving at the palace the Heart Court was escorted to their rooms, Alfred had made certain that they had easy access to one of the large courtyards where they could relax and where they could do their daily workouts. Already the dogs were running about upon the green grass and rolling in the mulch beneath the shrubberies, much to Ludwig’s dismay.

As they got settled in, Francis along with Brasch and Erika popped in to visit them and the three courts exchanged greetings, getting some small talk in and just catching up on general. However Francis seemed to have other ideas and he insisted that he had to borrow Alfred and even invited Kiku to join them. Unable to say no, Alfred left the Heart King and Jack with his own Jack and the Diamond Queen and Jack, following the Diamond King into a small drawing room.

“Is something the matter Francis?” asked Alfred, unsure why the Diamond King was so eager to speak with him as he closed the door.

Francis smirked and trotted over to Kiku, the Heart Queen subtly showing his curiosity. “My dear Kiku, did you know our young Alfred has had his own heart stolen?”

Alfred blushed whilst Kiku actually appeared shocked. “Really?” He looked over at Alfred, bringing his hand up to his face. “Forgive me but I assumed you would have difficulty finding a romantic partner.”

“Hey, Hey, Hey!” Alfred swatted his hands in the air as his face burned with embarrassment. “Francis what the hell? Don’t go telling other people!”

Kiku couldn’t help smirking a little at Alfred’s outburst. “So it’s true then?”

For a moment Alfred felt his voice get stuck in his own throat as the two men stared at him almost intensely. His cheeks were still tingling from the embarrassment, but after denying it so much until he finally realised his own emotions he knew he couldn’t lie to them.

Running his hand upon the back of his head, Alfred smiled a little as he answered with a, “yeah, it’s true,” in a bashful tone.

That response made Francis squeal with delight and he grabbed Alfred by his coat and pushed him onto a chair. He stood over him as he began demanding answers for an onslaught of questions. “So how did you figure it out? When did you realise your feelings? Has he returned them?”

“It’s a he?” asked Kiku, who wasn’t bothered by the gender, he just assumed Alfred was more into girls.

“Did you confess or did he confess first?”

“Who is he?”

“Does he even know?”

“Can I meet him?”

“Did he make you realise? It did you finally figure it out?”

“How did you meet?”

Alfred felt like he was being interrogated. “Could you both let me explain!?” he shouted, unable to take it anymore as the pair relentlessly bombarded him with queries.

Francis chuckled sheepishly after realising he got carried away, clearing his throat as he asked, “sorry, so... how did you come to realise your true feelings?”

Alfred fidgeted in his chair as he told the pair of his last visit in Arthur’s garden. He told them how he heard him singing a beautiful song just as the sun was setting, how he showed him these special plants he had been growing and how in that moment he finally figured out his feelings towards Arthur. It was like his troubled heart had finally settled and it now heated out of pure joy. Francis appeared utterly delighted and although Kiku was happy for him he was still confused.

“Pardon me but, who is Arthur? And what is this about a garden?”

He has almost forgotten that Kiku was still new to this. “Oh, I randomly get transported to a garden without anyone realising, and in this garden lives this guy called Arthur. I can’t touch anything there and Arthur is the only one who can see me.”

Kiku slowly blinked as he tried to process all that. “Pardon?”

“I know, I know, I thought it was weird too,” chuckled Francis, “but I believe Alfred here speaks the truth.” As Kiku stood there trying to understand all this, Francis returned his attention to Alfred. “Now then Alfred, it’s time we have the talk.”

Alfred suddenly frowned. “I know how sex works Francis,” he huffed angrily.

“No, no,” laughed Francis, “I mean, I need to teach you a few things about love.”

“Huh?”

Francis leaned upon Alfred’s shoulder, smiling confidently as he explained. “Love is such an amazing feeling, it’s a new sensation all together and when you realise you’re in love it’s like a whole new world of opportunities has opened up for you.”

“Well... yeah, I know-...”

“I’m not finished.” Francis then seated himself down across from Alfred. “Love is a game when you’re trying to achieve it but when you get it in your grasp it becomes a commitment. You’re still young Alfred and, no offence, but I doubt you’ll be a good lover.”

