In Spades 6c/??
anonymous
October 30 2011, 18:26:58 UTC
Matthew blinked. How did he know he was unwell? “Yes, I'm fine, thanks.”
“You're sure?” The other man turned to him with a smile. He really was handsome, and had a hint of beard. He had an accent Matthew couldn't place. “Because it must have hurt when you fell from the heavens.”
“What?”
“Sorry.” His smile grew apologetic. “If I told you you had a nice body, would you hold it against me?”
Matthew frowned. “I... What?”
“Ah... never mind.” With a defeated sigh, the stranger turned to leave.
“I wasn't questioning you out of ignorance,” Matthew said with a roll of his eyes, and the man turned. “I was just surprised that someone would seriously use such awful lines.”
“But it got your attention, didn't it?” He stepped closer again. “What is your name?”
He hesitated on the verge of walking away. “Matthew.”
The other man took Matthew's hand and kissed the knuckles. “I am...” He paused. “Francis.”
“Is it really?”
“You doubt me?” He chuckled.
“You paused.”
“It is not a well-liked name in this kingdom.”
“Ohh...” It hit Matthew. So that was why his accent sounded unfamiliar! Francis was a very common Diamonds name. The kingdom Spades was pretty much always at war with. “Are you really from...?”
“Originally,” Francis said quickly. “No worries.”
Matthew glanced around. He was living in the palace due to the Queen of Spade's generosity, and here he was speaking to someone from the enemy kingdom! “Can't you... mask the accent a bit?”
“Very few of the general population would even recognize it these days. You're proof enough of that.” Francis flashed an annoyingly winning smile. “Could I treat you to dinner?”
“I'm afraid not,” Matthew said, shaking his head. “My physician wouldn't like me staying out that late.”
“Oh, you are ill?” Francis' eyes widened in surprise. “Lunch, then? Or just a drink?”
Why not? Now that he could, Matthew wanted to enjoy himself whenever he could. And he had to admit, the handsome Diamonds man intrigued him. “Lunch would be nice.”
Re: In Spades 6c/??
anonymous
October 30 2011, 20:43:40 UTC
This is really shaping up nicely, author!non. And seeing Mattie walk! It made me squeal with excitement. I hope Alfred's situation improves soon, though, because it just breaks my heart to see him like this. In any event, this is excellent, one of my favorite fills of the now, and I know it'll only get better. Bravo!
Re: In Spades 6c/??
anonymous
October 30 2011, 23:31:32 UTC
You have no idea how happy it makes me Matthew and Francis finally meet. I get so excited when I see an update from you, A!A. You place this so beautifully, and the world you build is fantastic. Lovely work~
In Spades 7a/??
anonymous
November 4 2011, 00:18:27 UTC
Alfred glanced down at the “shopping” list in his hand. “Bread, jam, apples...” He was still learning, so Matthew had helpfully illustrated each word. “What in the world is that last one?” Matthew was very intelligent, teaching himself foreign languages and math just by reading about them, but he wasn't the best artist in the world. “Maybe one of the cooks will know, if they're there.” It sounded like Mattie was planning a picnic; probably with his new friend. Alfred smiled to himself as he thought back to a few days ago.
“You're going out again?” Alfred, in the middle of getting ready for work, turned to stare at his brother. “You just went out yesterday! I don't know if that's a good idea. Why not rest for a couple day?”
“I'll be fine,” Matthew said. “I won't be doing anything strenuous. I'm just going out for drinks and chatting.”
“With who?”
“With Francis. I met him yesterday...” Matthew smiled, tracing the pattern on his blanket with a finger. “He's very handsome and nice.” His smile promptly fell and he ducked his head, chewing on his lip. Alfred realized with a grimace that Matthew was waiting for him to disapprove, to be angry that someone would dare be too friendly with his precious brother.
Well... maybe he was a little. But mostly he was glad that Matthew could have a life. “Sounds fun!” Alfred grinned at his twin's surprised expression. “Is that what you're going to wear? I've got something a little nicer in here somewhere. You're about my size, right?”
And they both laughed at the stupid joke, purely happy.
