In Spades 2a/??
anonymous
August 19 2011, 04:14:42 UTC
“In the name of the four gods, shut up!” The guard flung Alfred into the dungeon, glaring at him with exasperation. The other guards followed after him, looking just as annoyed.
“No!” Alfred surged forward, only to be grabbed again. “You can't lock me up, dammit! You can't!” Panic was started to well up inside him as he looked around the dungeon with wide eyes. At the barred cells... “My brother-”
“I said shut up! You've been hollering since we grabbed you!”
“If you don't want to be locked up, lad,” one of the others said, sounding more jovial than the first, “you probably shouldn't pick pockets.”
“I didn't have a choice! My br-”
The first guard backhanded Alfred. “Listen, you-”
“What's going on down there?”
That voice came from above. Everyone, Alfred and guards alike, looked up at the spiral stairs.
“Damn,” one of the guards muttered. “It's the Jack.”
Alfred grimaced. The Jack was essentially the head servant - in charge of all servants, guards, and... well, everyone who wasn't a member of the royal family. He pretty much ran the palace.
Footsteps descended the stairs, until the voice's owner came into view. His features were exotic, not of the Four Kingdoms. His black hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and he wore a long blue coat over a flowing white... well, Alfred couldn't come up with any word but skirt, though he was sure there was an appropriately manly term for it.
“What's with all the noise?” the Jack said, eyeing the group. His accent was as exotic as his features. “I could hear you all the way from the guardhouse, are you torturing someone?”
“No, of course not, Yao,” one of the guards said quickly. “Just an uncooperative prisoner is all.”
“Oh. Well, if that's all-”
“You can't let them lock me up!” Alfred jerked his arm out of the guard's grip, stepping closer to the Jack. “My brother will die, I have to get back.”
Yao regarded him curiously. “Why do you say that?”
That was a better response than the guards, at least. “He's sick. He's a survivor of the illness ten years ago, he needs medicine. It's already been a couple days!”
“He's a thief,” the guard who seemed to have acquired a personal vendetta for Alfred said. “Took a coin purse from an innocent man.”
“An innocent rich man,” Alfred muttered. “I didn't have enough money to get Mattie's medicine. I won't steal again, but please let me go, he won't be doing well tonight!”
Yao crossed his arms, frowning, head tilted as he watched Alfred. “Can you prove it?”
That was definitely promising. Sagging in relief, Alfred nodded. “I can take you to him. He's at home.” The very thought of being locked up, of Matthew just being left home alone, confused and worried, until he died... Alfred's eyes stung.
“All right. I will accompany you to your house. You had better not try anything.”
Alfred could have kissed Yao. “I won't!” He resisted the urge to stick his tongue out at the guard who disliked him, settling for a smirk as he stepped away from them. He hurried out the door they had dragged him in through that led outside, eager to put as much distance between himself and the dungeon as possible.
“Don't move too fast!” Yao said, striding after him. “Stay close.”
“Sorry.” Alfred walked slower, and the Jack fell into step beside him. A lamp lighter was just finishing up his nightly task, and a juggler entertained passers-by. Alfred might have stopped to watch any other night, but he barely paid attention to anything but his destination. “Oh. Thanks, by the way,” he said after several silent moments. “Why did you listen to me when they wouldn't?”
He saw Yao smile slightly out of the corner of his eye. “Not everybody who works in the palace is a power-hungry hooligan who doesn't understand what it's like to be in a difficult situation.”
Alfred smiled as well. He liked Yao. Even if the fellow was rather... pretty, for somebody who was supposed to be in charge of all the kingdom's soldiers. And was that a tiny plush bear clipped to his jacket? “I almost never steal,” he said, wanting to defend himself further. “I usually earn enough for the medicine begging. I was getting desperate today.”
“I understand.” Yao nodded to a few people who greeted him. “So you have stolen before.”
In Spades 2b/??
anonymous
August 19 2011, 04:15:53 UTC
Alfred stared at the ground, at his own striding feet. “A long time ago.”
“How old are you?”
“Sixteen.”
Yao made a thoughtful 'hmm' sound. “Surely you have not been caring for your brother alone since you were six?”
“Oh. No. Our parents died of the illness, but our neighbor took us in. She'd lost her own family, and liked having us around. But she died five years ago. I've cared for him on my own since then.”
“I see.”
They fell silent. Alfred wondered if it would be rude to ask where Yao was from. But he was terrible with geography, so anywhere outside the Four Kingdoms would be meaningless anyway, so what was the point?
