A New Kingdom (USUK Cardverse/Omegaverse)

Yao

Smooth pebble stones under foot, Yao's quick feet practically skimmed the pavement as he walked through the market. The sky grumbled overhead, the clouds threatening to burst at any moment yet the towns people didn't seemed too bothered. Men and women spoke, bargaining their goods in politest of ways. Some voices were extremely loud but other were far meeker. Nodding as he walked, Yao took note of every citizen who wore a brooch upon their breast. The brooch, a jeweled spade made from abalone shells. A way of distinguishing the higher classes apart from the commoners - for those who had no royal mark etched on their person. Yet Yao wasn't searching for a citizen of the Spadian kingdom. 

Piles of spice sat beside stalls in brown sacks. Their choking aroma swirled through the busy air.  Rich scents filled the atmosphere, hazel nut, lemon, the sweet smell of maple. "Good morning Sir" a soft voice called. Turning his head, Yao's soft lips curled up into a smile. "Matthew" he nodded, clicking his tongue gently. The boy nodded, his thick wavy hair bouncing gently. His violet eyes never failed to amaze the ace, they were so bright.. and quite frankly beautiful. "How is his majesty doing?" Matthew asked from behind his stall, picking up a syrup jar and wiping it clean with a rag. 

Tilting his head slightly, Yao huffed "I can't discuss the Queen with a commoner". Shoulders sinking slowly, Matthew nodded again, staring into the jar he was holding. "Pardon me sir... I didn't mean to intrude" he mumbled. Quirking a dark bro, Yao felt a pang in his heart of sympathy for the boy. He hadn't meant to upset him, but the Queen's affairs are private and rules are rules. " .. Ah.. Look I'm sorry Matthew, but you know how it is .." shaking his head quickly, Yao leaned forward and whispered, " Anyway, is... is he here?".

Lifting his shocking eyes, Matthew couldn't help but chuckle as the ace's face turned a gentle scarlet. "Of course, as promised". Walking around his stall, Matthew led Yao through the market stalls to a wooden door that was sealed in a crumbling wall. Knocking once to hear a gentle murmur, Matthew smiled, brushed down his beige shirt before opening the door carefully which opened up to what looked like an Aladdin's cave.  Rich cloths hung from the ceiling in various rich colours of sapphire and amethyst - giving the illusion that the den was a lot smaller than it really was. The floor had been paneled with dark wood which had been polished so finely, Yao was sure that if it weren't so dark he would have been able to see his own reflection. In a corner were many embroidered cushions and silk blankets, piled on each other and meant for laying upon - which was exactly what a silhouette was doing.  "Moya lyubov" a voice cooed through the darkness.

Trying to keep a steady head, Yao looked over the man. He was well built and extremely tall, his body adjourned with thick furs and leather - a well defined head sat upon his shoulder which silver locks curled upon. "Yao..." the man whispered, his voice filled with glee as he stood up to his full height and walking forward gently. Tears quickly filled Yao's eyes. Happy for dim lighting, the ace wiped them quickly and gulped.

It couldn't be... 

"Ivan?" he whispered. Chuckling the man nodded, his eyes glowing with emotion. "Da.. It's me Yao...". Stepping backward slowly, Yao raised his hand to his chest, "It can't be you... I didn't believe it when the Williams boy sent me that letter... It's been so long... ". Frowning slightly, the man tilted his head with a fraction of amusement. "Oh? You don't believe me?". 

Shaking his head, Yao turned away and pinched the bridge of his nose.  It can't be him... It simply cannot. I won't accept it. I won't let myself fall in l... Hearing a rustling noise, Yao spun round and his eyes widened. The man had removed his silk scarf to reveal a thick pale neck. Upon the delicate skin, many old scars laced around his throat, yet upon the lump of his neck sat a green 'K' in sharp and twisted lettering. 

Unable to control his emotion, Yao's voice broke as he covered his mouth which was hanging open.  "I-Ivan?". Nodding, Ivan encased the quivering ace in his strong arms. "Hush now, don't cry" he whispered into Yao's dark hair before placing a kiss to his forehead. Shaking his head, Yao pushed the Russian away, wiping his eyes with his cloak. "Go away Ivan.." he hissed. Ivan's youthful eyes widened as his light brows lifted in hurt, "Fredka.. but I -". "No Ivan!" Yao spluttered, using every inch of will he had in his body not to kiss the man who stood before him. 

"I'm sorry Ivan.. But you're not welcome here... I was foolish to come and visit you" Yao whispered, balling his fists and looking down, "You know what will happen if the guards find you! They will kill you here.". Taking a few steps forward, Ivan's weather-beaten face softened as a smile played upon his cracked lips.  Leaning forward, Yao could almost smell his intoxicating scent of sweet leather and alcohol. Fighting his urges, he opened a eye to glance up at the man who he once loved with his whole heart.. though that was many many years ago. 

Those lavender irises that swirled with a frozen passion, a striking as shards of ice, yet as welcoming as a crackling fire staring into his soul. "Ivan..." he breathed effortlessly as the Russian stroked his cheek. "I don't mind if they kill me..." the King of clubs murmured with frightening sincerity. "I don't mind if they strike my heart with a thousand arrows, tear me limb from limb or throw me to the wolves... That would be worth it, I told myself it would be worth it if I had the chance to see you again ". Ivan lifted Yao's small hand to his lips with effortless love.

Yao opened his mouth to speak when a terrible chorus of cries flooded in from the outside walls.  "Intruder!" they cried, "Intruder in the kingdom walls!".