[Just a little note: if this was a visual medium, the King of Spades' face would be crosshatched with black ink, like you would do on a picture with someone you don't like x)
Okay enjoy now!]

In order to understand the full story, let's start it from a different perspective.
No one knew of Ivan Moribund's origin, not even Ivan himself. But because of his bottomless pride, his mind simply couldn't accept that, and so, each time he would change his name, he would have a new story that he would genuinely believe to be true, until he changed his name again and came up with another one.
However, this new one was different, because this one was real. He was certain of that.
The only thing older than him was nature itself, and he's always felt a special connection to the Dark Forest, the pride and joy of his land. Surely, he must've come from this ancient place. He was the only one who held the key to its mysteries. But he would never tell such secrets to anyone. Because humanity wasn't worth it, not even his own people. Besides, if he ever told anyone, their mind would be broken, unable to fathom the reality of this world. Ancient magic and its history is not a trivial matter, everybody knew that. Such a burden he must carry, but he knew that only he could handle such knowledge.
Despite being content with these self-fabricated delusions, the King of Spades has always felt empty at the end of the day. There was a hole somewhere in this ancient heart of his. But it was so old that he could barely find it inside his own chest. As the King, his material needs could all be satisfied by just saying the word. And it would work for a while, but it was only a temporary distraction.
He felt it in his guts, there was something that he needed to do. A mission the spirits wanted him to carry out. A mission that, if he were to complete, would finally make him whole.

At first, he believed that this mission was to unite the Four Kingdoms, by burning the other three to the ground and claim their land as his own, turning the Land of the Four Kingdoms into the Land of Spades. He started this mission by going to war with those wretched Hearts and their Queen. It didn't work out like he had planned, the war was over before he knew it. It all happened fast, and the Kingdom of Spades lost, but only on paper. In reality, the King of Spades knew that Queen Ambrosia would never be the same after this. And he considered that a victory. That, and also the knowledge that she would eventually die while he would continue to live (as did and will all of his enemies). Which happened sooner than expected.
Next thing he knew, he was working with a child. He didn't know Queen Ambrosia had a son, but he found that laughably humiliating for the Kingdom of Hearts.
But the relationship between the King of Spades and the other three royals can wait. For now, let's turn our attention to the (L/n) family.

Now, there is no doubt that there must've been a reason as to why the King of Spades bribed the (L/n) ancestor upon discovering his secret. But over the centuries, he had forgotten that as well. And just like his own story, the reason would change with each new name he would take.
The (L/n)s lived the closest to the Dark Forest, while the castle was far away from it. Yet he needed to keep a constant eye on this ancient place, that would be the mission of that puny family. Always so simple, always so compliant. Good little donkeys they were. What a privilege he was giving them! Keepers of the Dark Forest, a duty passed down from generation to generation. He wondered when the newest ones will birth a son already. After all, they'll die before he could blink.
Time passed rather fast for someone who's immortal. He was late to everything.

Which was why he would tell the (L/n)s he would come every third day of every month, but never give a time of day. Today, he was on his way to the manor. He never liked it for some reason, he thought it lacked. While on horseback, he rode through his usual route, a perfect shortcut to make sure nobody saw him, if he didn't want to be seen that is. This time, he decided to ride alongside the mushroom line, to admire the darkness beyond it, to bask in the ancient magic brewing deep within the Dark Forest, and within himself as well no doubt.
Then, he heard a laugh. A laugh unlike any he's ever heard.
He turned his head, and didn't move further, wondering if this was his mind playing a trick on him. It would happen from time to time. When he heard it again, he began to follow the sound. He also heard a dog barking in the same direction as the laughter. He stopped when, in the distance, he saw a maiden, dancing with the fallen leaves of autumn. She had a dog with her, big and ebony black. A hound more than a common pet really. The King approached slowly. As he did, he could see more of her. Her (h/c) hair flowing in the wind, her (e/c) eyes bright even with the little amount of sunlight, pale (s/c) skin, and her laughter was simply out of this world. A pure and untainted fairy from the darkest pits of the Dark Forest, wandering in this wretched place.
The truth of the matter was, this was the first time in centuries that the King has heard something genuine. And he was mesmerized by it. She laughed again and his heart skipped a beat...
His heart? This feeling... This was it.

"Come on Wally!" (Y/n) smiled at her darling dog. "Join me in the leaf rain!"
Walter circled her and jumped, barking. But suddenly, his ears went back, he lowered his head and began to growl. (Y/n) was confused, but before she could do anything, Walter's ears flopped completely and he ran away with a whine.
"Wally...?"
Now that the sound of crushing leaves beneath her feet stopped filling her ears, she could hear someone approaching from behind. She turned around and saw him. She froze. Even though she has never seen this...man before, she knew who he was. His black horse, his black suit, the crown on his head made of black gold. Knowing he was immortal, she thought he was like a dragon: ancient, wise but dangerous nonetheless. Her voice was caught in her throat, her hands began to shake.
For a long moment, the two of them stared at each-other, wondering if the person they were looking at was real. Finally, she bowed.
"Your Majesty. My apologies, I didn't notice you earlier."
"My goodness." he said. "A maiden such as yourself, bowing to me?"
"O-Of course! You are the King of Spades after all."
He took a deep breath, hearing this seemed to make him happy.

"What are you doing out here?"
"Well," she quickly picked up the basket she had previously set aside. "it's the first sunny day in months, I simply had to go enjoy it."
"Of course." he nodded. "You don't get any sunlight after all."
"R-Right." she nodded. "I just... I just wanted to pick some flowers." she raised her basket, avoiding eye contact.
"You're nervous."
"I-I am. I'm not actually supposed to be out here."
"Worry not, this shall be our little secret."
"Really?!" her eyes widened.
"Of course. I shall keep it close to this old heart of mine."

"Oh thank you so much, your Highness!" she smiled, relieved. "I don't how I could make it up to you-"
"Meet me again."
"Huh? W-When?" she asked, not wanting him to repeat himself for that would be rude.
"Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?!"
"At this very same hour, at this very same spot."
(Y/n) took a moment to respond.
"V... Very well, your Highness." she nodded. "I shall see you tomorrow."
"I can hardly wait."
And with that, he rode away on his horse. Once he was out of sight, (Y/n) let out a heavy sigh, a hand over her fast-beating heart, as if she's been holding her breath for the entirety of this conversation.

She quickly went back home, sneaking by the back entrance and successfully avoiding her parents and the King. There was now a tightness in her heart, knowing that she would meet with the King again tomorrow.
Unfortunately, because he was the first man she's ever met outside of her family and staff members, she mistook that tightness for excitement. Her hands were trembling, her breathing was shallow, she must be nervous upon meeting such a powerful man! A King! Unsure how to properly react, she just giggled.
"That wasn't a man." she whispered to herself. "That was a demon. Wow!" she fanned herself with her hand. "Wow..."
She would live with that tightness in her chest for almost a whole year.

