Cardverse Hetalia ~ Kingdom Of Spades ♠️

Chapter 25 - A Cure for Pain

The next morning, Matthew felt empty and lost within. Yesterday felt like a wave raging through a storm, destroying anything in its path. He didn't know how to take in the fact that Arthur was treated like an unwilling toy as well as a punchbag. But why was all that Matthew was asking, one he cannot seem to answer on his own. He was strolling through the hallway only to spot Arthur heading towards him just like he would any other day. Matthew paused for a moment for Arthur to pass but he didn't intend for him to walk pass him today. Arthur nodded with a morning greeting and past briefly before feeling a grab on his arm. He looked over his shoulder with confusion.

"Is there something the matter, Master Matthew?" He asked. Matthew at first didn't respond. Matthew looked over to him with a mild expression. He spoke softly to avoid any misunderstanding about this gesture. "Is Alfred still asleep?" He asked. Arthur nodded naturally without giving any second thoughts. Matthew sighed in relief and gestured to Arthur to follow him into the living room.

Arthur was bewildered about why his master's brother would want to talk to him without Alfred's presence. Once the two approached the doors, the two entered into a sun lit blue room with velvet curtains hanging high on the wall, paintings of different people Arthur doesn't completely recognise and white flowers in beautiful delicate glass vases. He's been guided to a purple lounger in the room and was asked to sit on it with Matthew crouching in front of him.

"Sorry for this but I haven't been able to sleep last night after Yao told me about what happened..." He began, leaving Arthur confused from this sentence. "What do you mean, sir?" He asked. Matthew continued remaining as calm as possible. "Well...Alfred came home looking like he saw a ghost and tears down his face. He was low and then he said about seeing blood and you wanting suffering to stop. Then without warning, Alfred left and Yao had to explain what he believed had happened." He explained before pausing to take a breath before proceeding with a question. "So, I just want to confirm it with you. Did Mr Blackwell do what Yao believed he did to you...?" He asked.

Arthur felt his face drop knowing that his trauma that he wished the world didn't about had travelled to the attention of the royals of this castle, something the late king hoped wouldn't know but to be frank would've been found out sooner or later. Arthur lowered his head before nodding shakeably. "Yes, Mr Blackwell...broke me..." He said. Matthew felt his eyebrows drop. "He...He believed he's powerful from this deed...But he only did it to me...he never explained why..." He said quietly. Matthew felt his stomach turn with inner disgust and sadness. He really did suffer as bad as Alfred said. No, Even worse than he could ever imagine. "That's... That's horrible..." He said before sitting himself onto a nearby chair.

There was nothing but silence from the two men before Matthew took a deep breath to proceed what he wished to say next. "I'm really sorry to hear that happened to you, Arthur." He said in a low tone, while looking up at Arthur with much sympathy. Arthur wasn't sure how to respond to this but lowered his head instead. "What are cruel man..." He said. Arthur still remained silent for he was sure what to say that could steer the conversation away from this or even lighten up the mood. Matthew ended up standing up and gestured Arthur to stand up to face him.

"Arthur. I need to ask you a question and I want you to be as honest as possible." He said in a stern voice but not strict. Arthur nodded without hesitating. "Are you truly happier here since Alfred chose you?" He asked. Arthur had to think hard about how to answer. On the one hand, he was grateful for being here, but on the other hand the scars that his master spotted on his arms was an indication about what he never wanted to disclose to anymore. His old masters were not the only ones who were hurting him...

He gripped his arm while restraining himself from saying anything irrational. Matthew looked down with a raised eyebrow. "What's wrong?" He asked with concern in his voice this time. "Why are you grabbing your arm li-" "Yes, sir." Arthur spoke without a second thought. He continued with his answer anxiously.