They walked the rest of the way in silence. As soon as they reached the door to Alfred's small house, he burst in in a mild panic he had worked himself into as they had neared. “Mattie?”
The fire had gone out, a small lamp the only source of light in the room. Matthew was laying in his usual spot, shivering. He was paler than usual, body covered in a light sheen of sweat despite his shivers.
“Mattie, I'm here.” Alfred knelt beside Matthew, swallowing around the lump that had risen in his throat. “I'm so sorry. Are you okay?”
Matthew slowly lifted his head to peer at Alfred. “You're back,” he mumbled. “I was worried.” His violet eyes widened as they focused on the man standing behind Alfred. “Who...?”
Alfred glanced over his shoulder in time to see Yao bow slightly. “I am Yao, the Jack of Spades.”
“Jack...?” Matthew's gaze returned to his brother. “Al, are you in trouble?”
“Um. Well, you see-”
“Forgive us.” Yao bowed again, deeper. “That was inconsiderate of us to stop here first. We are on our way to the apothecary.”
Alfred blinked. They were?
“Your brother is going to be working at the palace now,” Yao continued.
“He is?” Matthew's eyes never left Alfred's face. Alfred wondered if he was lucid enough to notice how shocked Alfred was.
“He is. In the stables, he's starting tomorrow. Come now, Alfred, let's get going.”
“Uh...” Alfred finally turned, gaping at Yao. “Uh, r-right. The apothecary!” Unable to really comprehend what had just happened, Alfred tucked the blanket tighter around Matthew. “Will you be okay here for a bit longer?” He wanted to rekindle the fire, but didn't want to take the time... He'd have to anyway to boil the water, but Yao was waiting.
Matthew nodded. “Go.”
“Okay.” He smoothed down Matthew's damp hair, then rejoined Yao and they left the house.
“What...” Alfred ran the Jack's statement through his head. “What just happened?”
Yao glanced over at him, smiling. “You are working at the palace now. In the stables. You don't mind, do you? One of our stable boys is eager to become a soldier instead, we could use a replacement.”
“But...” Alfred swallowed. A job? He was being offered a job? “I...”
“You don't need previous experience. Someone will show you what you need to do tomorrow.”
“But...”
“How much does the medicine cost?” Yao was pulling a pouch out of his coat.
“Oh.” Alfred told him.
“Hmm. I can see how that could be difficult for a beggar.” Yao pulled coins out of his bag. “I'll pay for it today, you can owe me.”
Alfred numbly held a hand out to accept the coins. “Oh, right. I'll pay you back.”
“Well, I was joking, but whatever you prefer. You'll be paid twice that amount daily, how does that sound?”
Alfred finally stopped, gaping at the smaller man in shock. “What?” Twice that amount... every day? He'd be able to buy medicine every single day, with plenty leftover?
It was hard to even wrap his brain around.
“We should hurry,” Yao said.
Alfred nodded dumbly, then grabbed Yao and pulled him into a hug.
“Ahh...” Yao chuckled, patting Alfred on the back. “You're welcome.” He pulled away.
Alfred sniffed and wiped his eyes. “Y-yeah. We should hurry.” He all but ran the rest of the way to the apothecary.
They purchased the medicine and wasted no time, heading immediately back. On the way, Yao gave Alfred instructions about where and when to show up, then bid him good night and they parted ways, the Jack returning to the palace.
In Spades 2c/??
anonymous
August 19 2011, 04:17:35 UTC
Matthew was still conscious when Alfred returned, at least, staring at the small flame of the lamp. “Al...?” He looked up, still wide-eyed and stunned.
“Yeah, it's me. Yao left.” Alfred set about getting another fire going.
“You're really... working?”
“Can you believe it?” Alfred still couldn't.
“How...?”
“We ran into each other today. We talked, and he told me that they need a new stable boy, and... yeah. I ended up with a job.” The tinder caught fire, and Alfred sat back to watch it spread. “It pays twice what the medicine costs daily.”
Matthew just stared at Alfred, as if such a concept was beyond him.
“I know,” Alfred murmured. “We'll always have enough. I'm not sure what to think about that, either.” Thank the gods for having a sob story, he supposed. For all he knew, Yao had lost someone to the plague as well, making him even more sympathetic. “Assuming I don't screw it up.”
Matthew watched his brother fetch the teapot, starting to weakly smile. “You won't.”