"A year?" Wally's eyes widened.
"Yes." (Y/n) said, keeping her gaze down. "We would see each-other almost every day."
"And your parents never found out?"
"Never. I was always going outside by myself anyway."
"Did he... Did he ever hurt you?"
"No. He never raised his voice, he was always gentle, he was always...respectful. He..." she looked at him, her mouth opened but no words came out. "He was.... Absolutely terrifying." she exhaled, as if admitting it took a great effort.
She giggled, but Wally could tell it was out of nervousness. He wanted to hug her, but he waited for her to finish her tale.
"It felt like he could jump at me at any moment. But he never did... And it made it even worse." she sighed, looking down again. "But back then, I didn't know this was what I was feeling. I was raised to idealize the King, I thought he was like a mythical being. I thought I was simply intimidated by his presence..."

The King of Spades met with her again, for months now she'd always wait for him at this exact same spot. She would call him her King. Her King. Never has two words ever made him feel this way before. But it was because it came from this beauty of the forest.
The two of them had a picnic together. She brought cookies, sandwiches, a quiche, a fruit salad, and he brought alcohol.
"If I may, it seems something is bothering you, my King." the maiden said as she filled up his plate.
"Little flower, nothing can bother me when you're near."
She looked away, embarrassed. Seeing her like that made him chuckle.
"You are very perceptive." he said. "I've received a letter from the King of Hearts this morning."
"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. Was it bad news?"
"For them? Of course not. He was as snotty and as arrogant as ever. You are a lucky one for never having to deal with them."
"Well... Hearts are known for their ego." she shrugged.
"And as their King, he is the worst of the bunch."
"He sounds terrible."
"He is."

As he drank his glass in one go, (Y/n) quickly looked for a way to soften him up. She's come to find out that flattery was the best way to put him in a good mood.
"Worry not, my King!" she smiled. "You can rest easy, knowing that you are much better than him in every way."
"That is true." he laughed. "As an immortal being, I shall relish in watching the brat grow weak and die, while I shall remain strong and full of vigor!"
"You... You really are immortal?"
"Why yes I am."
"So... You can't die from anything?"
"Age, illness, poison, decapitation, burning, drowning, freezing, nothing works! You could stab me in the heart and I wouldn't feel any pain!"
He took out a dagger and placed it in her hand, he then guided it so that the end of the blade touched his chest.
"Go on, try it! By hitting right here, any mortal would die on the spot."
The lady turned pale.

"I- Um... I-I'd rather not." she shook her head, wanting to pull away. "I couldn't possibly bring myself to harm you, your Highness."
"Oh, little one, you are too kind."
He put the dagger aside, looking into her eyes. At that moment, something about him changed. It made (Y/n)'s heart beat faster and she wanted to change the subject and move on, but then he spoke again.
"Do you know what you're doing to me?"
She didn't answer. He placed the palm of her hand against the center of his chest. At first, there was nothing and she was confused. Then, she gasped when she felt one singular heartbeat. Nothing else followed. She began to shake, her face devoid of color.
"You've made me find this old heart of mine." he held her chin and gently pulled her close. "For it now beats for you."

(Y/n) had paused in her story, turning her head away from Wally. He felt a sense of dread and rage as to what this could mean.
"What did he do?"
"...We just kissed." she said. "It never went farther than that."
He said nothing. Despite his many questions, he didn't want to push it.
"I... I gave consent." she turned back to him but still avoided eye contact. "My mind was saying this was okay, while everything else in me screamed the contrary." she hugged herself. "I didn't know... It may sound stupid, I know, but-"
"Never."
She looked at him, surprised.
"It was all his fault." he added. "You didn't know."
She blinked rapidly, her lips pursed and her eyes glossy. She nodded.
"Thank you..." she looked back at the horizon and continued with her story. "Then one day, we both realized that he didn't actually know who I was. He thought I was some kind of forest fairy. But when I told him my name, that was when he really changed. I thought I was going to die."

At the time, (Y/n) was perfectly content with her situation. She got to spend time with the King of Spades, every day! Not only that, but he was courting her in secret! She thought this resembled a scenario from a romance novel, how exciting! They even kissed! It did feel a little weird, but she supposed everyone's first kiss was like that.
She wondered how much longer they'll keep their relationship hidden... If they even had an official relationship. She wasn't sure. Even her sheltered mind knew that romance novels weren't an accurate representation of reality.
She didn't like to ask him questions, she was never certain of how he would react. But today, she gathered up the courage to ask. The two of them were sitting under a tree, listening to the birds sing while she made a flower crown for him. He's always liked them, and so she would make one for him every day. She's gotten quite good at it.
"My King?"
"Yes."
"Why are we still keeping our meetings a secret?"
"Oh sweet little thing. It's to protect you, of course."
"Protect me?" she looked up at him.

"Out there, you would be eaten alive." he caressed her hair. "The world can be a dangerous place."
"But... You would protect me, right?"
"Of course. But I can't be with you all the time. Trust me, if it was up to me, we would live in the Dark Forest together for the rest of our immortal lives!"
'Immortal?' she tilted her head.
"Alas, I must care for my people, they need me in this time of crisis. I must keep our culture alive, or it would be replaced by all this new 'modern' barbarism. And they are more unknown dangers ahead..."
'Does he think I'm immortal too?'
"It's all very complicated, something I don't want you to get involved in. It would taint you. And a fairy's mind and heart should always remain pure."
'Fairy?!'
"So," he caressed her cheek. "remain pure, little one."
'Did he think I was a fairy this whole time?!'

And that was when she realized, throughout their entire courting, the King of Spades has never learned anything about her. He didn't even know her name.
'He did do most of the talking. But it makes sense, he's a king, he's the King. He has a lot on his mind.' she reassured herself. 'And also, despite knowing very little about me, he's still so affectionate, he loves me despite that. How romantic.'
"I... I think I'd be okay, your Highness. For I'm not a fairy."
"What?"
"I'm the daughter of the (L/n)s."
His expression fell and her heart sunk. She wanted to apologize, to say it was a joke, but her voice was stuck in her throat.
Really, she had nothing to be afraid of, the King was simply having an epiphany. To him, all the pieces connected together.
Of course, the Keepers of the Dark Forest, the first daughter born from their name. This could not have been more perfect. She was one of his subjects... This must've been the works of the spirits. This must've been fate. He stood up.
"Come." he grabbed her wrist and pulled her with him.
Together, they rode on horseback to the (L/n) residence. During the ride, (Y/n) couldn't bring herself to look at him nor to speak up. Was he angry? Did he believe she's been tricking him this whole time? Was she going to be punished? Was she going to be thrown in a dungeon, be executed? He spoke about giving his servants such a fate for doing far less.
But he said those times were justified, this was simply a misunderstanding! She panicked, but still couldn't say anything. She wanted to run away, but felt trapped.

Still holding her hand, the King stepped into the residence and demanded to see the girl's parents. They were baffled upon seeing them together and they apologized, assuming he was mad over something she did.
"I want her as my queen."
The three (L/n)s looked at him with big eyes.
"What do you say to becoming royalty?" he looked at her.
"Queen... Me?!" she pointed at herself, baffled, her cheeks dusted with pink. "A life of luxury, living in a big castle, a feast for every meal, wearing fancy dresses and going to fancy parties every night?! Who wouldn't dream of it?!"
"Good. Pack your things, I'm taking you to the castle and we shall be wed."

