Of Kings and Queens

1. The Contract that Binds our Thrones

Chapter 1 The Contract that Binds Our Thrones

Chapter 1 The Contract that Binds Our Thrones

12:00 am Sunday Night

Arthur danced among his fellow celebrities at Club Elysium, the music blasting and lights strobing all around him. Champagne in hand, he was an unmovable empire of power, might, and honestly who are we kidding, Arthur was wasted as fuck. Panic! At the Disco was blaring at full volume as Arthur rocked to the beat in black skinny jeans and a white T shirt. The choker on his neck added a nice flare to his look as the rave went on, glow sticks bursting above his head and color packets exploding everywhere. What a hell of a cleanup job.

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8 am Monday Morning

"I heard, that you're settled down, that you found a girl and you're married now--" Arthur groaned loudly as his phone rang...somewhere around here. Arthur sat up with a whine and searched for his phone, wishing it would be quiet. After he couldn't find it in arms reach, he decided to fling the blankets off until he heard a satisfying thump as Adele's Someone like you rang from his phone.

"Nevermind I'll find someone like you, I wish nothing but the best--"

Arthur wanted to cry as the music was too loud and ironic considering he spent the night drinking and trying to forget who this very song reminded him of. Ugh. Arthur crawled to the mess of blankets on the floor and searched for the device.

Francis yelled at him over the phone telling him he had to be at Legacy Studios in a half hour. Shit! Arthur wanted to cry for the second time that morning and he was awake for less than three minutes. He got up and hid under the blankets, why wouldn't the lights just shut up? Arthur nimbley got up and stared into his closet, wondering what to wear. Deciding that he needed to look presentable yet casual, he threw on a green sweater vest and black slacks.

Arthur got into his, simple, yet classy black car and drove himself to the studio, not wanting to waste time with a limo and be late. This was fun! Arthur really hadn't had anything to do in a long time, besides party and look after his brothers. Even if he was hungover, Arthur was going to be the best lead role Legacy studios could ever dream of. That is until he saw a white mercedes benz in the parking lot. No, it was probably just a coincidence he thought, there was no way he would ever be here. Arthur snubbed the thought and marched into the studio proudly, swagger in each step despite his massive headache. At least he still had that pair of aviator glasses, no matter their origin. They were pretty cheap, twenty dollars at walmart, but they got the job done.

"Earl grey tea stat!" Arthur barked orders. "I'm in a horrendous mood, but today will be all work! We have a pilot to make!"

No one seemed to mind the brit as the bustled about and that's when Arthur realized they were all buzzing around somebody else. Must be my new co-worker. Finally somebody got Arthur his tea as he approached the blob of people. Might as well make friends with the person he was going to be kissing. The contract Francis made him sign last night guaranteed at least a month of having to be working in this studio.

The crowd of people seemed to evaporate with each step Arthur took towards his partner. It looked like what appeared to be a man, but he was turned around so Arthur couldn't really tell who he was. But a male lover? That was new, Arthur was sure his fans would love it and welcome the new change of pace.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Arthur Kirkland and you are--"

The man whirled around, his blue eyes wide in shock.

"YOU!!" We shouted in unison as Arthur dropped his teacup.

"What the hell are you doing on my set!"

"What are you doing on my set!" He growled.

"Your set?! What are you going on about! I'm the lead, you backstabbing beslubbering lout!"

"Oh, here we go with the fancy words! God Artie, how could you be the lead role when I'm...the...lead role, oh God."

Realization set in as the boys stared wide eyed at each other.

"No, no, no, I refuse to work with this fucker! No, he'd probably quit mid-season and leave us all in a money and press pit!"

"Oh shut up, stopping being so ass hurt about that, I did what I had too!"

"Right because all you are is a selfish American prick who only does anything for the fame and fortune!"

"Oh, like you're any better. I refuse to work with you."

"Please." Arthur huffed. "You don't work with anyone.'' And with that he slammed the door to his dressing room, Alfred doing the same, although it was quite unfortunate that they had dressing rooms across from each other.

Arthur sat on the small couch in his room and let out a strangled groan. Why did he have to be here? Him and his entitled ass that thought everything belonged to him. The upstart even thought he was better than Arthur! As if. The only thing Alfred was better at than Arthur was fucking ass and eating unhealthy things.

Michelle knocked on Arthur's door and entered swiftly. She said she saw what happened and wanted to help. Help? How could she possibly know what Arthur was going through? It had been years since Alfred had worked with him.

Years since Alfred had left him.

Only a few people knew the more intimate details of the past. It all started with a young boy singing at a state fair. The America had a voice like honey, a lot better than that upstart Sartorius. He was so goofy back then. With glasses to big and arms so long. HE had grabbed Arthur's attention like that of a moth to a flame. They began an act together, the Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat. Arthur's family were producers for a kids program, and pulled strings for Alfred to get a role alongside Arthur, playing as two young naive princes in a fantasy realm.

But behind the camera, behind all the lights and behind closed doors, Alfred shone brighter than he did in the public eye. And he shone bright for Arthur only. And then he left, leaving Arthur alone again without his star to guide him...

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Alfred was furious. Kiku, his manager, had tricked him into this role, promising large sums of money and a garnetted larger fanbase. He knew Arthur would be working here and he was willing to bet that Kiku had got this role for him on purpose...Alfred should have known. He told Kiku everything, everything. Alfred knew he would be in series reboot... but it was now that he realized just what series was rebooting. It had to be. There were too many coincidences. Playing a character named Allen, being in a pre-established relationship... A fantasy romance.

It was a reboot of the show Alfred had fallen in love with, with the person he promised himself he would forget. Alfred had broken many hearts to get where he was now. He vowed to himself that he would never again play in fantasy. He would just forget and move on. But here he was, and he could no longer ignore what he did. He could no longer lock away his feelings and never acknowledge them. He could no longer avoid those poisonous green eyes that sucked him into a never ending abyss and ate him whole. Green eyes that he had left behind him long ago were now staring at him straight in the face.

But what Alfred was really afraid of all this time, was seeing those venomous eyes again and falling in love all over again.

"Mr. Jones? Are you in there? Shooting starts in five minutes!"

"Yes! I'll be right there Michelle!"

But the show must go on, and no amount of feelings would ever stop Alfred from doing what he did best; Playing the hero.