Exception [Part 2] ((Cardverse!Alfred x Reader))

You looked at the book that was in your basket when you entered your room in your aunt’s house and suddenly flashed back to the moment he placed a hand on you and the images of blood in the burning halls of the castle. You were standing in the throne room, seated on the King’s chair, staring at Alfred’s body that lay on the floor.

Was that the one that was supposed to happen? How would it even be like that? You sighed and lay down on your bed to sleep.

~*~

Alfred sat on his chair on the float that was built, bored written all over his face. The Queen of Spades, the man named Arthur Kirkland, wasn’t amused either. All he did was wave at the civilians as they passed by. The sandy blond male sighed for the –nth time since the parade started. “Hey, Arthur… Why are you the Queen when you’re a guy?” He asked just to have a conversation to break the boredom.

“Don’t ask me that, you bloody git. Besides, it’s not like were the first pair of rulers who were of the same sex.” The man seated beside him replied, irritated. “Yeah… So that means I can marry someone else, right?”

“Where did you get that idea from this time?”

“From my brain.”

Arthur rubbed his temples. “Look, it’s not like I’m being all possessive what-so-ever but we’ve been entitled with these positions, not like I wanted to be queen or anything,  nor did I expect to be considered by the people to be married to you or something like that…” Alfred laughed as his his co-ruler to the kingdom continued to stammer.

It was when they passed by the alleyway where he and _______________ slipped to when he had an amused smirk on his face. He wanted to see her again despite the fact that more than half of the citizens consider him married to a… man. He thought about his schedule for the next day and a bright, shimmering idea popped into his mind.

~*~

You were sitting by the window of your aunt’s library when you heard the sound of horses pulling a carriage. You glanced down to find a familiar ride and the banner of the kingdom being carried by one of the men on the horse.

The door opened to your surprise to find your aunt with a wide smile on her face. “_______________, you better get your face done! The king is here to see you!” You closed the book instantly with a dreaded look on your face.

“The king?!”

She nodded, her smile getting wider with every passing minute. “But you know what the mark on my right arm means right? I don’t want to see him. Tell him I’m sick or I’m—I ran away!” She shook her head and held my hand. “Take this as a chance to raise your family’s name to the court. Imagine: your name will go down in history as the king’s lover not his murderer.”

“But isn’t he married to the queen since, I don’t know, birth? That’s how our rulers are always chosen right?” Your aunt suddenly became deaf and started to drag you along with her to the parlor where Alfred was waiting.

When he heard the door open, he turned towards it in an instant and a smile was on his face at the sight of you. You politely smiled in return before your aunt pushed you in and closed the door. You stood in awkward silence, not knowing what to say to him. “W-Why won’t you take a sit, your majesty?” You suggested walking to the closest chair as he sat on the sofa across you. “Thanks.” He managed to say.

Silence once again dominated the space between them as you rubbed the area on your right arm where the mark was placed the moment you went out of your mother’s womb. “Would you like some tea, your highness?” You asked as your hand reached out for the teapot. You poured tea into the two cups and set it aside to get yours. “Thanks.” Alfred says once again as he took his cup of tea and sipped.

You continued to stare at the remaining tea in your cup to endure the silence. It’s not like you weren’t used to it. It was because there was something about the man you’re with that made you feel so uneasy. “So, how are you?” He asked as you looked up at him surprised that he finally said something and looked down to your cup again. “I’m fine, your majesty.” You responded.

“You can just call me Alfred you know. Putting those stuff is too formal.”

“But, your highness, it would be rude of me to--!”

“I’m giving you permission to then.”

“My king, I simply cannot address you in such an informal way!”

“Fine, it’s an order then. From now on, you shall only address me as ‘Alfred’ and if you use any of those formal nicknames, you’ll be sent to prison for five minutes.” He stated pointing at your direction. You looked at him disbelievingly. This was what you’re king is like? He’s like a spoiled little brat! “V-Very well…” You muttered as he wore an expression as if waiting for you to call him by his name. You mustered up your courage and breathed deeply. “…Alfred.”

A smile was on his face when you called him by his name. “Thank you _______________.” He said as you had that fluttering feeling in your stomach at the look he had and at the sound of his voice. He sounded so sincere. You definitely asked yourself why you were assigned to do such a task in your life. Maybe your aunt was right. Maybe you could go down as his lover not his killer despite him having a queen already.

“By the way, I was wondering if it’s okay for you to go to the palace tomorrow. Maybe we could have a stroll at the garden or you could borrow as many books as you want from our library.” You let out a giggle. “I’d love to.”

Alfred felt his confidence level boost up after your answer. It was his first time in getting a girl. He didn’t get much experience before he was appointed King however he knew that you weren’t after his position or anything. Some may have given him the title of someone not being able to read the atmosphere but it didn’t mean that he can’t read people.

“Just go to the palace by 3:00 tomorrow. Oh, and if the guards won’t let you in, show them this.” He handed to you a piece of playing card which held the Ace of Spade. “It’s a personally made card in my deck so they’ll definitely let you in when they see that.” He stated as the door flew open.

By the now-open doorway stood Yao with two guards behind him, looking at you as if you kidnapped their beloved King. “Your majesty, are you alright?” He asked sternly, approaching his master like a dog. The blond male simply nodded and reassured the Jack of his safety.

“Apologize, my lord. It is just that I have been assigned for your protection after the previous Jack has passed away. It is still dangerous for you to be leisurely visiting houses like this, especially when the Wild Card is still on hiding.” Yao explained, bowing in sincere apology. You blinked at the name and placed your hand once again on your right arm. Wild Card… So they’ve given you a title. “For a Jack, you worry a lot more than the Queen.” Alfred stated bluntly which the brown-haired man took as an insult.

“Your majesty, I have you know that I am older than you!”

“You are?” The King asked pretending to sound surprised at the smaller man’s statement. “Oh well, looks like we have to start looking for the new Jack since you’re older than me.” You let out a slight giggle at the conversation only to earn a glare from the already embarrassed man. “We should go now, your majesty. The Queen might start to worry about you.” Alfred rose from where he sat and started to walk. “You’ll be going there tomorrow, right?” He asked as you nodded with a smile, the card safely hidden in your sleeves.

When the King and the two palace guards left, Yao looked at you with a gaze that belonged to someone with authority and power reflecting from his brown eyes. “Exactly how long have you been an acquaintance of the King?”

“Just yesterday sir.”

“Are you in any association or connection to the Wild Card of this kingdom or of the other three?”

“No sir. I would never do such a thing against the kingdom.”

“Hm, very well. If I find out that you have lied against me, I will personally see to it that your execution will be done successfully.” He threatened before walking pass you and closed the door.

You suddenly turned to a shivering child after the words you have exchanged with the Jack of Spade and clutched the card Alfred gave you for reassurance and comfort. You were definitely not going to play the rule given to you by fate.