"Y-Your Highness!" the mother stepped closer. "Please, she has so much to pack, couldn't you come tomorrow instead?
"She has a point." (Y/n) said. "And I want to look my best, it will be my first time out of the house after all!"
"Mmh... Very well. I will come back tomorrow. Once you're settled, I shall send out invitations to all the royals in the world. They must bear witness to our union." he took her hand and kissed the back of it. "Keep me in your mind until I return."
"Always." she nodded.
She waved as he left and only turned to face her parents once he was out of sight.
"I'm sorry I kept it from you, but-"
As soon as she turned around, her parents embraced her. She felt her mother tremble.

"Mom, Dad..." she patted their backs. "Don't worry, I'll take you with me to the castle, and Wally too. And if I can't, I'll try to visit as much as possible, or to invite you over for tea."
"(Y/n), my dear sweet girl..." her mother whispered.
"We'll miss you." her father said, gently squeezing her.
"I'll miss you too. But don't worry, I'll be alright at the King's side."
She heard her mom sniff.
"...Isn't it time for dinner?" her father asked as he let go of her and smiled. "Can't pack your things on an empty stomach."
"Right! Um... Mom?"
"Come on dear." her father gently pulled her away.
Her eyes were watery. But she said she was okay.

The next day, (Y/n) had her luggage ready. Her parents suggested they should pay a visit to Home, to say goodbye. She told Home everything that happened, that she was going to be Queen of Spades.
"Wow..." she looked down. "Saying it out loud like that... It sure feels weird." she chuckled.
Her parents exchanged a look. They seemed nervous.
"Honey." her father looked at his wife. "Do you mind stepping outside for a quick word?"
Her mother nodded and stood up.
"We'll be right back, (Y/n)."
"Well, we should get back. The King will arrive any moment now. Oh! What if we introduce him to Home?"
"Now now honey, I haven't finished my coffee. And you know how I get when I don't have a full cup in my system. We'll be quick."
With their arms linked, her parents stepped out of the little cottage, the door closing itself behind them. (Y/n) waited. She waited for a long time.

"Moooom? Daaaad?" she stood up. "I'm going back, I'm sorry. I don't want to make the King wait."
She tried opening the door. But it wouldn't budge. She tried a few more times. It wouldn't move.
"Home?" she looked at the eyes in the glass.
The curtains closed.
"Home, can you hear me?" she spoke a little louder. "I'm sorry, but I have to go."
She tried opening the door again, more frantically this time, using both her hands. It still didn't move. She began knocking on the door.
"Mom? Dad? Could you wake up Home? I think they fell asleep."
Silence. The reality that something very wrong was going on finally sunk in. She began to bang her fist on the door.

"Home please! Let me out! Mom! Dad! Are you there?!"
She heard barking outside, she recognized it.
"Wally! Help!"
'If I can hear him just fine, where are mom and dad?'
She felt her stomach twist. She ran to the normal window and tried to open it. But to no avail. She hit it a few times which made Walter come and scratch on the glass.
"Home! Home, wake up!"
She quickly looked into every cabinet in the kitchen, they were all empty. In her growing panic and anxiety, she grabbed a chair.
"Wally, step back!"
She launched the chair towards the glass. It didn't even leave a scratch and the chair simply bounced back and fell on the floor. Suddenly, the shutters outside closed. It was dark, but the candles on the candelabra lit up. She gasped.

"So you are awake!" she looked around as she went back to the front door. "Then why aren't you answering me?! Why are you locking me in?! Is it because I'm leaving?! I'm sorry, I'll talk to the King okay?! Just please let me out!"
No answer. She grew more and more distressed. She rushed upstairs. All of the windows were also closed. She went back down, to try and climb up the chimney, but a fire stared when she approached it. Seeing no other option, she began to cry.
"Please..."
She stepped back until her back was pressed against the door. She then slowly let herself slide down and sat on the floor.
"Let me out." she brought her knees closer so she could hug her legs and bury her face. "Mom, dad, help..."
She sobbed. At some point, she couldn't hear Walter's barks anymore. She cried herself to sleep.

She didn't know how many hours passed, or if it had been an entire day. But eventually, she heard a click, and the shutters opened again, letting the sunlight in. The eye windows opened as well. (Y/n) looked up and turned around. The click came from behind her.
'Could this mean...?'
She lifted a hand to open the door. When it did, she ran out. Walter was sleeping outside by the door, when (Y/n) ran past him, he barked and followed her.
She looked back. Home was staring at her, not making any noise. She looked ahead again and went back to the manor.
"Mom! Dad!" she exclaimed when she stepped in. "I'm here! I'm okay! I'm not sure how long I've been missing for but..."
Her voice trailed off as she realized the house was strangely quiet. She took a moment to catch her breath and began to search around the house. Calling out for her parents, her servants, she received no response. Everything was as she left it. She felt a headache, her mind couldn't think straight, with all her confusion and exhaustion.
Then, she heard Walter bark outside.
"Mom?! Dad?!"
She rushed back down, following the barks to the front door. She opened it and she saw them.

Lady (Y/n) stopped herself. She leaned back in her chair and covered her eyes, her lips tight shut. Her other hand closed in a tight fist. Wally placed a hand on top of it, caressing it with his thumb. After a moment, she took a deep breath and removed her hand from her face.
"I... I didn't know what to do." she said with a small voice. "I thought that, if I wrote to the King, maybe he could help. The day after that, all of the manor's servants came back. They said they were all granted a day off, that my parents granted it... When I handed them my letter, they told me the King was found dead that morning. They took care of my parents' funeral for me. While the Grand Departure was happening, I stayed in my room. After that I was called to be a member of the High Council, and the rest is history."
Wally removed his hand and looked down at his cup of coffee. A moment passed. His silence started to make her nervous.
"I... I know it seems rather obvious now but..." she said. "At the time, I really had no idea who could've done this. Now, after all that I've learned, the King of Spades would be the primary suspect." she finished her coffee. "Also, needless to say, I don't want to be Queen anymore."
"...Do you think you'll come back for the end of the Shuffling?" he looked at her.
"Huh?" she looked at him. "Um... I really wasn't sure at first. But now, with all the progress we've made and how things are going, it should be safe for me to come back after maybe... A day or two."
"Don't."
She blinked twice, taken aback. She felt a sharp pain in her heart.

"What?"
He stood up and quickly finished his cup before putting it on the table.
"I have to go. I apologize. Don't come back to the Hearts Kingdom."
"Why? What are you apologizing for?"
"Don't worry, everything will be fine."
He began to leave. She quickly stood up and went after him.
"Your Highness please!"
Wally stopped and turned to look at her, standing at the top of the stairs of the patio while he stood at the bottom.
"I don't think I could handle any more secrets." she shook her head, a pained look on her face.
Wally's expression softened. He hesitated for a moment before finally saying it.

"I failed."
"What?"
"Everything is my fault."
Now, to tell this story, we must go way back.

