With Arthur unconscious in his arms, Alfred briskly made his way to the first place that popped into his head; his room. Mainly because it was the only place he could think of where he’d be able to let Arthur rest in a comfortable bed. He walked through the hallways, passing by the palace staff who were shocked to see their King in such a state whilst carrying a man they had never seen before. Yao followed close behind and continued to bombard Alfred with questions such as, did he really go to the Forest of Eternity? How did he manage to leave? What happened to the Elder Tree? Who was that man he was carrying? As much as he wanted to answer Yao, Alfred wanted to get Arthur somewhere where he could rest safely.

Finally reaching his room, Yao had enough with the silent treatment. “Would just tell me what the hell is going on!?” he snapped as Alfred gently lowered Arthur into his bed.

“Ok, ok,” huffed Alfred, not realising how tired he was. “I’ll explain, but first-...”

“No! I want answers now,” snapped Yao, stamping his foot.

“I was going to ask if you get a doctor,” pleaded Alfred, trying to get his Jack to keep the noise down with his hands. “It’s for him-...”

“Who the hell is he anyway!?”

“It’s Arthur!”

Yao opened his mouth to say something but closed it immediately when the realisation just hit him. He looked at the sleeping man in Alfred’s bed and then back at his King.

“You mean... your Arthur?”

“Yes.”

“The one from the garden?”

“Yes!”

“...that Arthur?”

“Oh my god, YES!”

“Then that means-... he’s the Queen of-... oh my...” Yao suddenly went speechless and he looked at the pair of them, trying to figure out what to say. “How...? Why...!? Wasn’t he...? Didn’t you...? How in the-...”

“Yao, I can understand that this is confusing and I will explain it all later, but I need you to do a couple of things for me,” demanded Alfred, resting his hands upon Yao’s shoulders. “First, I need a doctor to make sure he’s alright, and second, I need to let the other courts know what is going on so could you get them all in the Gathering hall ASAP?” Yao didn’t say anything at first so Alfred had to shake him. “Now Yao!”

“Huh? Oh y-yes... right away.”

Yao then dashed off and Alfred glanced over at Arthur before entering his en suite. He turned on the taps, the water gushing out instantly, reaching out and holding as much as he could before slashing it on his face. He completely forgot he was wearing glasses so he took them off and continued to clean his face. Once he was done he dunked his head into the half full sink and started swallowing as much water as he could. Although he really wanted a soda, he was craving just plain water right about now. Once his thirst was quenched he stood back up and slapped his glasses back on, inspecting himself in the mirror. He still looked like a wreck with his torn clothing and his greasy hair, and the rings under his eyes indicating that he was tired.

There wasn’t any time to sleep as he stumbled back into his room, his eyes automatically locking into Arthur. He approached him and placed a hand upon his head, relieved to see that there was no fever. It seemed that he really was asleep but he’d be happier once an actual doctor checked him over. His eyes did wander down to his clasped hand, wondering what Guinevere had given him before she disappeared. Thinking of the deceased Elder Tree spirit made Alfred sigh miserably, not caring that his Kingdom just lost a national treasure but was more distressed that he lost a friend, a very strange but important friend. It must’ve hurt Arthur more to watch the Tree he raised to suddenly die before him, no wonder he just fainted like that. Or maybe being stuck in a suspended state only to wake up a hundred years later took a toll on him, and his body was trying to adjust.

A knock at the door brought him out of his thoughts, looking up to see a couple of maids carrying towels and small medical kits enter his chambers. “Pardon us your highness but the Jack has asked us to watch over this gentlemen as your presence in the Gathering hall has been requested. A doctor has been summoned and is on their way.”

It was better than nothing. He wasn’t worried about leaving Arthur alone with these two, though there was a part of him that didn’t want to leave his side. A slight hint of paranoia seeped through him but he forced himself to accept that he had nothing to worry about. He had a job to do, he had to tell the other courts what happened as well as convince them that all the danger was over.

“Just make sure he’s comfortable, he’s had it real rough,” instructed Alfred, “if anything happens you let me know immediately!” The two maids nodded, accepting the instructions given to them. Alfred then rushed towards the door, looking back at Arthur one last time before heading out.

He was too tired to muster up the power to warp so he just walked. His legs ached, his muscles were as sore as hell, and he had a longing to climb into the nearest bed and go to sleep, however he ignored all of that and focused on what he had to do as a King first. No doubt there was going to be concern over the disappearance of the Elder Tree, and the rest of the courts still believed that the world was doomed, so he had to convince them all was well. He was asked by passing staff if he was alright due to his appearance and he insisted with a smile he was perfectly fine. He was overjoyed when a butler appeared carrying a tray with a large soda cup and a donut drenched in icing, scoffing the sweet pastry down in one bite and drinking the sugary drink as fast as he could, the buzz it gave him granting him some energy at long last. He thanked the butler with a couple of firm pats to the shoulder and carried on.

