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

Chapter 9 - Coronation Day

The day had finally arrived. The day of the coronation. Currently, Alfred was pacing his room, genuinely nervous. He was already dressed in his royal outfit, again, shrouded in royal blue. Though he possessed a crimson red sash this time and the entire outfit was laced with golden trims. His cape was a matching crimson red with white cotton as the trim. The entire outfit was very much beautiful. Alfred took one last look into the mirror before his butler knocked on his door before proceeding to open it, bowing to Alfred and gesturing for them to leave and head to the main coronation hall.

The hall was a separate building to the palace, many noblemen awaiting the arrival of their future king. Arthur was situated on the front row of the hall, alongside the Queen and King. Matthew, respectfully, was stood beside the bishop, as instructed when he had entered, considering he was the future ace of the kingdom. The hall was full and bustling with wealth, all eagerly awaiting the sight of the crowning of their future king.

It didn't take long for the doors to open, Alfred stepping foot in the aisle as the orchestra began to play a peaceful tune. Now that he was here, some of his nerves had eased away. Especially upon seeing his family and future Queen in the front of the hall. He moved forward gracefully, like he had practiced the night before. His head held high as he passed by people, his walking pace nice and soft, not too fast nor too slow. Just perfect. As he made it to the front, he nodded and bowed his head to the bishop as the elder male began to recite the coronation vows. Everyone looked on, admiring the beauty of the outfit Alfred possessed and his elegance upon his entry. He looked like a handsome and capable young leader.

Soon enough, the vows and statements were almost complete. They only needed to complete one last statement. The bishop picked up the staff of gold that was placed on a beautifully made royal purple cushion and passed it to Alfred, who picked up the staff gently and turned to face the crowd, in which allowed the bishop to say the final vow. Afterwards, the staff was placed back down politely and the crown was placed upon his head by his own father.
Despite the service having taken quite some time in reality, Alfred felt as if it had passed rather hastily but perhaps that was a good feeling. Nevertheless, he was now crowned king. He had a lot of responsibilities to uphold. Though he didn't feel the pressure as much as he thought he would. Perhaps that was because of the supportive smiles coming from Arthur, his future queen, Yao, his jack and Matthew, his brother and ace.

After the ceremony, the ball was to take place, and it did so without a hitch. Many coming to congratulate Alfred on the successful coronation, his father and mother also being pleased with how things went. As the ball carried on, he made small talk with a few guests, figuring he couldn't avoid them as it'd be unprofessional, but in the end he found himself happily stood beside Arthur. Arthur has been rather quiet the entire day however, which had concerned the taller blond male.
"Is something wrong?" Alfred finally decided to ask the other, his tone of voice rather light to ease the other's nerves.

"Mm?" Arthur asked as he looked over at Alfred and shook his head gently "oh, it's nothing" he responded with a very soft sigh "I was just wondering if I'd be a good Queen. Seeing you up there getting coronation kind of...made reality come crashing down" he spoke quietly so that it was just a conversation between the two and nobody else could join in.

"You'll be a phenomenal Queen, Arthur" Alfred encouraged him with a gentle smile "you're definitely smarter than me and if I can be king, then it's pretty clear you're a perfect Queen" he stated, causing Arthur to smile at him. Alfred returned the soft smile before he looked about "come on now, how about you join me for a dance before the ball is over?" He questioned as he raised his hand for the other to hold and this time, there seemed to be no hesitation from Arthur, who took his hand and nodded.

"That sounds like a good idea to me. We should dance. After all, when the clock ticks, this ball will cease" he responded with a soft smile.

Alfred couldn't help the grin appear on his face "you learn fast" he teased the other.

"Indeed, I suppose I do"