Alfred did feel a little offended. “Oh come on, it can’t be that-...”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, it’s exactly an attitude like that what will cost you from achieving a relationship formed from true love!”

Although he wanted to argue back, Alfred knew that Francis was the expert when it came to matters revolving around relationships and love. He knew he cared immensely for Arthur but he didn’t want to risk messing it all up. In fact the very idea that he could loose Arthur due to his own lack of experience made him panic a little.

“So what should I do? Do I have to tell him? Or do I wait for him? Or-...”

“Now, now, no need to fret,” insisted Francis, “so I assume that even though you’ve come to realise your own feelings, do you know if he feels the same way?”

“B-but you said he was in love with me!”

Francis darted his eyes away from him for a moment. “I may have exaggerated a little bit,” he admitted.

Now Alfred felt his heart sink. Ever since Francis claimed that Arthur was in love with him despite never meeting him, Alfred had assumed just that. Now Francis was saying he made it all up and it was now leaving him wondering if Arthur really did love him. Was he just being weird? Was that song about someone else? However he suddenly recalled what the mystery girl had told him, and despite her strange behaviour he did believe her as she hadn’t exactly lied to him yet. She was hiding something from him though, he just couldn’t tell what.

“So, do you truly believe he feels the same way about you?” asked Francis, leaning in a little.

Alfred thought about the song, the way Arthur smiled at him when they greeted each other, the cute way he got angry at him whenever he said something stupid. Alfred knew he was terrible at guessing at how other people felt, he couldn’t even guess what he was feeling half the time, but now he knew and he was certain that, despite his stubbornness, Arthur felt the same way.

“I believe he does,” declared Alfred with a small smile.

“Good enough,” replied Francis, “so neither of you have confessed?”

Alfred blushed. “N-no, not yet.”

“Let me guess, you’re going to wait for him to admit it first?”

He couldn’t deny that he hoped Arthur would, as he found that he wasn’t exactly sure how to confess to him. “Yes,” he admitted.

Francis rolled his eyes. “Believe me Alfred, confessing first not only gets it out in the open fast but also shows off your confidence, and the more confidence and bravado you show off the more your potential lover will have faith in you.”

“So what do I say? Hey I like you, wanna go out sometime?”

“Dear god no,” gasped Francis, “you just need three things. The right words, the right place, and the right mood. You have to tell him with words that could make up a poem that would would even woo Ludwig. You have to be in an romantic place, not overly romantic, but a special place that is significant for the pair of you. Lastly you both have to be sharing the same mood, confessing to him whilst he’s upset or angry will not work. Get all three of these in check and you’ll be kissing each other until dawn.”

The advice seemed to have boosted Alfred’s confidence, and his eagerness as the idea of sharing a kiss got him excited, but that last part made the smile on his face fade. “I can’t kiss him.”

Francis chuckled as he waggled his eyebrows. “Well I’ll be happy to show you how to deliver the perfect kiss.”

“No, no,” sighed Alfred, shaking his head. “I mean I can’t kiss him... I can’t even touch him.”

That made Francis utter an “ah,” sound as he recalled that Alfred couldn’t physically touch anything whilst in this garden, not even other people. It would certainly make pursuing a relationship challenging if not difficult. Alfred realised his only chance for any of this to happen was to meet with Arthur face to face, he only had to find out where he lived.

“Pardon me but I’m still trying to understand this,” said Kiku suddenly, “you met a man in a garden where you randomly visit and you cannot touch anything? It sounds all very bizarre.”

Alfred realised the Heart Queen was terribly confused and felt bad for ignoring him for a while. “It happened out of the blue. I could be standing here or chatting with someone and then POOF, I end up in this garden where Arthur lives.”

“And this happens often?”

“At least once a day, twice if I’m lucky.”

“And no one in your kingdom is concerned?”

“No one even knows it happens, not even Yao believes me.”

“But you said it happens when you’re talking with someone. Surely they’d notice if you disappear.”