*****
He didn't actually get to go in the palace, but simply entered the field that housed the stables through a gate. Alfred wrinkled his nose at the smell as he walked into the building, hoping that was something he would get used to. Many stalls lined the interior, with plenty of them holding equine occupants.
Alfred wandered over to a small dapple horse and reached out to pet her nose. “Hi there. Um, I guess I'll be caring for you guys from now on.” He peered into the stall and groaned. “What did you do in your bed? Oh, I'm going to be spending all day cleaning up...” The horse just nuzzled him, snorting on his shirt.
A couple stable hands eventually showed up, and gave Alfred a brief explanation of his duties. As he had expected, cleaning played a big part of his job. But also providing food and water, grooming the horses, and exercising them.
Not that it would matter if shoveling manure was all he did, he would do it for the money they had promised him.
One of the boys stuck close to Alfred for the rest of the day, following him around to make sure he was doing everything correctly. At one point he handed Alfred a brush, pointing to the end of the stable they usually started at and worked their way back. Alfred headed over there, grinning at the sight of the brilliant white horse that graced the first stall.
The horse, however, was not particularly impressed by him. She gave Alfred a flat stare as he approached, her nostrils flaring.
“Don't take it personally,” the stable boy - Peter - said when Alfred dodged a kick. “She doesn't like anybody but her owner.” However, Alfred couldn't help but notice that she tolerated Peter. “Take her out for a run, she's probably feeling restless.”
As Alfred led the horse outside, he was surprised to discover just how much time had passed, the setting sun painting the sky gold. He would have to collect his pay soon - his pay! - and return home. But not before picking up medicine and something to eat.
They would have plenty of money for food. And clothes, and new books, and... It was still hard to imagine.
Lost in thought as he watched the white mare race around the fenced in field, Alfred didn't notice green eyes watching him.
Re: In Spades 2c/??
anonymous
August 22 2011, 03:52:31 UTC
Oh A!A I love you so. There hasn't been a Cardverse fill I've liked yet, but I've taken quite the shining towards yours. It's just so charming and wonderful! Please continue, I'm loving everything about it so far!
In Spades 3a/??
anonymous
September 25 2011, 19:36:19 UTC
So this is important: I have decided that I'm going to mess with the established timeline. I want the disease to have happened five years ago instead of ten, and it's bugging me enough that I'm going to change it. XD Since I can't go back and edit, I'm just going to tell you now.
Matthew looked up from his bowl of rice, blinking at the pile of books that had been plunked down in front of him. “Eh?”
“Look at those!” Alfred squatted down, grinning. “I saw them and thought of you and had to get them.”
Matthew wiped his hands off on his blanket and tugged the books close, running his fingers over them. “The Queen's Secret. Sounds naughty. And... a cookbook?”
“I liked the pictures...”
“Of course. A History of Clubs?”
“Is that what that is?”
“The pages look great. And the spines. Are these new?”
Alfred beamed. “I got them at the book store.”
“You did?” Matthew groaned. “Al, we can't afford new books...”
“We can now!”
“You can't just spend all your money!”
“Why not? I'll get more tomorrow.”
Matthew took a deep breath. “After you buy my medicine tomorrow, you're coming home and giving me the rest of the money. I'm coming up with a budget.”
“What?” Alfred visibly deflated, running his fingers over one of the books. “I thought you'd like them. They're good books.”
“You don't read.”
“The shopkeeper said they were good.”
Matthew patted his brother's hand. “They look good. Thank you. But we need to start budgeting and being careful with our spending and saving for the future.”
“If you say so.” Alfred scooped himself a bowl of rice and settled down beside Matthew.
“Did you wash your hands? You know what you do all day...”
“I washed, mother.”
Matthew's lips quirked. “How was work today?” He knew he was enjoying it, knowing his twin was perfectly safe, doing an honest day's work, in no danger of being assaulted or arrested or murdered. Probably.
“Oh, fine. Princess thought my hair was food again.”
“Whose horse is that, anyway?”
“I don't know. I'm hoping a little girl.”
Matthew bit into a slice of bread, licking butter off his lips. “How is Peter?”
Alfred rolled his eyes. “The same. A little brat now that he's used to me. Insists he's an adult...”
“Ah. And Yao?”
“I haven't seen him lately.”
“Have you met anyone new?” Matthew couldn't help it. Even with his daily medication, he was unable to leave their home, having to live vicariously through his brother.