The trip to the Gathering hall felt like it took forever but he finally reached the great door that lead to it and Yao was waiting for him. He still looked frazzled about the whole thing, and when he saw Alfred he didn’t seem to care about the state he was in.

“They’re in there waiting for you,” he declared.

Alfred struggled to hold back a yawn. “Ok, let’s get this over and done with.”

“Are you alright?” asked Yao with concern, “we can wait till-...”

“If I tell them now then we can all sleep easy tonight,” insisted Alfred, trying not to accept the Jack’s proposal.

Yao didn’t argue with that and stepped back to allow his King to enter the Gathering hall. Although he knew he was still a complete mess, Alfred did try his best to make himself look somewhat presentable before going in. The literal second that he walked in, someone suddenly tackled him and it took him a moment to realise that his attacker was Francis.

“Alfred you little spoiled pig! How dare you scare the living daylights out of me! If I had my way I’d be slapping you to next week and starving you so you’d never pull something like this again! Do you have any idea what you put me through! I’ve been worrying like mad! I’ve practically ripped my beautiful hair out! You horrible little beast!”

The Diamond King looked like he had indeed been pulling at his own hair, his fine clothing was creased and the handkerchief he held was soaked through with tears and other fluids that Alfred found gross. It was almost amusing to see him in this state, and to see him acting like this was also getting a chuckle out of him. Poor Francis looked at his wits end and he continued to rant until Alfred had to force him to let go.

“Francis, I’m really sorry, I-...”

“Thats it!? You’re sorry!?”

This time it came from Elizabeta. Before he realised he was surrounded by all the members of the four courts, all of them either angry, upset or really confused.

“You went to the Forest of Eternity without consulting us!?”

“What the hell were you thinking!?”

“We thought we’d never see you again!”

“How did you get out!?”

“What happened to the Elder Tree!? It vanished!”

“Why didn’t you tell us before you left!?”

“We could’ve come up with a plan together!”

“Are you hurt!?”

“What if you never got out!?”

“You’re really selfish you know that!”

They went on and on, unloading all of their frustrations onto him and despite how upset they were, Alfred couldn’t help but smirk. He could see the relieved anger in their eyes, though Ivan appeared more confused as well as intrigued.

Alfred had to raise his hands to calm them all down, insisting that he was fine. ”Guys, guys, relax. I'm not dead, I'm fine... So let me sit down and I'll tell you all about it.”

He stumbled towards his chair where Yao had quickly pulled it out for him, collapsing into it and desperately fighting back the temptation to fall asleep. The others gathered round but they didn’t sit upon their chairs. They just stared at Alfred with anticipation, wondering what had happened to him and where he had gone.

Alfred took a deep breath before starting. “First thing; the world is safe. There is no more Armageddon or whatever.”

This news should’ve brought the relief but some of them were still weary. “How do you know this?” demanded Basch, folding his arms.

Before Alfred could answer, Kiku suddenly cut in. “I believe he speaks the truth. The overwhelming dread I felt... it’s gone. It happened not too long after Alfred departed to the Forest of Eternity.”

“But how?”

“I met with... the Grand Elder Tree...” answered Alfred. Everyone, especially Ivan, suddenly appeared intrigued. “I paid the price, ended the suffering... it’s all over...”

“You met the Grand Elder Tree!?”

“How!?”

“How did you even leave that place!?”

“Are you certain the world is safe!?”

“Are you alright!?”

They continued to bombard him with questions and Alfred lost the strength to answer back. He couldn’t even find the energy to straighten out his glasses and everything was starting to get blurry. He wanted to say something to silence them but he couldn’t.

Thankfully Yao was there to hold them all back. “Please, I understand you are all very concerned with all that has happened, but the King has returned from a heavy task and desperately needs rest. He came here to put your minds at ease so you can all sleep well tonight, and I’m certain that in the morning he will have the energy to answer your questions.”

That seemed to have worked and the members of the four courts looked at each other.

“Then we shall resume this in the morning,” declared Ludwig, desperately holding back a yawn. “If Alfred says that the danger has passed, then I am convinced.”

Alfred was relieved as everyone agreed with the Heart King but before they dispersed, Kiku cut in once again.