During the Eclipse War, around a hundred thousand people went to war. Less than a hundred came back, and they were never the same. One of those people being Queen Ambrosia Darling.
Few people knew this, but during the war, she has lost her ability to detect any magic.
Very few people knew this, but she has actually lost her ability to use magic. She took on the King of Spades, who lured her into a trap where she got stuck in a hidden circle of dark magic.
No one knew about this, and she kept it hidden for  the rest of her life. She was strong and clever enough to find her way around any situation where magic should've been involved. Given her history and her reputation, people simply believed that she became even more powerful after the war, powerful enough to conceal her magic. They never found out, and she was at peace.
But sometimes, the loss of such a big part of herself would hit harder than usual. And that was the first time Wally ever saw her cry. She was alone in her room, sitting at her vanity desk, drunk.

Seeing his mother like this hit the young prince like a brick. His mother was always so strong in every way, she was always positive and in control. She'd never be so...broken.
Queen Ambrosia saw his reflection in the mirror, peeking into the room. She turned to look at him.
"Wally."
She seemed startled at first, but she then relaxed and opened her arms. He went up to her and she picked him up and placed him on her lap. She then hugged him. He didn't hug back, he wasn't good at this sort of thing just yet.
"Son," she broke the hug to look at him, her hands on his small shoulders. "promise me something. When you become King-"
This was already a lot to take in. In his young mind, his mother would stay queen forever, and he would be a prince forever.
"-never go to war against the Spades."
"But..." Wally looked down. "But they're bad."
"I know." she nodded, caressing his short hair. "I know. But you need to think of the people first. There are no winners in war, Wally. Protect your people, protect your family." she tilted her head so she could look into his eyes. "Promise me, Wally. Promise me you'll never do it."
"...I promise."

Ambrosia's expression softened, she shed more tears. Seeing her like this made him cry as well.
"Ow," she embraced him tightly. "my little apple."
Wally stared into space as she hugged him. He was shook, shook that something or someone could leave his own mother, the Queen of Hearts, in such a state.
This was the beginning of Wally's growing hatred for the Spades King, along with his kingdom and its people. Although, he never met the man until after his coronation...

At the time, Frank's mother and Julie's father were still in their respective throne. They knew that Wally was young and inexperienced and so they would be very protective of him, especially when the four royals would be together. But sometimes, the King of Spades would find a way to torment the young King. Like that banquet he threw just for him in the Kingdom of Spades. He told him the other royals would be there, but he lied. It was a terrible night for Wally, fortunately, he had Miss Partridge at his side on that day.
Soon after that, Barnaby became his 'jester' and close confidant. Wally would always have him nearby after every encounter with the King of Spades, in case his powers get out of control and he needs to be calmed down. Thank goodness he had his childhood best friends, Frank and Julie, to take his mind off of things.
Years passed. Frank's mother retired and her son replaced her. Julie's father passed away of old age, her and her siblings went through the Clubs traditional royal choosing ritual and she was crowned the new Queen. The two of them were made aware of the King of Spades' secret. Soon enough, it was time for the yearly meeting between the four royals.
'Now it's my turn to protect them.' Wally thought. 'I'll keep my promise. I must.'
Before the three of them made their way to the meeting room, Wally wanted to lay down the ground rules: don't look him in the eyes for too long; don't interrupt him; if he offers you a 'gift', do not accept it-

"Oh come oooon!" Julie waved a hand. "He can't be that bad. Maybe it's just a culture thing! Remember how the Clubs people were seen as weirdos for a while?"
"It might be a 'culture thing', yes." Wally nodded. "To hate anyone that isn't him."
"You may haven't been told any stories from your father, Julie." Frank said. "But I have, once mother retired, and I would trust Wally's warning if I were you."
"Well," she huffed, putting her hands on her hips. "I see this as an opportunity to make a new friend! Everyone deserves a chance! And I reckon we shall step out of this meeting with a new perspective!"
"Someone might, but it won't be him." Wally said.
With another huff, she turned her head away. In the meeting room, he insisted on sitting between her and the King of Spades. The three of them sat down and waited for a long time. Julie, with her energy, never wavered and kept her smile merry, her eyes on the door and her feet kicking.
"Is he always this late?" Frank asked, his head resting on the palm of his hand.
"Yes." Wally said. "Don't comment on it when he arrives."

As soon as the door opened and the King of Spades stepped in, Julie stood up.
"Hiiiii!" she waved. "I'm Julie, Julie Joyful! I'm the new Queen of-"
"If you are a Queen of the Four Kingdoms, you know of my true self." he walked past her. "If you know of my true self, you know I do not care for your names, you will all be dead before I even care to remember the prick in my side that is your existence." he took his seat. "I have seen many Kings and Queens of Clubs, you better not be as much of a crackpot."
"Hey now!" Frank glared. "That is no way of talking to her!"
The King of Spades gave him a piercing stare. It scared him.
"Frank."
Said king looked at Wally, who silently asked him to not push him. The King of Spades sneered and leaned back in his chair.
"Let's get this over with." Wally said. "Julie, we're in your kingdom, go ahead and start."

"Boy are you a cranky one." she smiled, still addressing the King of Spades. "You must've woken up on the wrong side of bed." she chuckled. "Oh! Why don't we start by playing a game? It would be a wonderful way to get to know each-other!"
"Julie, please, we can't-"
"Alright."
He looked at the King of Spades with big eyes. He didn't expect that, but it must not be good.
"Really?!" Julie's face lit up.
"Sure."
"Hurray!" she jumped from joy. "What game shall we play?! I'll leave the choice to you."
"Not a game per say. How do you like stories?"
"Stories?! Ooo I love stories!" she said as she sat at her chair.
"Julie," Wallt tried to intervene. "I don't think-"
"It's an old legend about the beginning of the world."
"Ooo! Do tell!" she held her face with her elbows on the table.
The King of Spades cleared his throat and he cast an illusion around the room. To illustrate, so he said.

"Before there was anyone, there was the Forest. It enveloped the world in its darkness. Within that darkness, there were monsters. And those monsters killed each-other. Their blood became our oceans, their scales became our deserts, their fur became our trees, their flesh became our mountains. The last monster that was left – who grew and grew the more he killed of his own kin – dug a burrow into the center of the Earth and began to sleep. To keep himself warm, he dragged the Forest into his burrow to use as a blanket. But he is slowly waking up, and the Forest grows as it slips away from his body. The mushroom line isn't there to keep away what's inside from coming out, or what's outside from going in. It's there to measure how fast the Forest grows, how much time is left for the monster to wake up. When he does, it will be because he is hungry. And he would only need to raise his head..."

He then went into details about the global massacre that would ensue, excruciating details, and the illusions he cast would reflect everything he said. The three royals were paralyzed. After the story ended, Frank abruptly left the room. Julie wasn't smiling anymore. The King of Spades laughed.
"This was fun." he stood up. "Maybe I will tell another story next time. Good day to you, young king." he looked at Wally, then at Julie. "And... Welcome."
He patted the top of her chair before leaving the room. A moment of silence passed, during which Frank came back. Wally felt ashamed.
"I should've stopped him, I'm sorry you had to deal with this. I should've-"
As he spoke, Julie went up to him and hugged him.
"You've dealt with all of this?" she sniffed, crying. "Ever since you became king?"
Wally looked down.
"And you didn't tell us?" Frank asked.
"...I didn't want you to worry."
"Well. Now we're here." Julie said as Frank joined the hug. "And we're together on this!"
Wally could feel his eyes growing watery. He closed them shut and hugged his friends back, burying his face into Julie's shoulder.