“They don’t. I could spend hours over in the garden but no time passes here.”

Kiku now looked really confused. “That... doesn’t make sense.”

“I know it’s a weird story but I assure you it’s the truth.”

“No I mean, if time passes when you’re in this garden how can time stop here?”

Alfred was about to answer but he himself suddenly realised how strange this was. He actually never thought about it before but now after Kiku had pointed it out it was making him wonder how the heck did any of that make sense. Why did time stop here if it didn’t in the garden? He spent hours with Arthur but when he returned to the palace it was like he never left. After visiting the garden for so long he never questioned it, but now that it had been brought to his attention it got him thinking. He should know, he was the King of Spades who wielded the very essence of time and space with his very hands, so how had he never noticed this until now? He glanced up and could see Kiku was still waiting for an answer, and he actually appeared a little worried.

“I... actually don’t know... I never thought about it.”

Kiku was now troubled by this. “I don’t mean to criticise you Alfred but as the King of Spades I’d be a little more concerned about all this. Disappearing into a strange garden without anyone’s knowledge? It sounds very risky to me.”

Francis could tell Kiku was about to deliver one of his lectures. “Now Kiku, there is no need for concern. Alfred has been investigating this.”

“Has he?”

Francis insisted that the young King had been looking into it and the two Kings brought him into Alfred’s office, showing Kiku all the data and information that he had gathered on all the mysteries that the Spade King was going through. He could see how Alfred had been looking into the mystery of the missing Spade Queen and something regarding a strange cover up involving the Joker. Alfred also pointed out that he solved part of the garden mystery, how a strange girl was sending him there. He then showed Kiku all the knowledge he had on the mystery girl and it was this that caught the Heart Queen’s interest.

“A strange little girl in a frilly dress?”

“Yeah, she’s friendly I guess but she’s super mysterious.”

Kiku looked like he was thinking deeply after the mention of the strange girl. “Interesting,” he murmured.

“Something up?”

Kiku glanced over at Alfred. “I’ve actually had unusual dreams about a strange girl in a frilly dress... with eyes like a starry sky.”

“Really?” Now that got Alfred intrigued as Kiku’s unique power was prophetic dreams.

Many had come to him hoping for some insight into their futures, but Kiku explained that his dreams only showed him things that he needed to see. He also had to figure out the meaning behind his dreams as they didn’t exactly give him a straight answer. He was able to predict a great flood in the Diamond Kingdom and by warning them they saved hundreds of people and protected their land. When Francis asked him what he dreamed about to realise what was to come, Kiku explained he dreamt that he found a deck of cards thrown into a bowl of water, the Diamond card disintegrating into the water as it overflowed and flooded onto the floor. It was an easy prediction according to Kiku, but he had others that took him months to figure out.

If he had dreamt about the strange girl then Alfred was curious to know what the rest of the dream was about. “Tell me the dream,” asked Alfred.

Kiku frowned a little. “It was a few weeks ago actually,” he muttered, he didn’t seem too keen to share but he did anyway. “I was in a forest and I saw a little girl weeping beside four open graves, each with a silver casket inside.” Kiku then appeared a little queasy. “The caskets then began to leak large amounts of blood, it filled the graves and began to flood the forest floor and the trees sunk into it until I was standing in a lake of red. It was just me and the girl until she pointed at someone...” With a exhausting sigh, Kiku sat down on a nearby chair and he appeared a little faint.

“Are you alright?” asked Alfred, approaching him carefully.

Kiku forced on a smile. “I am, sorry. It’s just...” Kiku went silent and now appeared troubled. “I’m sorry, the trip wore me out. I think I need to rest.”

Alfred didn’t want to force Kiku to continue if it meant stressing him out although he was dead curious about the dream and what it meant. Four open graves, silver caskets, a lake of blood, it sounded more like a nightmare than a dream. He actually felt sorry for the Heart Queen for dreaming up such a thing. Francis walked over to Kiku’s side and offered to walk him out, the Diamond King pulling him up and escorting him out the office. Alfred expressed his desire for Kiku to rest up and promised to see the pair of them at dinner. The pair of them wished Alfred a good day before leaving him alone.