Alfred shrugged, mouth full of rice. “I see stable hands around that I don't know yet. And soldiers. I haven't met anyone new the last couple days.”
“Oh.”
“I'll let you know if I do.” Alfred nudged his brother. “So tell me what the book says.”
“Which one?” Matthew glanced toward the book Alfred pointed at. “The cookbook...?” He blinked at Alfred, then shrugged and picked the book up to find a nice recipe to read.
*****
Alfred hummed as he dumped the water into the trough, then set the empty bucket aside. The horses he was in the middle of exercising out in the field trotted over, thirsty after their run. Alfred picked up a brush and moved over to groom them as long as they were standing still.
In the week he had been tending to the stables, a few horses in particular had started standing out to Alfred as his favorites. He had grown rather fond of a chestnut mare named Dreamer, who was being a bit of a nuisance by trying to nuzzle him while he was attempting to brush her, losing interest in her water. Alfred laughed, rubbing her nose.
“Silly thing. You know it's hard to brush you when you do that?
“She's a good girl, isn't she?”
Alfred jumped slightly, whirling around to face the intruder. He sagged in relief when he saw it was just another stable boy, helping groom Dreamer with a brush of his own. This one was a bit nicer dressed than the others, even wearing a long blue coat and a ridiculous white bow around his neck. The silliest things, though, were his huge bushy eyebrows.
In Spades 3b/??
anonymous
September 25 2011, 19:37:32 UTC
Then he looked up, and Alfred was struck by his piercing green eyes. “Oh. Yes, yes she is.” He returned his brush to the shining coat.
“So you're Alfred,” the stable boy said. “I've been hearing about you.”
“Oh yeah?” Well that was a silly thing to say, of course the other stable boys had heard about the new one.
“Yes. I'm sorry about your brother. Though he's lucky to be alive, hm?”
Alfred nodded. “Very lucky.” Judging by the way the other fellow's emerald eyes went distant, he was probably remembering somebody who hadn't been so lucky.
“Sick for all these years... I don't think I could stand that. I'd have ended it ages ago.”
Alfred reacted without thinking, lashing out with a fist and catching the shorter man on the chin, knocking him backward. He looked up at Alfred in shock, raising a hand to his injured face, eyes wide. Alfred could only gape back, heart hammering. Why did I do that? I'm so stupid! He'll tell what I did and I'll be in trouble and get kicked out and I can't afford that! What do I do? He thought he was about to keel over when the other man simply smiled.
“I'm sorry.”
“Huh?” Alfred blinked.
“I didn't mean to imply anything about your brother.”
“Oh.” Alfred rubbed the back of his neck, staring at his feet. “S'okay. Sorry for hitting you.” He was such an idiot. This job was everything, he couldn't screw it up! He had to be on friendly terms with his coworkers. “Well, I'm Alfred. Oh! You already knew that.”
“Yes.” He smiled again, running his brush over the horse's flank.
“Well.” Alfred barked a nervous laugh. “Now that you're here, you can help me shovel shit!”
He flicked a glance over to the shovel, which had flies buzzing around it. “I'd rather not...”
Some help. Alfred shrugged. “Okay.” He resumed working, but his gaze kept being drawn back to the other man, mesmerized by his unusual eyes.
And annoyed by the way those eyes were always focused somewhere around the area of Alfred's ass. He'd be tempted to complain about him, if that stupid punch weren't hanging over his head. The unspoken blackmail kept him from seriously considering it. Every time he grew irritated by the heated looks directed toward him, he focused on the red mark on the other man's cheek and grew even more annoyed with himself for effectively ruining any chances of getting the fellow thrown out.
“Well.” Alfred coughed. He was finding himself increasingly eager to get away from those heated eyes. Nevermind how pretty they were. “I guess I should get these girls back inside.”
“I guess so. And afterward, perhaps you could-”
“Hey!”
Saved by the brat. Alfred turned to face the rapidly approaching boy, grinning in relief. “Hi, Peter!”
“Sorry I'm late, I-” He cut himself off, almost falling over as a result of his abrupt halt. His sea-blue eyes grew wide. “Y-Your Majesty...!”
Alfred blinked, staring down at Peter's horrified expression in bafflement. “Your what?” He followed the horrified gaze. The green-eyed man just looked amused, still brushing the horse.
Peter loudly gulped. “Your Majesty, what are you... why are you... er...”
Alfred looked back and forth between them. Peter was playing an elaborate joke. The Queen would not be assisting in the stables, what a ridiculous idea.
