The Court of Hearts

The Jack - 2/2

Yesssss, it's finally done! *does a mini victory dance* I can get to the real shit now! But don't get me wrong, the setting up is important too. I apologize it's so long, but I had to cram a lot in there. It's all planned out though. I hope you enjoy! ^^

Snow. Crunching of the feet on it, marking the arrival of the men. Of the army. Of the ones who wouldn't ever go back. It is clear what King Ragnar wants - to win another piece of land for the Hearts, or to die trying. But with his new... weapon, it should be no other than the first option, he glanced at the red cape upon a body covered in shining armour, with the Hearts' symbols all over it. He wouldn't lose when he had it around. He never lost.

The golden-haired head turned to look at the men, and to give orders. A small village, sheltered by the forest surrounding it from three sides, was already visible in a valley before them. He grinned. Even if he was up against the so-called forces of magic, he was confident he wouldn't lose. He had a bit of magic on his side as well, after all.

"Stop!" he barked out, not looking at the men in front of him, but at the small red-caped person slouching beside him, trembling. "Get your sword," he ordered. She sighed and did so. He grinned further, and it wasn't a friendly grin. At that moment, he really looked like a dire wolf, ready to pounce on his prey. She gulped, the sword in her hands heavy, too heavy with the lives it had taken. How many lives is it yet to take? She didn't know, didn't want to know. She felt like she had taken enough for multiple lifetimes. What an irony, she grimaced sadly, preparing herself for the order that was surely to come. And it did.

"ATTACK!"

<3

Andrias woke up to the soft rays of sunlight seeping through the peek in between the thick red -of course- curtains. He yawned and stirred, then paused when he realised he couldn't hear his mother preparing breakfast, nor the shrieks of the seagulls outside. And that his bed was disturbingly comfortable. And he wasn't sharing it with anyone. He jolted awake, to see what the heck happened, pushed away the curtains, and wondered how had his room become about eight times bigger and his bed so much softer and much more comfortable. The light-pink walls with a wallpaper of little doves and light roses greeted him as he looked around, at the polished walnut-wood table with a collection of quills by the big window, at the walls adorned with pictures of landscapes and beautiful gardens of the kingdom, at the wardrobe with wolves carved all over it into intricate patterns, at the soft carpet by the bed, and finally, at the four-poster bed he found himself in, wrapped in a soft but warm blanket and resting on plush pillows just a moment ago. Then there was a faint itch on his back, and it all came back to him.

Right. I'm the Jack now. The third most important person of a kingdom. I guess I should get used to it, he realised as he examined the nightgown he'd been given yesterday. Such a soft material, and such intricate sewing. Of course, the sewing on his nightwear included a bunch of hearts around the buttons and on the hems.

Damn, what a lot of hearts. I don't know how they don't get sick of it.

Just as he was about to get up and find something more suitable for himself to wear, there was a light knock on the door and a few maids came in. One stepped further, holding a bowl of what Andrias learnt was clear water and a towel, and he took the hint and washed his face. Others took it as a sign to step in, carrying trays of food and drinks this time. There was even a small vase with a rose on one of them!

"Good morning, Your Highness. Breakfast is served."

They all bowed their heads and began to arrange the breakfast on Andrias' bed. The said boy plainly stared at it all, trying to comprehend what was happening. Surely, this all wasn't-