And so, the three royals had their own little support system, which made the bond between them even stronger than ever. For only they could truly understand what the others were going through. Yet, Wally felt the heaviest weight on his heart, not just because he's been in this situation the longest... When the King of Spades was here, he felt completely powerless. And he hated that. He hated him.

At least he and his friends could put some of that hate outward, by taking advantage of their royal title and engaging with the bad reputation the Kingdom of Spades already had. Being royals, no one within their own courts could disagree with them, because of that, they would get a bit carried away from time to time.
"Your Highness, is it true that you're not popular at all within the people in the Kingdom of Spades?" someone once asked during a party.
"Well, I suppose that means I am doing something right."
Everyone laughed.
"If they have the time to talk badly about us," Frank added. "maybe they should instead use that precious time to work on getting themselves functioning plumbing systems. Did you know they still don't have functioning plumbing systems?! That is crazy!"
"Or dental care!" Julie pointed out. "Pretty sure the average people there only has like three teeth! I even hear they take them out themselves! I guess they all think themselves dentists!"
Everyone laughed again.
"How I pity them..." Wally leaned back in his seat and shook his head.

Now, if the three royals were to look back on these moments, they would not be proud of themselves... But this was how they coped with their situation.
Sometimes though, it wasn't enough, sometimes the King of Spades was especially angry and cruel. Sometimes Julie would cry, sometimes Frank would cry. Wally never cried though, he felt he had to be the strong one, the one that always stood in between his friends and that monster, the one that wasn't completely powerless, the shoulder his friends could cry on, the one they could rely on. It was during that time that he started to hide his real appearance.
He never told anyone about this burden he carried, he always kept it close to his heart. Though, every one close to him could tell, no one can deal with all these responsibities so effortlessly.
"I can." he would simply say with a smile. "Look at me."

Yes, look at him. The King of Hearts. Arguably one of the best monarchs of all of the history of the Land of the Four Kingdoms! Although he would always say that he was nothing compared to his mother. Such a good son too! Things were going well, for a while. Him, Julie and Frank have gotten used to the King of Spades' behavior. They could deal with his crazy ramblings without crying, for they knew that as soon as he left, they would be okay. Their parents, grandparents and so on were in the same situation, the King of Spades was simply part of being a monarch in this land.
But did that mean that they've accepted this as their life...?
There was one thought that was kept in the back of Wally's mind and wouldn't go away. A thought that would tighten his heart and keep him awake at night. Something the King of Spades would often say to them:
"I shall relish in watching you grow old, weak and die, while I shall remain strong and full of vigor!"
Wally was eventually going to die. He didn't have an heir right now and even if he did, how could he be sure that they would be strong enough? Did he really want his successor to deal with that monster? He wouldn't wish that upon anyone.
He wanted him dead so badly. Everyday he wished for his death, for the King of Spades to be no more, for the Kingdom of Spades itself to disappear, for whoever would replace him would likely be just as terrible. But there was nothing he could do. Not even his own mother achieved it, she tried and she lost a part of her very soul. How was he supposed to do what she herself couldn't...?

And then, he remembered someone. When he was little, he went to the Kingdom of Spades and encountered a living house. Later on he tried to investigate that house but couldn't find it anymore. One of the hypotheses that Miss Partridge came up with – for he took her with him to investigate – was that the house was like this because the previous owner passed away and fuzed their soul with their house.
Upon remembering this, Wally thought for a long time. Whenever he needed space, to clear his mind, he would go to the highest tower's rooftop. But in this instance, he instead needed a reminder of who he was, and whenever this happened, he would sit on his throne, alone.
He didn't know how souls worked, but that small cottage looked rather old. What if Home was immortal as well? What if – if Miss Partridge's hypothesis was correct – this soul fuzing ritual could be replicated? What if...? His gaze wandered around the room, around the castle.
He paused, taking a step back to ask himself: was he that desperate to act on 'what if's? He pondered over this for a minute or so.
'No. Not yet.' he sighed.
Still, the thought stayed in the back of his mind.

Then one day, during one of the yearly meetings, the King of Spades hit Julie. He said that her voice was particularly annoying these days.
"You know, king of Spades," Frank said. "if you despise these meetings so much, why do you attend them every year?"
"I simply must. What a stupid question. Don't ever ask me that again."
"Riiiiight." Julie rolled her eyes. "You guys sure do love traditi-"
Next thing they knew, the King of Spades was next to her and punched her in the face, making her fly across the room. She collided with the wall and fall on the ground.
"I told you to shut up. Behave."
The three royals were in shock for a moment, processing what just happened. Finally, Julie stood up, her nose bleeding, and glared at the King.
"What is wrong with you?!" she shouted.
The King of Spades sneered. He was about to say something but was interrupted by Wally. Who pierced through his heart with his sword. Time stood still.

Wally's breath was shallow, his eyes were wide open, even he wasn't sure what just happened, he just acted. He slowly pushed the blade deeper into the King's flesh, making its end come out of his torso. Knowing where this was going, Julie raised her hands and prepared a spell. Wally watched as blood flowed out of the wound. Deep inside him, he hoped that maybe, impalling his heart was the solution. But sadly...
"Freeze."
And just like that, Neither of the three royals could move anymore. Julie's magic went away and Wally could only move his eyes. He looked up to see the King of Spades turn his head to look at him.
"Release."
Wally put everything he had into keeping a grip on his sword, but his hands eventually opened by themselves. The King of Spades turned to face him.
"You are bold, I'll you that. But you are still nothing compared to me." he grabbed the sword by its blade and slowly pulled it out of his own body, the sound of tearing flesh and cracking bones sent a chill through Wally's spine. "You know," he kept speaking, unbothered. "you're not the first one to try and kill me and you certainly won't be the last. I know exactly the type of king you are."
The sword was completely out, a pool of blood poured out onto the floor. The King of Spades then leaned closer to him, speaking more quietly.
"You are so perfect. The Kingdom's favorite little golden boy. And it is eating you on the inside. That is exactly why you need me." he tilted his head. "Who else will you blame for your mistakes, huh?"

He threw the sword aside and looked at his hand, bleeding from grabbing the blade. He looked back at Wally and dragged his hand across his face, staining it with blood. Wally wanted to vomit.
"I am nice enough to play your games, so make sure you follow your own rules." he patted his cheek. "Chaos will ensue otherwise and war will rage. And no matter how many will die, you and I know I won't be one of them."
Wally felt a burning rage deep within his guts. The ground beneath him cracked and rose in the air, small sparks of fire appeared in his palms. His hands shook and he slowly fought back against the paralysis.
"Impressive..." the King uttered. "Sleep."
The three royals collapsed on the floor. Wally managed to keep his eyes open just to watch the King leave the room, laughing. Then he fell asleep.

They woke up an hour or so later. They all felt useless, they all felt hopeless. Wally touched his face then looked at his fingers to see the blood, the King's blood...
'He bleeds.'
"I'll kill him."
Frank and Julie looked at him with big eyes.
"I don't know how yet, but I will find a way and I will kill him. He shall not torment us nor our children any longer. I refuse it."
"Wally, you can't..." Frank said. "You... You must keep it a secret."
"And you won't do it alone." Julie added after healing her nose.
"Right." Frank went up to him and used his handkerchief to clean his friend's face. "We're in this together, right?"
"Frank, Julie..." he smiled faintly. "Thank you."
At this moment, Wally made another promise to himself, if the three of them were ever caught, he would take the blame and say anything that could absolve his friends of any consequences.

