Of Kings and Queens

Introduction

Introduction

Arthur sat on the pristine white sofa of his living room staring at the television blankly. Arthur lived in a glorious house perching at the top of Los Angeles, the best he money of a top rate actor could buy. He was watching the morning news when he heard footsteps behind him. Leon sat down on the sofa as Arthur's eyes studied the screen. What was news anyway these days? Instead of actual news, all that was showing was some TV reporter covering stories on celebrities.

"Arthur?"

"What is it Leon?" Arthur huffed, getting out a cigar from the case on the table.

"Would you mind if I stayed the night over at Emil's?"

Arthur softened at that. "Go ahead Leon."

"Yes! See you later-"

"Wait!" Arthur barked. "Do you have enough underwear?"

"Yes, Arthur."

"Sunscreen?"

"We aren't going to be outside, and when do I ever even go outside?"

"I don't care, do you have your first aid kit?"

"Yes!! Arthur I'll be fine. Look I'll see you later old man."

Arthur huffed. "I'm not old, twat. Just... be careful."

"I will." Leon nodded and headed out the door, happily bouncing down the steps to the driveway. As he got into one of Arthur's red mustangs, Arthur felt a pang in his heart. His little Leon was growing up.

Arthur lit the cigar in his hand and returned his attention to the TV. The reporter was sitting in some sort of conference room next to Alfred F. Jones himself. Arthur snorted as he watched the interview go on.

"So Mr. Jones, how did you get your start in the acting career?"

Alfred ran a finger through his hair and gave a devilish grin. "Well it all started when I would sing at county fairs as a boy. Soon enough people saw my raw talent and put me on a kids show, and later on as I begun acting more and more, my resume began to build until I landed my first big name movie, even if I wasn't the lead."

"Interesting so..."

Arthur angrily blew a puff of smoke out. What a lying ass! How dare he! Truth be told, I was his beginning, and traitor would be nothing without me. Nothing, not even a swabbling piece of-

"Now I've heard some rumors lately, so you're been contracted for a in new show, huh?"

"Yes, that's correct. Second lead role." Alfred sighed.

"Second lead? I thought you haven't had a second lead role since your teens."

"Well that is true, but it's not really a second spotlight, just a shared one."

"Alfred F. Jones sharing the lead? Well this is new so tell me---"

Arthur stopped paying attention to the reporter as soon as Alfred said the word "Shared."

As far as Arthur knew. The great Alfred F. Jones didn't share, and Arthur knew that better than anyone else.

~~

Arthur sat on his bed drinking Ribena when his phone buzzed next to him. With a sigh he set down the bottle on his nightstand and grabbed his phone.

"Hello, Arthur Kirkland speaking, how may I help you."

"Arthur! Francis speaking! Guess what I got you!"

"Why did I hire you as my manager again?"

"Because I get you deals like this. Lead role, 3 season Tv show, a romantic fantasy adventure. Right up your alley. Starting out 15 million for the pilot, if it goes over well then a 14 percent cut."