Finding himself alone with his thoughts, Alfred couldn’t help but wonder what that nightmarish dream meant and who or what was the little girl pointing to? Whatever it was it made Kiku feel queasy, and that was a worrying thought as the Heart Queen was quite a strong willed individual. He glanced over at his whiteboard and decided to add that piece of information to it, wondering how it contributed to the mystery. He stood back and looked at it all, sighing as he still had no idea how any of it meant.

Despite his concern for all these things, Alfred could not help but think back to Francis’ advice. “The right words, the right mood, and the right place.” He clutched his fist over his heart as it fluttered at the thought of him and Arthur conveying their feelings for each other.

—————————

His heart was beating a hundred beats a second as he sat across from Arthur, watching him intensely as he stirred the milk into his tea. The gardener bringing the ceramic cup up to his rose coloured lips, the steam from his hot tea swirling around his pale face. Those green eyes of his glanced up at him, filled with curiosity and a small hint of concern.

“Alfred, what’s the matter?”

“N-nothing,” stuttered Alfred, fidgeting where he sat. Arthur didn’t seem convinced with that small statement but chose to ignore it as he drank his tea. Alfred could only try and get himself to calm down but he was finding it difficult given the situation.

Moments ago he had just sat down for lunch with Ludwig and Francis when he found himself back in the garden where Arthur was having one of his many tea breaks. He was ecstatic to be back so soon but now that he understood his feelings for Arthur, he was also a little nervous. He wanted to say so many things to him but he didn’t know what to say or how to even say it. He just remembered what Francis told him and tried to play it cool, he just had to wait for the right moment, get him in the right mood and then use the right words... oh right, Alfred forgot he wasn’t that good with words.

“I’ll just wing it,” he told himself.

“What?” Arthur had heard him.

“Oh... um... nice weather today, right?”

“Yes... it is.”

Alfred bit his tongue, he really wanted to get his feelings out but he didn’t know what to say.

“Arthur?”

“Yes?”

Alfred tried to think of something subtle and romantic. “Your... hair isn’t that messy today... I mean-... you’re looking ok, I mean-... your... um... looking presentable today.” He wanted to punch himself from saying something so stupid.

“Thank you...?” Arthur seemed to appreciate that comment but he also appeared dumbfounded. “You too I suppose.”

Damn, he needed to keep the compliments going. “Um... your Elder trees are looking great too.” Alfred glanced over at the Elder trees, the five of them looking like ordinary trees in the sunlight. “They look great, really great!”

“It’ll be many more years until you get to see them in their full glory,” boasted Arthur, “there has been so many myths surrounding these trees, none of them have been proven true or false.”

“Really?” Alfred tried to show interest.

“Yes, some say they bare fruit that grants you immortality and some say the fruit is highly poisonous. Some even say they don’t bare fruit at all.”

Alfred didn’t recall the Elder tree in his palace bearing any fruit. “Would you eat it if it did bear fruit?”

“No,” snorted Arthur, “I would never risk it. I bet you would though.”

“N-no! ...maybe... I’d get it checked out first.”

That made Arthur chuckle. “They say it’s taste is as bitter as sand.”

Alfred shivered in disgust, he hated bitter fruit more than anything. “Screw that then. Wait, how would they know how it tastes?”

“No one truly knows, perhaps it was a made up one to protect them from gluttonous brats like you.”

“So what you’re saying is... the could be the sweetest fruit in the world?”

“Possibly?”

“Oh then I’d definitely want to try one.”

“Go right ahead, you’d either die or turn into a goblin after eating it.”

“Ew... never mind.”

“There are other myths surrounding them you know. That they’re not really trees, they just look like that because it’s how they form on our plane of existence. Some say they’re old gods, ancient spirits, divine entities from someplace we can’t comprehend.”