What did the Queen look like again? Alfred desperately sought through his memory for any mention of a description.
But then another stable boy noticed them, and quickly dropped to his knees on the grass.
Alfred's blood ran cold as he stared back at the man. The Queen...
He was dead. This time, he really was going to die.
The Queen just smiled. “Would you come with me, Alfred?”
Re: In Spades 3b/??
anonymous
September 25 2011, 19:57:20 UTC
I missed this fill. I really love your Alfred, with his honesty and bravery and simple intelligence, and your storytelling is somehow very soothing, like a fairytale.
“No!” Alfred surged forward, only to be grabbed again. “You can't lock me up, dammit! You can't!” Panic was started to well up inside him as he looked around the dungeon with wide eyes. At the barred cells... “My brother-”
“I said shut up! You've been hollering since we grabbed you!”
“If you don't want to be locked up, lad,” one of the others said, sounding more jovial than the first, “you probably shouldn't pick pockets.”
“I didn't have a choice! My br-”
The first guard backhanded Alfred. “Listen, you-”
“What's going on down there?”
That voice came from above. Everyone, Alfred and guards alike, looked up at the spiral stairs.
“Damn,” one of the guards muttered. “It's the Jack.”
Alfred grimaced. The Jack was essentially the head servant - in charge of all servants, guards, and... well, everyone who wasn't a member of the royal family. He pretty much ran the palace.
Footsteps descended the stairs, until the voice's owner came into view. His features were exotic, not of the Four Kingdoms. His black hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and he wore a long blue coat over a flowing white... well, Alfred couldn't come up with any word but skirt, though he was sure there was an appropriately manly term for it.
“What's with all the noise?” the Jack said, eyeing the group. His accent was as exotic as his features. “I could hear you all the way from the guardhouse, are you torturing someone?”
“No, of course not, Yao,” one of the guards said quickly. “Just an uncooperative prisoner is all.”
“Oh. Well, if that's all-”
“You can't let them lock me up!” Alfred jerked his arm out of the guard's grip, stepping closer to the Jack. “My brother will die, I have to get back.”
Yao regarded him curiously. “Why do you say that?”
That was a better response than the guards, at least. “He's sick. He's a survivor of the illness ten years ago, he needs medicine. It's already been a couple days!”
“He's a thief,” the guard who seemed to have acquired a personal vendetta for Alfred said. “Took a coin purse from an innocent man.”
“An innocent rich man,” Alfred muttered. “I didn't have enough money to get Mattie's medicine. I won't steal again, but please let me go, he won't be doing well tonight!”
Yao crossed his arms, frowning, head tilted as he watched Alfred. “Can you prove it?”
That was definitely promising. Sagging in relief, Alfred nodded. “I can take you to him. He's at home.” The very thought of being locked up, of Matthew just being left home alone, confused and worried, until he died... Alfred's eyes stung.
“All right. I will accompany you to your house. You had better not try anything.”
Alfred could have kissed Yao. “I won't!” He resisted the urge to stick his tongue out at the guard who disliked him, settling for a smirk as he stepped away from them. He hurried out the door they had dragged him in through that led outside, eager to put as much distance between himself and the dungeon as possible.
“Don't move too fast!” Yao said, striding after him. “Stay close.”
“Sorry.” Alfred walked slower, and the Jack fell into step beside him. A lamp lighter was just finishing up his nightly task, and a juggler entertained passers-by. Alfred might have stopped to watch any other night, but he barely paid attention to anything but his destination. “Oh. Thanks, by the way,” he said after several silent moments. “Why did you listen to me when they wouldn't?”
He saw Yao smile slightly out of the corner of his eye. “Not everybody who works in the palace is a power-hungry hooligan who doesn't understand what it's like to be in a difficult situation.”
Alfred smiled as well. He liked Yao. Even if the fellow was rather... pretty, for somebody who was supposed to be in charge of all the kingdom's soldiers. And was that a tiny plush bear clipped to his jacket? “I almost never steal,” he said, wanting to defend himself further. “I usually earn enough for the medicine begging. I was getting desperate today.”
“I understand.” Yao nodded to a few people who greeted him. “So you have stolen before.”
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“How old are you?”
“Sixteen.”
Yao made a thoughtful 'hmm' sound. “Surely you have not been caring for your brother alone since you were six?”
