Cardverse Hetalia ~ Kingdom Of Spades ♠️

Chapter 39 - An Informal visit with the Hearts

In the forest, a young boy was walking at quite a fast pace through the trees aimlessly as if there was no rhyme or reason to his adventure. He came to a stop at the top of a hill, overlooking a nearby village suitable for farming and livestock. The young boy was watching in admiration at the scenery, his bright blue eyes lit up like candles. He couldn't help but smile the whole time.

Unfortunately, this tranquil peace was brief as an overcast of a shadow expanded in size over the village, plunging it into darkness. All the boy could hear was screams of terror and panic, he turned his attention towards the sky to see a vague figure in the clouds. 

We was unable to make out what it was but the sounds of grumbles and screeches were all he could interpret. The next thing he knew, there were deafening sounds of howls, blood curdling screams of pain and agonising yells. Enough to make the young lad cover his ears, tears welling up in his eyes due to the sounds. He tried to see more of what the sky was transfigurating into, and what came to view. 

A giant creature in the sky, in the shape of a rhino like monster. This spectre was not the friendliest of spirits nor was it a common sort of rhino as the boy would know. It had bright scarlett blood shot eyes, one horn on its snout, two on its head and the size almost overcast the whole village in its shadow. The boy was frozen with fear; he could not flee nor call for help. Instead he stood still, likely unsure of what to do or how to react. The monster roared with enough impact to shake the ground like a natural disaster. The child was unable to process what happened next in time because before he knew it, the monster exported a large green flaming ball towards the boy.

It was at this moment, a yelp was heard from the chambers. Alfred sat up in a swift motion from the bed, short on his breaths and scanning the room. He then placed a hand over his heart to calm himself. He sighed in relief before speaking to himself. “Only a bad dream, Alfred...just a dream…” he said. He turned his attention to the figure beside him. His lover was undisturbed, much to the young man’s relief. Seeing his queen and soulmate sleeping peacefully, not to mention elegantly was enough to calm his nerves quickly before he resumed his sleeping position and drift off, holding Arthur close to his chest. He fell asleep himself straight away.

The following morning, Matthew and Yao were preparing some special souvenirs for the hearts. Though not part of their essentials for the queen and king travelling to new terrain, they agreed that a peace offering in the form of food gifts was an excellent idea to strength relations. Yao was smiling as he was making what could only be described as soft rice balls with a paste filling inside. Matthew was making some pastries with a delicate balance of sweet and savoury. Not the most fanciest of treats, but balanced and neutral so it’s not overpowering. The Ace looked over to Yao’s handy work with intrigue on the treat. 

“Remind me again, what is it you’re making Yao?” he asked in a soft voice. Yao smiled before responding. “I call them rice cakes, but Di-di calls them ‘Mochi’. He loves the ones with red bean paste inside. I think of them as comfort food for him ever since he was small.” Yao answered fondly. Matthew smiled to this answer. “Aww, that’s sweet. I’m sure he’d appreciate them. Especially as he hadn’t seen you in so long. It could bring it all back to him.” He elaborated. Yao paused for a moment. “Maybe you’re right. Since he knows where our paths had led up to now, I’m sure he would enjoy them even more.” He said before resuming. 

By this time, Alfred and Arthur were dressed in their standard attire, ready to set off for the kingdom of hearts. As the king was adjusting his coat, he peaked over to see Arthur trying to comb his hair to the side similar to the coronation hair. Well, closer to how Alfred styled it as sleeked back wasn’t Arthur favourite style for his hair. 

“What are you doing there, Artie?” He asked in a calm tone. Arthur glanced over for a second before continuing. “I’m trying to style the hair so I don’t get too much attention, knowing what kind of reputation I have. Hard to find those that DON’T know my name by now…” He replied, though with mild annoyance. Alfred sighed while shaking head, his hands placing themselves on his hips. “Oh Arthur, You probably won’t need to do that. That man, let alone many people in the other kingdom are not gonna pay that close of attention to your presence. Likelihood is, they’ll just see a royal escort or a male queen. They won’t see you a-”