As Arthur continued to go on and on about the legends surrounding these rare trees, Alfred couldn’t help but lean forward and stare at him with a stupid smile upon his face. He truly did love this, being here with Arthur and listening to him prattle on about things. It made him appreciate the things he missed before, such as how cute Arthur could be, even when he was angry. Now that he realised he was in love with him, he saw him in a whole new light and everything about him just felt new and unreal. There were so many things he wanted to say, so many things he wanted to do, but due to certain circumstances he was unable to do most of that stuff.

He was also aware that Arthur had the same feelings for him, he was just incredibly subtle about it... well not subtle, he just didn’t hint at it very well or he was too embarrassed to admit it. Maybe he was just waiting for Alfred to make the first move. Still he could see it whenever he looked at him, the way his green eyes sparkled at him and how his personality just lit up around him. His attitude towards him had changed since he met him, he was always happy to see him and he’d drop everything just to focus on him and him alone. Alfred just wished that he’d say something about it, he really wanted the pair of them to talk about it, but due to his lack of experience with romance he wasn’t certain on how to start a conversation on the very topic. It was at times like this he wished Francis was here.

Should he say something? He needed the right words and he was fairly certain the pair of them shared the right mood, still even though the garden was beautiful and was significant to the pair of them, none of it seemed exactly right, at least to Alfred. He liked to do things with a big bang, to turn something small into a huge spectacle with a lot of flash and style. He didn’t want to confess his feelings to Arthur in a place he saw him everyday, he wanted to express his love for him with a huge show, to literally blow him away with his affection. How though?

“Some say Elder trees can do things that seem virtually impossible,” continued Arthur, “and if you rub their bark you get a whole years worth of good luck but that too is just a myth.”

“Uh huh,” responded Alfred as he looked around.

“Is something the matter?” Arthur seemed flustered that Alfred appeared to display a lack of interest. “Um... the weather is fantastic today, isn’t it?” Arthur was keen to get Alfred focused back on him.

“Oh yeah, it is. Real great.”

“They say that it takes eight minutes for the sun’s light to reach Earth... j-just thought that was an interesting fact to share.” Arthur appeared embarrassed and muttered, “why did I say that!?”

Alfred continued to look around and his eyes finally spotted one of the doors along the stone wall. It wasn’t the door that lead to Arthur’s room, it was where that horrid man came in and out from. He always wondered where it lead to but he never bothered to venture through it. An idea popped into his head, a really good idea. What if he told Arthur he wanted to tell him something but explained that he could only tell him in a completely different setting? Somewhere away from the garden? Somewhere new? He could kill two birds with one stone, confess his feelings for Arthur and get to see the world outside his garden and get a good idea where he was in the world and then maybe he could finally meet him face to face.

With a confident grin he turned to face him. “Arthur!”

Arthur flinched after being startled. “Y-Yes?”

“There’s something I want to tell you!”

Upon hearing this Arthur started turning red, and he tried to discreetly compose him himself, bracing himself for the news. “Y-Yes? What would that b-be?”

Alfred stood up and Arthur could only watch him with an eager but nervous gaze. He was actually clutching his hands together quite tightly. “But first I think we need to go somewhere else,” declared Alfred.

“Oh, um...” Arthur looked around. “Back up in m-my room perhaps? N-no! I-I mean by the hydrangeas or over by the roses? Or-...”

“Outside!”

“We... are outside.”

“No, I mean outside the garden! Outside of here!”

That answer from Alfred made Arthur’s expression drop. “What?”

Alfred pointed at the door. “Let’s go for a walk outside the garden for a change.”

Arthur looked back and forth between him and the door, his face starting to fill with panic. “N-no, not today... I... I can’t today.”

“Why not?” demanded Alfred, staring intensely at him.

“B-because... I got to water the flowers over by Lancelot and Galahad over there.”

“You told me earlier on you watered them all this morning.”

“They... need to be watered twice.”

“But you told me that you only water them once a day so you don’t drown them,” argued Alfred, who could now see that Arthur was obviously making up lies and excuses.

“W-well... I’ve got a lot of work on and... I... what did you want to tell me? You can just tell he here.”

Alfred wasn’t going to take no for an answer and started walking towards the door. “I’m not telling you anything until we go someplace new,” he declared in a gleeful tone.