“Oh. No. Our parents died of the illness, but our neighbor took us in. She'd lost her own family, and liked having us around. But she died five years ago. I've cared for him on my own since then.”
“I see.”
They fell silent. Alfred wondered if it would be rude to ask where Yao was from. But he was terrible with geography, so anywhere outside the Four Kingdoms would be meaningless anyway, so what was the point?
They walked the rest of the way in silence. As soon as they reached the door to Alfred's small house, he burst in in a mild panic he had worked himself into as they had neared. “Mattie?”
The fire had gone out, a small lamp the only source of light in the room. Matthew was laying in his usual spot, shivering. He was paler than usual, body covered in a light sheen of sweat despite his shivers.
“Mattie, I'm here.” Alfred knelt beside Matthew, swallowing around the lump that had risen in his throat. “I'm so sorry. Are you okay?”
Matthew slowly lifted his head to peer at Alfred. “You're back,” he mumbled. “I was worried.” His violet eyes widened as they focused on the man standing behind Alfred. “Who...?”
Alfred glanced over his shoulder in time to see Yao bow slightly. “I am Yao, the Jack of Spades.”
“Jack...?” Matthew's gaze returned to his brother. “Al, are you in trouble?”
“Um. Well, you see-”
“Forgive us.” Yao bowed again, deeper. “That was inconsiderate of us to stop here first. We are on our way to the apothecary.”
Alfred blinked. They were?
“Your brother is going to be working at the palace now,” Yao continued.
“He is?” Matthew's eyes never left Alfred's face. Alfred wondered if he was lucid enough to notice how shocked Alfred was.
“He is. In the stables, he's starting tomorrow. Come now, Alfred, let's get going.”
“Uh...” Alfred finally turned, gaping at Yao. “Uh, r-right. The apothecary!” Unable to really comprehend what had just happened, Alfred tucked the blanket tighter around Matthew. “Will you be okay here for a bit longer?” He wanted to rekindle the fire, but didn't want to take the time... He'd have to anyway to boil the water, but Yao was waiting.
Matthew nodded. “Go.”
“Okay.” He smoothed down Matthew's damp hair, then rejoined Yao and they left the house.
“What...” Alfred ran the Jack's statement through his head. “What just happened?”
Yao glanced over at him, smiling. “You are working at the palace now. In the stables. You don't mind, do you? One of our stable boys is eager to become a soldier instead, we could use a replacement.”
“But...” Alfred swallowed. A job? He was being offered a job? “I...”
“You don't need previous experience. Someone will show you what you need to do tomorrow.”
“But...”
“How much does the medicine cost?” Yao was pulling a pouch out of his coat.
“Oh.” Alfred told him.
“Hmm. I can see how that could be difficult for a beggar.” Yao pulled coins out of his bag. “I'll pay for it today, you can owe me.”
Alfred numbly held a hand out to accept the coins. “Oh, right. I'll pay you back.”
“Well, I was joking, but whatever you prefer. You'll be paid twice that amount daily, how does that sound?”
Alfred finally stopped, gaping at the smaller man in shock. “What?” Twice that amount... every day? He'd be able to buy medicine every single day, with plenty leftover?
It was hard to even wrap his brain around.
“We should hurry,” Yao said.
Alfred nodded dumbly, then grabbed Yao and pulled him into a hug.
“Ahh...” Yao chuckled, patting Alfred on the back. “You're welcome.” He pulled away.
Alfred sniffed and wiped his eyes. “Y-yeah. We should hurry.” He all but ran the rest of the way to the apothecary.
They purchased the medicine and wasted no time, heading immediately back. On the way, Yao gave Alfred instructions about where and when to show up, then bid him good night and they parted ways, the Jack returning to the palace.
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“Yeah, it's me. Yao left.” Alfred set about getting another fire going.
“You're really... working?”
“Can you believe it?” Alfred still couldn't.
“How...?”
“We ran into each other today. We talked, and he told me that they need a new stable boy, and... yeah. I ended up with a job.” The tinder caught fire, and Alfred sat back to watch it spread. “It pays twice what the medicine costs daily.”
Matthew just stared at Alfred, as if such a concept was beyond him.
“I know,” Alfred murmured. “We'll always have enough. I'm not sure what to think about that, either.” Thank the gods for having a sob story, he supposed. For all he knew, Yao had lost someone to the plague as well, making him even more sympathetic. “Assuming I don't screw it up.”
Matthew watched his brother fetch the teapot, starting to weakly smile. “You won't.”
