Arthur sighed as he sat down in the tub of warm water. It was full of blue rose petals and several different kinds of healing herbs. "So... we're rushing this?" He asked as two servants began cleaning him. "Yes... we are to be married within the next four days." The king said from the other side of the curtain.

"You will be branded with the marking that shows you are the queen of spades, after that you will be able to stand as the ruler while the king is in battle..." Yao said while sitting on a cushioned chair on the same side of the curtain as Alfred. Arthur stood up out of the water and stepped onto a plush mat, as servants wrapped a towel around his waist.

"What do you mean? He's going to war?" Arthur asked with nervous tone to his voice "Shouldn't he be here for the kingdom? Doesn't he have generals? What about the ace?" Yao sighed as Arthur pushed the curtain aside, staring at Alfred with worried eyes "Well yes... he should, but-" "But it's complicated!" The king added while walking over to Arthur "You'll know when you need to know..."

"But-" "No... you may be the future queen, but for now you'll be in the dark until I say so." Alfred was so intimidating, but that didn't stop Arthur from standing up to him. "What if you die? Your life is far more valuable than those of millions-" Alfred turned abruptly and glared daggers "Enough is enough..."

☆☆☆

Arthur sat across from the king at a long banquet table. It was a lot to take in for just a simple commoner, everything was a lot to take in, but unfortunately the king refused to speak the rest of the day and just watch Arthur in silence the entire time as he was fitted into his outfits and pampered beyond belief.

"Your highness?" Arthur asked while looking up from the empty table in front of him, they were waiting for the chef to come with their food. Alfred remained silent while looking down, he was obviously upset. "Look... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to offend you... I was... I'm just worried ok?" Alfred looked up in shock at Arthur's words.

Alfred sighed "You didn't offend me... I just... don't want to think about it. I'm happy to have found someone decent, so there's no reason to be sorry." Arthur smiled in response as the cooks brought out their food and placed it in front of them.

When the lids were removed to reveal boiled lobster, Arthur instantly remember his family "Your highness?" Alfred looked up "Yes, my queen?" After building up some bravery Arthur sighed and looked down "Do you think we could send some money to my family?"

Alfred laughed instantly after hearing that "We already did... they're going to be related to the king soon after all..." Alfred said before starting to eat. Arthur stared at him with tears in his eyes "Thank you... for everything..." Alfred grinned "It's been my pleasure to help you, my queen. Welcome to your new life."