“W-wait!” Arthur rose up quickly and dashed after him. “Alfred wait, please! Can’t we just take a wander round my garden? I’ve grown some new herbs!”

“Nope,” answered Alfred, getting closer and closer to the door. “We’re going out today to stretch our legs.”

“We can stretch them here!”

“Not enough room.”

“Yes there is!”

“Nope, not enough for my legs.”

“I... I can’t!”

“Oh yes you can,” chuckled Alfred, “you’re coming out with-...”

“I CAN’T!”

Alfred actually stopped after hearing such a loud outburst from Arthur, turning round to face him. Arthur stood there with a face full of shame and fear. He wasn’t looking at him, rather he was staring off in another direction, his small body trembling slightly and he tried hugging himself to stop the shivers.

“What do you mean you can’t?” snorted Alfred, unable to see what the issue was, “just open the... door...”

It was in that moment that it hit him. He had always wondered why Arthur lived in such a strange place, with unclimbable stone walls that towered over him and his garden, with a landlord who treated him like crap and demanded things from him wether he consented to it or not. Why he kicked up such a fuss about Alfred leaving him, his fear of being alone once again. Why he never told him where he lived, why he came up with a hundred excuses as to why he couldn’t leave for a day to visit him. He had always wondered why it was all weird, he just never bothered to pay close attention to all the clues and hints thrown at him, but now it hit him like a brick wall.

This wasn’t Arthur’s home.

This was his prison.

Arthur just stood there, as if he was certain that Alfred was now aware of the truth, unable to look at him as his face went pale and he seemed to shrink in on himself. Alfred could only stare back at him in pure horror, shocked that this whole time he had been visiting this man who was confined to this garden against his will. At first he was angry at himself for not realising this sooner, but who could blame him as this place didn’t exactly look like a normal prison. In the beginning he thought Arthur lived in a beautiful if not odd home but now he understood why he acted the way he did. He couldn’t leave because he wasn’t allowed, he was trapped in here, completely cut off from the outside world. Why didn’t he say anything? Why didn’t he tell him? He now had so many questions but there was on that pushed past them all accompanied by a bubbling rage that began to boil deep inside of him.

“Who?”

Arthur didn’t look at him.

“Who?” repeated Alfred, now walking towards him. “Who’s locked you up here!?”

Arthur still refused to look at him.

“Is it that creep of man who takes your hair!?” Alfred didn’t realise he was raising his voice. “Is it him? Is he the one who locked you up?”

“I’m not locked up,” replied Arthur in a small voice.

“Then walk out the door!”

“I can’t.”

“Why not!?”

Arthur went silent again. “They won’t let me.”

They? “Who’s they!?” Alfred approached him. “Tell me Arthur!”

Arthur shook his head. “No, I can’t.”

“Why not? Why can’t you tell me!?”

Arthur went silent once again and though he wasn’t looking at him Alfred could see his eyes were starting to fill with tears. Why was he acting like this? Why wasn’t he telling him anything? Was he scared? Did that man threaten him so much that he still terrified him?

“Why didn’t you tell me you were locked up!?” demanded Alfred, feeling upset himself but was still enraged at the whole situation.

“What was I supposed to say!?” snapped Arthur, now looking up and glaring at him. “That this place is nothing more than an over glorified bird cage!? That I’ve been stuck here for five years against my will!? That even if I could leave I can’t!? That I’m trapped here for the rest of my life!? That I’ll never get to go outside ever again!?”

That last part made Alfred silently gasp whilst Arthur continued to glare at him with rivers of tears running down his face. The words still echoed in Alfred’s mind and it horrified him. He had been imprisoned here for the rest of his life? Why? What for? Was there even a reason as to why he was locked away? What was the reason for all this madness? Before he could even ask, Arthur had fallen upon his knees and continued to cry his eyes out.

“I can’t leave,” he sobbed, “I can never leave.”

It hurt him to see him in such a state and being unable to do something, and words alone were not going to solve this. Alfred walked over to him and knelt down next to him. He wanted to comfort him but at the same time he now wanted to get him out of here. To finally learn that he had been trapped here for five years sounded like a nightmare.