*****
He didn't actually get to go in the palace, but simply entered the field that housed the stables through a gate. Alfred wrinkled his nose at the smell as he walked into the building, hoping that was something he would get used to. Many stalls lined the interior, with plenty of them holding equine occupants.
Alfred wandered over to a small dapple horse and reached out to pet her nose. “Hi there. Um, I guess I'll be caring for you guys from now on.” He peered into the stall and groaned. “What did you do in your bed? Oh, I'm going to be spending all day cleaning up...” The horse just nuzzled him, snorting on his shirt.
A couple stable hands eventually showed up, and gave Alfred a brief explanation of his duties. As he had expected, cleaning played a big part of his job. But also providing food and water, grooming the horses, and exercising them.
Not that it would matter if shoveling manure was all he did, he would do it for the money they had promised him.
One of the boys stuck close to Alfred for the rest of the day, following him around to make sure he was doing everything correctly. At one point he handed Alfred a brush, pointing to the end of the stable they usually started at and worked their way back. Alfred headed over there, grinning at the sight of the brilliant white horse that graced the first stall.
The horse, however, was not particularly impressed by him. She gave Alfred a flat stare as he approached, her nostrils flaring.
“Don't take it personally,” the stable boy - Peter - said when Alfred dodged a kick. “She doesn't like anybody but her owner.” However, Alfred couldn't help but notice that she tolerated Peter. “Take her out for a run, she's probably feeling restless.”
As Alfred led the horse outside, he was surprised to discover just how much time had passed, the setting sun painting the sky gold. He would have to collect his pay soon - his pay! - and return home. But not before picking up medicine and something to eat.
They would have plenty of money for food. And clothes, and new books, and... It was still hard to imagine.
Lost in thought as he watched the white mare race around the fenced in field, Alfred didn't notice green eyes watching him.
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Oh, hi, Yao! :D
*at the end*
Annnd, there it goes. Alfred has the attention of the queen, at least somewhat.
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Cheering up for you, authoranon, I shall now stalk this fill and look forward to every update.
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Please continue! I worship every word of this!
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Matthew looked up from his bowl of rice, blinking at the pile of books that had been plunked down in front of him. “Eh?”
“Look at those!” Alfred squatted down, grinning. “I saw them and thought of you and had to get them.”
Matthew wiped his hands off on his blanket and tugged the books close, running his fingers over them. “The Queen's Secret. Sounds naughty. And... a cookbook?”
“I liked the pictures...”
“Of course. A History of Clubs?”
“Is that what that is?”
“The pages look great. And the spines. Are these new?”
Alfred beamed. “I got them at the book store.”
“You did?” Matthew groaned. “Al, we can't afford new books...”
“We can now!”
“You can't just spend all your money!”
“Why not? I'll get more tomorrow.”
Matthew took a deep breath. “After you buy my medicine tomorrow, you're coming home and giving me the rest of the money. I'm coming up with a budget.”
“What?” Alfred visibly deflated, running his fingers over one of the books. “I thought you'd like them. They're good books.”
“You don't read.”
“The shopkeeper said they were good.”
Matthew patted his brother's hand. “They look good. Thank you. But we need to start budgeting and being careful with our spending and saving for the future.”
“If you say so.” Alfred scooped himself a bowl of rice and settled down beside Matthew.
“Did you wash your hands? You know what you do all day...”
“I washed, mother.”
Matthew's lips quirked. “How was work today?” He knew he was enjoying it, knowing his twin was perfectly safe, doing an honest day's work, in no danger of being assaulted or arrested or murdered. Probably.
“Oh, fine. Princess thought my hair was food again.”
“Whose horse is that, anyway?”
“I don't know. I'm hoping a little girl.”
Matthew bit into a slice of bread, licking butter off his lips. “How is Peter?”
Alfred rolled his eyes. “The same. A little brat now that he's used to me. Insists he's an adult...”
“Ah. And Yao?”
“I haven't seen him lately.”
“Have you met anyone new?” Matthew couldn't help it. Even with his daily medication, he was unable to leave their home, having to live vicariously through his brother.
Alfred shrugged, mouth full of rice. “I see stable hands around that I don't know yet. And soldiers. I haven't met anyone new the last couple days.”
“Oh.”
“I'll let you know if I do.” Alfred nudged his brother. “So tell me what the book says.”
“Which one?” Matthew glanced toward the book Alfred pointed at. “The cookbook...?” He blinked at Alfred, then shrugged and picked the book up to find a nice recipe to read.