And so together, they studied in secret, they trained even harder, they looked for ways to kill an immortal being. Plan A, B, C and more. They came up with strategies, combat formations, everything to make sure their plan was unbeatable. The next yearly meeting took place in the Kingdom of Spades, and the one after that will take place in the Kingdom of Hearts... As for what the plan was, Lady (Y/n) has already explained everything.
But throughout all this planning, all this preparing, Wally felt his heart twist with a lingering thought: what if it failed? What if it didn't work? What if the King of Spades survived and killed them? It would've all been for nothing.
That was when he came up with his own contingency plan. He went to Miss Partridge.
"Fuzing your soul with the castle?!" she exclaimed, almost dropping her teacup.
Wally shushed her and the two of them looked over to the door, although she put a soundproof spell on it.
"Miss Partridge." he said. "I have told you of our plan, and you've found no flaw, nor did we. However, the King of Spades can be unpredictable, no one knows the extent of his powers, except maybe my mother..." he paused. "In case our plan fails, the only thing left to fend against an immortal enemy would be another immortal being."
"But... Being a castle, my King, isn't the best angle of attack."
"Not to attack, to protect." he looked down, clenching his fist. "If I am to become a haunted castle, I want to be either a fortress or a cage." he looked at her with a determined look. "Either way, my priority is to protect my family. To protect them from him."

Poppy looked down, unsure. Wally's expression softened.
"I need your help to replicate such a ritual, you are the most brilliant sorceress I know." he tilted his head. "It's only a contingency plan, our initial plan is certain to work."
"Do the Queen and King know about this?"
"...No." he looked away.
"Why?"
"The three of us know better than anyone what immortality does to a person. It is the most vile curse anyone can burden and it is sure to turn one into a monster. If I told them of this plan, they will want to take my place. I don't want them to suffer, to battle him for all eternity. However I am more than happy to take on this fate. For I hate him for than life itself, and that hate shall keep my mind focused." he looked at her with a determined look. "I am prepared for it."
Poppy stared at him with a pained look. She wanted to hug him so badly. After a moment, she sighed, slowly shaking her head.
"If it is what you wish for, young King. Then I shall help you with every bit of knowledge I have."

And so, on top of managing his kingdom and planning the murder of the King of Spades, Wally would study soul transferring rituals with Miss Partridge. Many sleepless nights, for the two of them. Wally was used to it, but he worried for her...
"It's alright, really." she smiled, bags under her eyes. "It takes me back to my student days at the academy."
They found some leads in the books about ancient and dark magic.
"An object in and of itself, can't suddenly turn magical. And a soul cannot be transferred to an inanimate object." she said. "For this to work, there needs to be a third party. A magical object that is attached to the castle so that it can act as a receptacle for your soul to then... I suppose 'haunt' the place." she thought for a moment, looking over at all the books, notes and research papers scattered across the table. "But because of the nature of our ritual, the object in question would need to be fueled with ancient magic."
"...I may have such a thing somewhere."
Poppy looked at him with big eyes.
"What object would that be?"
He leaned back a little bit. At this moment, he felt like a child again, being caught in a lie.

"Tree bark."
"T-Tree bark, you say." she nodded. "Fuel with ancient magic."
He lowered his head, making himself smaller. Poppy inhaled.
"Well." she exhaled. "If that tree bark is fueled with ancient magic, then it must be from an ancient place as well."
"Sure. But, would it work? It's old tree bark, it's dead."
"If it comes from...where you got it from, it should still work, yes."
"There's only one way to find out, anyway."
Wally went to the secret spot in the gardens' labyrinth, where he, Frank and Julie would hide their treasures when they were children, that was where the old tree bark was. He and Miss Partridge then looked for a spot to experiment in secret. They've chosen the East basement, which hasn't been used in decades, as well as being the deepest parts of the castle. It would be safe there.
They've made several attempts, but trying to attach a big piece of magical tree skin to the entire royal castle of Hearts was much harder than it seemed, even if that tree skin came from the Dark Forest. They've tried to make it work for a whole month now. Every night, they would try again, with a few adjustments to the magic circle they've traced on the ground. After yet another failed ritual, they looked at each-other, exhausted. The yearly meeting was approaching... Wally sighed.
"It's alright." he smiled. "Our plan will work anyway."

On the day of the yearly meeting between the four royals, Wally evacuated the entire half of the castle, as was the procedure whenever the King of Spades would visit. He, Julie and Frank got in position and waited... They knew the King would be late, as he always was. But the meeting started this morning, and now the Sun was starting to set. Julie and Frank grew irritated, visibly anxious, but Wally stayed motionless, his unblinking eyes fixed on the door. This could mean two things, they thought, the King will either come in lazy and uninterested, or frustrated and angry.
It turned out to be neither. He was enraged. He kicked the door open, covered in blood.
"I don't have time for this!!!" he exclaimed before shouting insults in the old Spades language.
"Is it yours?" Wally asked, referring to the blood.
"You wish, brat! My Queen has been taken away from me!"
Frank and Wally exchanged a look. A Queen?! They've never heard of her before!
'Of course people would be interested in him in that forsaken place.' Wally thought.

"Of course, I made those donkeys pay for forgetting their place!" he clenched his fist. "I don't need them anymore anyway, now that they finally have a daughter for me to marry. I have to go back to looking for her so I can show her off!"
"Are you sure she didn't run away?" Wally tilted his head.
"What do you know of the matters of marriage, mama's little golden boy?!"
Wally's eyelid twitched. The King paused when he noticed something attached to Wally's belt.
"That sword..."
"It's new."
"No it's not."
Only then did the King realize... They were one person short.

Julie jumped down from the ceiling, taking advantage of the King's blind spot to use her magic without the risk of any counterspells from his part. She drained him of his blood and simply threw all five liters aside, letting it paint the walls red. For a long second, the King stood still and looked down at himself. Devoid of any liquid, his muscles were completely useless, now deflated and flat. He was skinny to the bone. He tried saying something but only let out a dry noise before he stumbled and collapsed.
"Wally! Now's the time!" Julie exclaimed.
Said young man stood up. He took out his mother's sword – now his – as he quickly approached the King. This was it, this was the end.
But he stopped in his tracks and watched in horror as the King pushed his body back up. His movements slow and shaky.
"Oh come on!" Julie shouted.
"How?!" Frank exclaimed at the same time.
Wally picked up the pace, holding his sword with two hands. As the King was in a semi standing position, Wally lowered his body to then push himself up, his sword pointing right at his heart yet again. This time, he thought, he would end him in one strike.
From his perspective, time slowed down. The King of Spades' head was down and as he straightened his back, his head rolled around to face the ceiling. As it did, he deeply inhaled. Not to breathe, but to smell something. He exhaled, his breath visible in the form of a puff of steam. Wally couldn't see his face completely, but he could see his teeth as he smiled widely.
"Smells like home."