“Tell me where you are,” he pleaded.

“W-what?” Arthur peered up at him.

“Tell me where you are! I’ll come and break you out!”

A plan started to form in his head. If he could get Arthur to tell him where he was he could mount a rescue, help him escape from his captors and bring him to the Spade Kingdom, keeping him protected and safe. He could do it, he was a King after all and he alone had the strength of a thousand men. He could tear down these walls keeping Arthur trapped and save him from a lifetime of imprisonment. Yeah, it sounded like a fantastic idea.

“Just tell me where you are,” he pleaded again, his voice filled with hope, “I can get you out of here and-...”

“No.”

Alfred’s voice got caught in his own throat at that answer. “No!? What do you mean no!?”

Arthur wipes his eyes. “You can’t come.”

Why? Why wasn’t he telling him? Was he scared Alfred would get captured himself?

“Arthur I can get you out of here! I can protect you, I’ll keep you safe, you can come live with me and I’ll never let you get imprisoned ever again, just tell me where-...”

“I want to,” choked Arthur suddenly, “but I can’t. If circumstances were different I’d tell you in a heartbeat but... I just can’t.”

Alfred was getting impatient. He was angry, horrified and upset about the whole situation and Arthur wasn’t giving him any answers. “Don’t you trust me?”

“It’s not that,” stammered Arthur, “it’s just... I’m...” He went silent for a while until he finally looked up at Alfred with some doubt in his eyes. “If I tell you, promise me you’ll keep it to yourself.”

“What? What are you-...”

“Promise!” Arthur now looked dead serious.

Alfred gulped. Whatever this secret was that Arthur was willing to share with him it must’ve been a huge one, he still looked terrified and his lips trembled.

“Ok, I promise,” replied Alfred, not truly putting his heart into it as he was just keen to get some answers on how to help Arthur.

Arthur sighed deeply and with trembling hands he reached up to his collar, loosening the tie and unbuttoning the first button. “I... I’m-...”

“Alfred, I asked you what time is Ivan arriving tomorrow?”

Alfred’s heart sank when he looked up to see both Francis and Ludwig staring at him from across a dining table. He looked around desperately, hoping to still see if Arthur was around but already knew by now that both him and the garden were gone.

“Alfred?” Francis noticed the sudden change in the Spade King’s attitude.

“If you don’t know I could always ask Yao,” said Ludwig, “I just needed to know because-...”

“NO!”

Without warning Alfred suddenly slammed his fists against the table, his raw strength causing the wooden table to instantly smash into splinters and collapsing in on itself, the food sliding down and the tableware smashing as it hit the floor. Francis almost jumped off his chair to avoid getting his clothes messed up and Ludwig could only stare in shock. The stewards standing nearby silently gasping at their King’s sudden outburst and uncertain if they should approach to clean it up.

Alfred just stood there and stared at the mess he made, not caring about it at all, nor the fact that he just offended both his guests. He was still enraged over learning a horrifying truth about Arthur, the truth about his garden. All this time, the whole time he had been visiting Arthur in his prison, complimenting him on his wonderful home and how lucky he was to live there. Now he learned the truth and it made him feel sick. He was angry at Arthur for not telling him but he was more angry at himself for not realising it sooner.

“Alfred, what has gotten into you!?” snapped Francis, carefully trending over the ruined table to get to him. “You just ruined a perfect lunch, why did you suddenly throw a tantrum.”

Looking up, Alfred looked back and forth between the other two Kings. His emotions were still unstable and a Illinois things were rushing through his mind. All he could think about was Arthur, trapped in a garden, all alone. It then hit him that when he wasn’t with Arthur he was completely alone and trapped. No one to help him, no one to keep him company. He couldn’t leave him there, he had to get them out of there, he had to find him and free him from that horrible prison.

“I gotta go,” was all that he said.

Without even waiting for Francis to say something he sprinted out of the dining room and towards his office, leaving the two Kings terribly confused.