The UsUk Collection

Kings and Queens

Alfred F. Jones was crowned King of Spades. Arthur Kirkland was happy his best friend was one of the royals… right?

I was there when we found that mark on the back of your neck.

The mark that claimed you as the next King of Spades.

We were hunting in the woods. You were about to hit our next target until you collapsed and cried while clutching your neck.

You told me that the back of your neck was burning. I ran to your aid and I checked what was wrong.

I thought you were bitten by some kind of poisonous bug, but what I saw on your neck was no bite. Something was being written on your skin by magic - black ink spread across your neck, creating the mark of the king.

The Gods chose you.

And no one can do anything about it.

Everyone was happy.

Your family was happy.

The kingdom was happy.

You were happy.

And I…

I'm… happy for you, Alfred.

I was there at your coronation.

I watched as you recite your vows for the Kingdom.

I watched as they placed the crown on your head.

I watched as you wave towards everyone across the throne room, a big smile on your face.

My family was part of the guest list.

Our families were close. Both of us are close. We're best friends, aren't we? We knew each other since we were in diapers. We grew up together our whole lives.

I was there during our first eighteen years of living in the world.

Eighteen years.

I was there with you the entire time.

Starting now, I won't be there with you anymore. I can't stand at your side like before.

Because you're the King of Spades.

And I am just a civilian.

x

It was an ordinary day in the village. I started my morning chopping wood. In the afternoon, I was at the forest hunting for our next dinner. It was a successful hunt; it brought food on the table, and everyone in the family enjoyed it.

After cleaning up and greetings to have a good night, I retired to my room.

It's been like this for the past five months. I've grown accustomed to my new routine.

Well, it wasn't a new routine per say.

It was the same routine I did ever since I learned how to hunt.