Wally's heart sunk like a rock thrown in water. Next thing he and his friends knew, the King of Spades ran out of the room. Not because Wally was distracted for a moment, but because his target was too fast.
"How can he even move?!" Frank held his head. "This is a nightmare!"
"It's not over yet!" Julie exclaimed. "We just have to catch him!"
Wally did not waste a second, knowing he was the fastest of the three he ran after him. That, and also he had an idea as to where he was going, so he could take another path to cut him off. When he did, the King quickly turned around the corner.
'Where does he get all this energy?' Wally thought. 'He really is a monster.'
He believed that at this point, the King was just running to not get caught. He was wrong.

The King of Spades has gained some distance from him and he entered the throne room. He went up to the throne, picked it up with one hand and threw it away. He stared at the tiled floor, as if something was written on it and he was frantically reading. He huffed a chuckle, the chuckle turned into a giggle, then to a laugh, then to a mad cackle. He raised his index, the nail and the skin of which fell off. What was left of his flesh somehow glowed in a black light and he began to quickly move it around in a specific pattern.
Deep under his feet, in the basement, was an unfinished magic circle. Letters and symbols began to appear as if written by an invisible hand. Once it was complete, the circle began to glow purple, the light so bright that it peeked through the tiles of the throne room.
Wally finally entered the room and saw him, his back turned. He was laughing like a maniac, which sounded just unnatural given the dryness of his throat. There was a purple light shining under his feet, and that was when Wally remembered the layout of the castle regarding this room and the East basement.
The King was distracted, now was his chance. He dashed forward and jumped, this time aiming for the head.
A gust of wind came from beneath, the King glowed purple. That light created a shock wave that pushed Wally away and he fell across the room, rolling on the floor a few times.

The King of Spades was still laughing. Once the light disappeared, he began to cough loudly. He fell to his knees, his hands on the floor and began to vomit out some sort of thick black liquid, which was then absorbed through the tiles.
Wally threw his sword with every bit of strength he had, it went through the physical body of its target and hit the opposite wall. The King collapsed on the floor.
Wally stood up, panting, still in a fighting stand, ready to attack if the King was to stand up again. But he didn't. With careful steps, Wally walked up to the body. It was motionless, lifeless. Using telekinesis, he made the sword fly back into his hand and stabbed it a few more times. The King didn't react, he was dead, for real this time. He pushed the body with his foot to turn it on its back.
The first thought that came to his mind was that he wanted to beat this lifeless shell into a bloody pulp until he could be mistaken for spare meat that somehow got out of the kitchens. But anxious thoughts quickly filled his head again.
Did the King of Spades just fuzed with the castle?! From all the way up there?! But his and Miss Partridge's attempts all failed! There were no third party to the ritual. Did he make changes? When he puked that black stuff, was it because it failed yet again, or was it his wretched soul leaving his body? Nothing happened when the sword went through him, but he's never used the sword before. So did it work or not? Wally closed his eyes to sharpen his magical sense, in case he could detect anything unusual, but there were no changes. Everything was normal. So did it work or not?!

"Wally!"
He snapped out of his thoughts and turned around to see Julie and Frank step into the room. They paused, seeing the corpse on the ground.
"Is...Is he...?" Frank asked.
Wally looked back down. The floor was clean, not a stain of black on the white tiles.
"Yes." he said without thinking. "He's gone."
Both Frank and Julie let out a big sigh of relief. But the three of them knew they couldn't rest on their laurels just yet. Thankfully the only evidence there was was the blood in the meeting room, the corpse and the throne being on the other side of the room. Wally picked up the corpse and left to sneak into the stables where the King's horse was, while Julie and Frank worked together to clean the scene. Using magical crystals, Wally teleported into the stables over at the royal castle of Spades, with the body and the horse. It was easy for him to sneak around the place until he arrived in the King's chambers.
He placed the body on the bed and stared at it, the moonlight behind him. In the silence of the night, Wally knew he couldn't do anything physical to it, there must not be any sign of an attack. So instead, he quietly told the deepest, sincerest, most genuine confession of hate ever told. No one but the Moon heard it, the venom in his voice he's been holding back for more than a decade now. He never raised his tone above a whisper, but even the Moon hid itself in fear behind clouds.

He wasn't finished, but he was caught by surprise by being brought back to his own castle. He saw Frank and Julie, the latter of which was holding another crystal.
"Why did you bring me back?"
"You were taking too long." she said, her and Frank visibly concerned. "Under an hour, remember?"
"Ah. Right." he nodded, looking down. "I lost track of time."
"Anyway, come and help us."
The three of them finished cleaning the meeting room, along with the corridors the King ran through. They let out a big sigh of relief when they were done after several hours.

"So? How did it go?" Frank asked.
Wally showed them the crystals.
"...There's one missing."
Wally looked at them. One, two, three... He forgot one.
"Well shoot!" Julie said. "Which one is-"
Her and Frank looked at Wally and their expression fell. He was shaking, his eyes twitching, the crystals in his hands began to crack. He knew he couldn't go back there, it would be too much of a risk. And what if they've found the body already?
"Hey hey hey hey!" Julie put her hands on his shoulders. "It's okay, it's alright. Which one was it?"
"The one on the horse." he whispered.
"Well then don't worry about it." Frank waved a hand. "They won't care about the horse. Not when they'll find him. And they will."
"Which is sad! Those heartless monsters!" Julie sniffed in an exaggerated way to lighten up the mood.

Wally took a deep breath and thanked them. Having finished, they went to bed, but none of them slept that night. As for Wally, he didn't even go to bed, he immediately went down to the basement.
He knew there was a chance that the King wasn't gone yet, and that it would be his fault. But did he want Frank and Julie to know? They were finally free, could he really take that from them? No.
He found the added writing on the circle but besides that, nothing changed.
'He could've failed as well.'
Just to be sure, he sat down by the doorway and observed the circle for the rest of the night. Only leaving and going back to his room once the Sun came up. Frank and Julie left, the King's corpse was found, and the rest is history...
But not really.

A week passed, a very peaceful and uneventful week. Then, things started to happen. Small things. A breeze coming from nowhere, objects getting misplaced, doors jamming.
Wally was in denial, but Barnaby could tell something was off. The way his best friend reacted to these events, so dismissively, was to him very telling. He brought it up again as the two of them walked through the castle's hallways. Wally brushed it off once more.
"What are you so scared of, buddy?"
"I don't get scared."
Barnaby hummed. He noted how quickly that answer came out.
"A'ight." he nodded. "Who knows! Maybe this is the King of Spades' ghost, tormenting you from the other side." he shrugged with a smile.
"There are no such things as ghosts." he said as he opened the door from his office.

As soon as they stepped inside, a maid jumped on him, armed with a letter opener. Wally grabbed her wrists and the two of them began to wrestle.
"Woah! Lady!" Barnaby exclaimed.
Her eyes were all white, her skin was deep blue, Wally didn't recognize her at all. She cackled.
"Thank you for saving me, brat!"
His eyes widened. Laying on his back, he kicked her in the stomach, getting her off of him. She kept cackling, raising the letter opener. Just as Barnaby was about to call the guard, the maid's skin changed color again, her eyes went back to normal and she slowly stopped laughing before falling to her knees. Wally quickly stood up and the two best friends stared at her, waiting for something to happen. Eventually, she groaned and looked up.
"Huh? Your Highness? What...?" she looked at them both then noticed what she was holding.
She gasped and threw it away.
"What happened?" Wally asked.
"I-I was just cleaning your office, as I do every morning! But... I suddenly felt woozy." she held her head. "Next thing I know, I'm on the floor and you and Mr. Beagle are looking at me like you've seen a ghost."