*****
Alfred hummed as he dumped the water into the trough, then set the empty bucket aside. The horses he was in the middle of exercising out in the field trotted over, thirsty after their run. Alfred picked up a brush and moved over to groom them as long as they were standing still.
In the week he had been tending to the stables, a few horses in particular had started standing out to Alfred as his favorites. He had grown rather fond of a chestnut mare named Dreamer, who was being a bit of a nuisance by trying to nuzzle him while he was attempting to brush her, losing interest in her water. Alfred laughed, rubbing her nose.
“Silly thing. You know it's hard to brush you when you do that?
“She's a good girl, isn't she?”
Alfred jumped slightly, whirling around to face the intruder. He sagged in relief when he saw it was just another stable boy, helping groom Dreamer with a brush of his own. This one was a bit nicer dressed than the others, even wearing a long blue coat and a ridiculous white bow around his neck. The silliest things, though, were his huge bushy eyebrows.
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“So you're Alfred,” the stable boy said. “I've been hearing about you.”
“Oh yeah?” Well that was a silly thing to say, of course the other stable boys had heard about the new one.
“Yes. I'm sorry about your brother. Though he's lucky to be alive, hm?”
Alfred nodded. “Very lucky.” Judging by the way the other fellow's emerald eyes went distant, he was probably remembering somebody who hadn't been so lucky.
“Sick for all these years... I don't think I could stand that. I'd have ended it ages ago.”
Alfred reacted without thinking, lashing out with a fist and catching the shorter man on the chin, knocking him backward. He looked up at Alfred in shock, raising a hand to his injured face, eyes wide. Alfred could only gape back, heart hammering. Why did I do that? I'm so stupid! He'll tell what I did and I'll be in trouble and get kicked out and I can't afford that! What do I do? He thought he was about to keel over when the other man simply smiled.
“I'm sorry.”
“Huh?” Alfred blinked.
“I didn't mean to imply anything about your brother.”
“Oh.” Alfred rubbed the back of his neck, staring at his feet. “S'okay. Sorry for hitting you.” He was such an idiot. This job was everything, he couldn't screw it up! He had to be on friendly terms with his coworkers. “Well, I'm Alfred. Oh! You already knew that.”
“Yes.” He smiled again, running his brush over the horse's flank.
“Well.” Alfred barked a nervous laugh. “Now that you're here, you can help me shovel shit!”
He flicked a glance over to the shovel, which had flies buzzing around it. “I'd rather not...”
Some help. Alfred shrugged. “Okay.” He resumed working, but his gaze kept being drawn back to the other man, mesmerized by his unusual eyes.
And annoyed by the way those eyes were always focused somewhere around the area of Alfred's ass. He'd be tempted to complain about him, if that stupid punch weren't hanging over his head. The unspoken blackmail kept him from seriously considering it. Every time he grew irritated by the heated looks directed toward him, he focused on the red mark on the other man's cheek and grew even more annoyed with himself for effectively ruining any chances of getting the fellow thrown out.
“Well.” Alfred coughed. He was finding himself increasingly eager to get away from those heated eyes. Nevermind how pretty they were. “I guess I should get these girls back inside.”
“I guess so. And afterward, perhaps you could-”
“Hey!”
Saved by the brat. Alfred turned to face the rapidly approaching boy, grinning in relief. “Hi, Peter!”
“Sorry I'm late, I-” He cut himself off, almost falling over as a result of his abrupt halt. His sea-blue eyes grew wide. “Y-Your Majesty...!”
Alfred blinked, staring down at Peter's horrified expression in bafflement. “Your what?” He followed the horrified gaze. The green-eyed man just looked amused, still brushing the horse.
Peter loudly gulped. “Your Majesty, what are you... why are you... er...”
Alfred looked back and forth between them. Peter was playing an elaborate joke. The Queen would not be assisting in the stables, what a ridiculous idea.
What did the Queen look like again? Alfred desperately sought through his memory for any mention of a description.
But then another stable boy noticed them, and quickly dropped to his knees on the grass.
Alfred's blood ran cold as he stared back at the man. The Queen...
He was dead. This time, he really was going to die.
The Queen just smiled. “Would you come with me, Alfred?”
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I love this fill, very much.
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Alfred mistake the queen for.... *is about to start laughing*
(Don't worry, Alfred... I don't think the Queen will kill you. Oh....no, you have his attention. :D)
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