When the clock ticks... (UsUk Cardverse AU)

Chapter 1 - First Encounter

A young, energetic boy bounded out from the carriage encased in a strong blue colour and golden trims, followed by his rather old and serious looking butler. The young heir to the throne, Alfred, had begged his parents to allow him to go to the forest on the boundary of the kingdom. He had read so many books saying the forest was filled with dragons, fairies and unicorns that he had made it his goal to get there. And so, here he was, after months of annoying his parents with constant begging. The young 6 year old boy ran straight into the forest, disregarding the complaints from his butler as he explored the dense area.

He ran for quite some time until he came across a beautiful lake, the water shimmering in the light streaks that flashed from the gaps in the leaves. The sound of birds singing blessing his ears with harmony. And even more blissfully for him, there was a boy. A boy sat beside the lake. He seemed to be of similar age with fair skin and soft looking blond hair. The prince remained where he was for a while before speaking. "Hello there! My name is Alfred, who are you?!" He said, his voice loud and full of happiness as he ran up and sat straight beside him.

The other boy was certainly surprised, blinking a couple of times. He didn't respond at first, mainly noticing how the other looked like he was a nobleman, though he quickly realised when he saw the small crown placed upon Alfred's blond hair. "Huh?" He asked at first, completely bewildered, he looked up slightly and for a second, their eyes met however he quickly broke eye contact. "I - I'm Arthur." He simply responded before bowing his head politely "I'm a farmer and I live here in the forest" he told him.

"Eh?!" Alfred asked excitedly "you live here?!" He questioned in disbelief, his ocean blue eyes practically shimmering in amazement "you must be friends with the fairies! And the unicorns! And the dragons too!!" He exclaimed energetically.

"Ah - yes, I suppose" he responded with a smile "the fairies and unicorns are very nice, oh, and mint bunny!" He stated with a happy smile "but the dragons can be temperamental at times" he added "I suppose you came here to meet them? You don't have them in the palace?" He asked, intrigued. He would've expected the prince to have seen anything he wanted before.

Alfred nodded his head "indeed! And no, we don't have them in the palace" he said with a childish pout "mother and father doesn't want them" he added. "Wait - you said you were a farmer...but you're a similar age to me. Children don't work do they?" He asked, looking surprised "my brother and I don't" he added.

"Unfortunately some children have to, to support their family if they're not as lucky and wealthy as others" he told Alfred in response as he shook his head "I don't have parents so my brothers and I have to work to stay alive but I don't mind it. I love my brothers after all" he told him with a hum.

Alfred looked sad at this information and nodded "I understand. But! When I'm king, I'll stop that! I'll give people enough money so children don't have to work!" He declared with a grin on his face "what do you think?" He asked happily.

"Mm, I don't think it will be that easy, your majesty. But the thought is nice, I'm sure the people appreciate your kind heart" he told him with a gentle smile. "You'll grow to be a kind person, I guarantee" he added before he heard rustling coming from the bushes close to them, looking over. Not long afterwards, Alfred's butler came out from them, brushing his clothes down upon arriving in the clearing of the forest and seeing the two boys.

"Your young highness, please don't run off like that again" he begged his master, catching his breath with a frown. Alfred stood up and chuckled, heading back to his butler casually as he waved at Arthur.

"Mm! Okay!" He responded, rubbing the back of his neck "oh oh! I made a new friend, He's called Arthur!" He exclaimed, looking from Arthur to his butler who smiled subtly.

"Hm, well, it's nice to meet you Arthur but we must be going. Alfred wishes to meet the magical creatures and I'm sure...you have work to be doing" the butler spoke, obviously not wanting the young prince to be spending his time with a pauper. Arthur understood what was happening and nodded as he got up and bowed politely before the two left.

Both children were unaware of the fact that in many years to come, their paths would be intertwined once again, but this time, in a way that couldn't be separated so easily...