“There is one thing I need to confirm first,” he pleaded, knowing that Alfred was exhausted but was clearly keen on getting an answer. “Not too long ago I... I felt a presence. A familiar presence... like someone who had been gone for a long time had finally come back.”

“You felt it too!?” Elizabeta clasped her hands. “It was like something had clicked back into place. I can’t explain it but... but it was like-...”

“Like a long lost friend had just come back.” Erika bore a warm expression.

Everyone looked at the three Queens, confused about their behaviour. Alfred could only assume that they felt Arthur’s presence the moment he returned to the palace. It must’ve been a Queen thing since the other Kings and Jacks appeared clueless.

“Now that you mention it,” declared Roderich suddenly, “I caught a glimpse of you earlier on as you returned to your quarters.” He removed his glasses to polish them before continuing. “You were carrying a young man.”

“A young man you say?” Francis was now very intrigued. He slid closer to Alfred, his signature smirk planted upon his bearded face. “Oh Alfred you stud, who did you take up to your room? Who was the lucky man?Is that why you’re so tired?”

Before he could tell Francis to mind his own business, Ivan suddenly pulled the Diamond King back and took his place. “You say the danger has passed, but what if your missing Elder Tree?”

“No... more... danger...” insisted Alfred weakly.

“But who was that man?” pleaded Francis, trying to peer over Ivan’s larger frame.

Alfred could feel his consciousness fading but he managed to slur out the name, “...Arthur.” He was now barely awake but he could just make out what the others were saying.

“Arthur? Wasn’t that...?”

“Wait, he was the Queen of Spades right?”

“I thought he lived a hundred years ago.”

“Alfred wouldn’t make up something like that.”

“So does that mean...?”

“Could it be...?”

“Has... has the Queen of Spades returned?”

“Alfred? Alfred, what is going on?”

Alfred tried to answer but someone else did it for him.

“Oh for the love of me! Everything the Spade King has said is correct! There is no more danger, the world is safe, he met with the Grand Elder Tree, left the Forest of Eternity, and the man he dumped in his room is Arthur, the Queen of Spades! Now will you all shut up!? Your voices are getting on my nerves... plus Alfy here needs his beauty sleep.”

Alfred looked up to see that Gilbert was still sitting upon the table, looking peeved off than he normally did. The other court members, although quite excited with the news, decided that it would be best to let Alfred be and resume this in the morning, once they’re all rested. For now they decided to return to their rooms and let Alfred be.

“I’ll send someone to escort him back to his room,” promised Yao.

“I can hardly believe it, can you Roderich?” exclaimed Elizabeta.

“No, I cannot,” replied Roderich.

“As long as the danger has passed,” sighed Ivan.

“He should at least had the energy to explain everything,” huffed Basch.

“But didn’t you hear what he said? A Queen of Spades!” squealed Erika.

“I know! Finally... it feels like a dream! Is this a dream?” chuckled Francis.

“I hope he’s not as scary as the picture I drew of him,” whimpered Feliciano.

“This will bring about a new era for all our Kingdoms,” pondered Ludwig.

“We’ll finally get to have a Twilight Tea Party hosted here for a change,” giggled Kiku.”

The voices eventually vanished and Alfred found himself alone with the Joker. Although he was on the verge of falling asleep, Alfred felt he had the energy to speak with Gilbert one last time.

“Tell me... did you know?”

“Know what?” huffed Gilbert.

“That Arthur... was asleep this whole time?”

Gilbert rolled his scarlet eyes. “I knew... I just didn’t know where. I can’t see through that place, it blinds me when I try.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

The Joker smirked. “You never asked...”

Alfred could only chuckle at that response, only now realising that getting a straight answer out of a Joker was impossible.

“So Guinevere told you to keep quiet?”

“She made me and Peter... conceal certain details. She wanted you to be fully dedicated to the task.”

“Did she know she was going to-...”

“Die? Yes, she was fully aware and prepared.”

“Was she... happy?”

“Very. She knew you’d be upset. You shouldn’t grieve for her, it’s not what she wanted.”

Alfred leaned back in his chair. It still felt surreal to think that she was gone. “Is Arthur... going to be ok? Is the Kingdom going to be ok?”

Gilbert groaned as he stood up. “Arthur’s just adapting from the 100 year nap he took. He’ll eventually get used to it. The Kingdom is going to be fine under your reign... shame, I actually enjoyed the chaos.”

“Good,” sighed Alfred with relief.

“Good!? Good!? You’re a selfish guy Alfred,” snapped Gilbert, “you do realise that you left me here right after you took off to the Forest of Eternity! What if you had died? I would’ve been stuck sitting on this table for eons! Why didn’t you send me away before you left!?”

