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

Chapter 2 - Ball preparation

"Your majesty...you have to awake now" the voice of a maid called out after a few quiet knocks had sounded on the door. And yet, silence. "Your Majesty, the ball to find you a queen is today" the maid called out again, hoping this time, they'd succeed in awaking the young prince; at first they seemed to have failed before a frown and rustling of moving bed sheets were heard inside the bedroom.

"I'm awake, I'm awake" the sleepy voice of the heir to the throne hollered out, resulting in the maid walking off, her light footsteps faintly disappearing as she went back to her duties in the palace. Alfred yawned as he sat up, looking about. If today went the way his parents wanted it to be, this would be his last day of freedom. His last day on his own. Sure, a lover would be nice but he liked his peace.

Crawling out of his silk sheets, he dragged his feet over to the mirror, to check himself out. His slightly tanned skin was clear and fresh looking, his hair soft and vibrant. He looked perfect. Like he usually did. "Goodbye freedom" he mumbled to himself "Goodbye...my hopes" he added, referring to the fact that for many years, he had been thinking of finding that boy he had met once in the forest. He felt an affiliation to him. But that hope to meet him again and perhaps even spend his life with him was...impossible. He had to find his soul mate and it wasn't like two men could marry. Maybe he was just experiencing puppy love.

The blond heir shook his head to push anymore thoughts away and moved to his wardrobe where he reached in and pulled out the very first outfit he encountered, it being there already for a reason. It was a beautiful royal blue inclusive outfit, a colour that enhanced the mystifying beauty of his own ocean eyes. Upon taking it out, he began to dress himself, it taking quite some times considering the layers to the outfit. Though once he was done, fixing his hair as he headed to the mirror, he admired himself. He was attractive after all and of course Alfred knew that himself. People would swoon over him at all times, naturally, it'd go to his head at this point.

"Well Alfred. You're 18! All you've got to do is find yourself a queen. A beauty!" He encouraged himself into the mirror before he turned on his heels, tilting his head up and heading out of his bedroom. He had to go have a meal with his family first and foremost before the preparations take place. Though he didn't mind it, the time he spent with his family was bliss, when his father wasn't nagging him at least.