Barnaby laughed.
"A ghost! Yeah, I could've sworn that myself."
Now, he wasn't much of the superstitious type, nor was he a magic expert. He wouldn't know the how nor the why of it all. But looking at his best friend's face, seeing his expression of subtle horror, he could put some pieces together.
Without a word, Wally left the room. After reassuring the maid that nothing happened and she won't be in trouble, Barnaby followed him to the best of his legs' abilities. They ended up at Poppy's 'cottage', the door of which Wally kept knocking on without a pause.
"Young King? What is it?" Poppy asked with a hint of distress.
"Catastrophe."
He led her to the East basement, with Barnaby following behind them. Wally didn't mind him knowing. The tall dog man stayed silent throughout this whole scene, even when he discovered the magic circle, what Wally was planning on using it and how it ended up being used by the King of Spades instead.
"How?" Poppy asked after Wally explained the situation. "He was in the throne room." she looked up. "It's so far above..."
"He's a monster. Rules don't apply to him."

After a moment of shock, she quickly went to work and analyzed the circle again.
"It's a rushed and messy job but...he did complete it." she said. "The bark is firmly fuzed with the floor."
"What happens if we destroy it?"
"Mmh... It will most likely destroy his soul as well, leaving it with no vessel."
Wally took out his sword and walked towards the middle of the circle.
"Your Highness, please wait!" she stopped him. "The King was- Um, Is? A powerful magic-user! To set his soul free would mean creating a powerful explosion!"
"I've seen his soul, it is not that impressive."
"Even if it wasn't, it is now tied to the entire castle. It might shake the entire estate, make the castle collapse, oh gosh!"
Seeing her starting to panic, Wally put his sword back in its scabbard.
"Breathe, Miss Partridge." he took her hand and patted the back of it while Barnaby fanned her face with his handkerchief. "Take a deep breath and let's look for solutions with a clear mind."
Poppy took a few deep breaths before thanking the two gentlemen.

"Based on the events that have been happening in the past weeks, it's safe to say that this fusion takes time. Create a breeze, move small objects, manipulate people for a short amount of time. It's all gradual-"
Wally looked up.
"Heads up."
Her and Barnaby looked up. A piece of the ceiling was falling towards her head. With his quick reflexes, Wally jumped above her and smashed the rock into small pieces before landing on his feet.
"I guess that means you've hit the nail." Barnaby smiled.
"How do we destroy him then?" Wally asked.
"I... I don't know." she said. "I don't believe any of the counterspells we have now could stop him."
"Should we get to work once more?"
She nodded as she sighed.
"I believe we shall."
"You don't have to do this with me."
"Nonsense, this is my work as much as it is yours." she said as she ran past him to leave the room. "We must hurry now, time is of the essence!"

And so ensued another series of sleepless nights. During this period, Wally was reminded of something, something he could not believe he forgot. The Shuffling. It was next year, and he was hosting it this time. He's already promised he would extend the ceremony from ten days to a whole month. He's already put the preparations on the backburner because of the murder plans, now he needed to seriously focus.
Canceling it simply was not an option, not to him. The Shuffling was a sacred celebration of the Four Kingdoms, not only that but he would be the Master of Ceremony, canceling the event would shame him and his entire bloodline. The entire world was watching him, he could not fail.
Thankfully, Poppy finally came up with a spell that could seal away the King of Spades' soul!
"I've crushed the numbers." she said. "The sealing circle must be proportionate to the power of what it is sealing. For the King's soul, the circle must be the size of the entire estate, including the forest."
"That's... That's perfect." he smiled. "We won't have to worry about him?"
"Of course, I shall keep looking for a way to disable the magic circle and render the tree bark useless without causing much of a fuss." she smiled. "While you concentrate on organizing the loveliest Shuffling yet."
After working restless days on writing her incantations on a giant red ribbon. Poppy successfully cast the seal around the estate, under the pretext of it being a complex shielding spell for the Shuffling. After that, Wally granted her another rank of sorcery, putting her at level six.

Wally was still anxious about this whole situation... Not only was the King of Spades still somewhat alive, but now he was Wally's castle, a cage of his own making. This nightmare was supposed to be over, now it has increased in horror and irony. Would Wally ever be free? Was the King of Spades really a curse that would haunt him and his bloodline for all eternity? Was this his fate?
"No." he whispered to himself. "There is no such thing as fate."
To ease his mind and consciousness, he decided to view the situation the other way. He wasn't the prisoner here, he wasn't the one being sealed away. Sitting alone on his throne, Wally looked down at the tiled floor and in a whisper addressed the basement beneath.
"Watch the people you despise so much enjoy and celebrate in great bliss while you rot below, as you so deserve." he smiled. "Watch helplessly as they forget you ever existed, unfazed by your absence if not relieved."
Now a lot happier, he hoped off his throne and left to work on the preparations for the Shuffling, humming a little tune.

At some point, Wally looked away from (Y/n). And for most of his story, he didn't look at her. He was afraid to see disgust.
"Everything was going just fine." he said. "But throughout the Shuffling, he's been growing stronger than the seal itself. Something was angering him, and that anger made him more powerful. I thought it was because I was falling in love with you, one of his own people. But now that I know you were the future queen he spoke of, it all makes sense now. Seeing you of all people working with his worst enemy must've driven him mad." he turned away from her. "I'm going back to my castle, I'm putting an end to this. I'll end the Shuffling if I have to."
"My gosh..." she said under her breath.
"You understand now." he clenched his fists. "You can't go back to-"
"Arnold."
"What?"

He turned back around to see the look of pure horror on her face. She was paler, shaking.
"Arnold!" she cried as she ran down the small stairs, past Wally. "We have to go!"
"Huh?" he followed her. "Did you not understand actually?"
"I perfectly did, which is why I must go back!"
"Why?"
She paused for a quick moment to look at him. Her mouth opened, but she hesitated to speak.
"I... I can't tell you." she quickly said before continuing onward.
"What?"
"I can't tell you! Not after what you just said!"

He grabbed her arms, making her stop and look at him.
"You said so yourself. No more secrets." he looked into her eyes, his stern voice contrasting the gentle pleading look in his eyes.
(Y/n) pursed her lips, visibly distressed.
"Fine. I'll tell you. But we have to go now."
"Lead the way." he let go of her.
The two of them ran to the stables and mounted their horses. Walter followed them, barking.
"Stay." (Y/n) said.
He kept barking.
"Stay!" she looked at him, pointing down.
Walter finally stopped and whined as her and Wally rode away side by side.

"Remember the giant power vacuum that the King's death created, since he had no heir and no one wanted to take his place?" she asked.
"Yes."
"...That wasn't true. The King didn't know but..." she looked at him. "Arnold is his illegitimate son."