Alfred merely smirked up at him. “You never asked.”

There was a long silence between them before Gilbert started laughing. He laughed so hard that he fell off the table, laughing as he rolled about on the floor. It was like he had just heard the funniest joke he had ever heard in his life.

“Oh... oh I knew there was something I liked about you, Alfy,” he chortled.

Alfred was too tired to laugh back. “You can go now, Gilbert,” he ordered.

Gilbert smiled down at him and then then bowed, vanishing from sight and leaving Alfred alone in the Gathering Hall. Alfred wanted to move but everything was getting out of focus and soon his heavy eyelids closed.

———————

“Alfred? Alfred?”

Alfred jerked from where he rested, his glasses falling off as he sat up. At first he didn’t know where he was and was wondering why he was sitting alone in a large room, until the memories came flooding back. He looked round to find he was still in the Gathering Hall and he had fallen asleep on his chair. For how long? He wasn’t certain. Placing his glasses back on he looked up, finding himself staring into the golden eyes of Yao.

“Alfred, you can’t sleep here.”

Rubbing his eyes, Alfred groaned and stretched out his tired body. “How long was I-...”

“Sleeping? At least half an hour.”

“Oh,” mumbled Alfred, as it felt like he had been sleeping for hours.

“Come on.”

Yao pulled him up and allowed Alfred to lean on him as he guided him out of the Gathering Hall. Despite being very lean, Yao seemed to hold his King with ease as he guided him back to his room.

“Everyone has been escorted back to their rooms, their minds somewhat at ease. They’re expecting a full explanation tomorrow morning.”

“Uh huh.”

“I’ve spread word round the palace not to worry about the disappearance of the Elder Tree, but until you deliver an official report I’m afraid there will be a panic.”

“I’ll get right on that.”

“I’ve taken the liberty to arrange a much larger portioned breakfast for you in the morning, and I’ve inform the court members that until you’ve recovered I will be dealing with any affairs.”

“Appreciated.”

“And there is this matter regarding the Queen-...”

“Arthur!? Is he alright?”

Yao chuckled. “The doctor is with him now, but I’m afraid that some of the palace staff have gotten wind of who he is.”

“Already?”

“Well when the maids you left him with undressed him, they were alarmed to see the mark of the Queen upon his body.”

“Oh.”

“Now we just got to get you well and rested, and don’t think I’m still not mad at you. Running off like that.”

“Sorry...”

“It’s fine... I’m just glad you’re back... I can’t imagine working for another King, you’re pretty hard to replace.”

As the two men quietly chuckled, they continued onward to Alfred’s room in silence. Once there they found a small crowd of servants trying to peer into his quarters. Some of them were from the other courts, meaning that even they were curious about the mystery man in the Spade King’s room. They whispered amongst themselves, asking each other about the identity of the man sleeping in there.

“They said he had the mark.”

“Does that mean we have a Queen again?”

“Where did he come from?”

“They day he appeared in the Elder Tree Garden in the arms of the King.”

“Speaking of which, what happened to the tree?”

“Gone.”

“What? Why? How?”

“Did the Queen do it?”

“Are we we certain he is the Queen?”

Yao sighed angrily and Alfred could only groan. He did not want to deal with any of this right now, though he could not blame them for their curiosity. Yao cleared his throat loudly and the chattering servants quickly scattered upon realising their King had returned, allowing the two men to enter the room with ease.

Inside Alfred found that Arthur was still sleeping peacefully in his bed, only now he was wearing one of his pyjama tops that looked like a nightgown on his small body. The doctor was examining him though it appeared that he was distracted, possibly by the fact that Arthur’s Royal mark was exposed.

“How is he doctor?” asked Yao.

The doctor appeared startled but he straightened himself out before answering. “It... it would appear that he is just fatigued as I have found no injuries on his body. However his left hand is firmly clasping something and I can’t pry it open.”

Alfred was relieved and released himself from Yao’s hold. “Thanks doc... if there is nothing else, you can go.”

The doctor bowed and excused himself from the room. The two maids approached, one of them carrying Arthur’s clothing. “Your highness, we’ll take these to clean and repair as nothing in your wardrobe seems to fit him.”

The maids vanished and all that was left was Yao. “Go to sleep Alfred, I’ll come wake you in the morning.” And with that he left.

All alone with Arthur sleeping in his bed, Alfred wobbled over and examined him. He smiled as he watched him gently snore, brushing some of his hair out of his face. He yawned once more and stumbled back onto a nearby armchair, his eyes remaining locked on Arthur as he fell asleep.