“Of course, if he does anything I don't approve of to Mattie, he's toast,” Alfred said to himself. And strangely enough, now that he had mentioned toast, he could swear he smelled something burning. He paused as he approached the kitchen, sniffing the air. Tucking the list away with a frown, Alfred stepped closer.
He definitely smelled smoke. It didn't look like there were any unwanted flames in the kitchen... Nose twitching like a rabbit as he sniffed, Alfred walked into the kitchen. Somebody must have left something in to cook and forgot about it. Well, Alfred had spent too many years on the brink of starvation to let a little char stop him from salvaging food.
Standing in the kitchen was none other than Queen Arthur. He was hovering near the cooking fire, swearing as he fanned at the thick plume of smoke.
Alfred froze. “Er, Ar-Your Majesty?”
Arthur whirled around. “What are you doing here?”
Alfred looked around at the assorted food. “Getting something to eat? Well, Mattie sent me with a list, and...” He shook his head. “What are you doing here? Uh, if you don't mind me asking...”
“I cook,” Arthur said, sounding almost defensive. “I wasn't always royalty, you know, I'm not helpless.”
“Uh, I wasn't going to-”
“It just got a little too hot too quickly.”
“Maybe you should take it off the fire now?” Alfred stepped closer, peering at whatever it was the Queen was killing. What appeared to be a sad little blackened chunk of meat sat in the fire. Alfred grabbed some tongs and rescued the poor smoldering thing. “I don't know that this can be salvaged.”
“Well...” Arthur coughed. “I can cook.” He turned and quickly strode out of the kitchen.
“He's got five thousand cooks working for him...” Alfred muttered to himself as he disposed of the ruined meat, and set about hunting down Matthew's supplies. “Oh well. I guess he gets tired of being waited on hand and foot, if he wasn't born into it.” Should he have asked Arthur what the last item on the list was? Ah well...
*****
Matthew thought he might pass out as he clung to Francis. Their slick bodies writhed together on the inn's luxurious bed. Matthew was lost in a haze of sheer heavenly pleasure - Francis had spent so long worshiping every inch of Matthew's body with hands, lips and tongue, by the time they had gotten to the actual lovemaking, Matt had been too far gone with floating on pleasure to even pay much attention to the discomfort. Francis brought him right to the verge of orgasm and kept him there, until he thought he would go mad. When he finally did come, it was the most intense sensation he had ever felt.
In Spades 7b/??
anonymous
November 4 2011, 00:21:05 UTC
They lay there afterward, tangled together on the soft sheets. Francis idly trailed his fingers along Matthew's side as they basked in the afterglow, listening to their breathing calm.
“That was good,” Francis said at last. “You are sure that was your first time?”
“I'm sure.” Matthew laughed tiredly. “There was no skill involved on my part, that was all you.”
“Why thank you. So was it worth the wait?”
“I'll say.”
“Good.” Francis moved his hand to comb through Matthew's damp hair. “You look lovely like that, all flushed and tired and happy.”
“Mm.” Francis seemed to like everything about him. He was always finding something new to be enchanted with: his eyes, his glasses, his laugh, his knowledge of the Diamonds language, the way the cold didn't bother him as much as it did Francis. In return, Matthew found just about everything about Francis enchanting. His zest for life, his sweetness, his corny jokes and even cornier petnames, his fondness for birds, his fondness for sweets...
“You are okay? Tino cleared you for such strenuous activity?”
Matthew lightly smacked him. “I'll be fine. But I probably won't stay too much longer.” He brightened. “Why don't you come back with me? Alfred wants to meet you, I'm sure.”
Francis chuckled. “To the palace?”
“On second thought, I don't know about the policy regarding guests... It's never come up.” Matthew let out a sigh. “Maybe we should hold off on you visiting me.”
“That's okay. I'm not a big palace fan...”
“Well I won't force you. It's nice here.” Francis had a favorite inn he stayed at whenever he was in the area on business. His home was in the Leaf area of Spades, a goodly distance away. Matthew supposed he could make the journey some day, if Tino didn't mind accompanying him. “Maybe I'll bring Alfred next time. He'll worry less.” Matthew chuckled when he realized how that sounded. “About my health, I mean, not you.”
“I will have to think of something fun for us all to do together,” Francis said. “And something special for us to do next time we're alone.”
“You've thought of all of our activities,” Matthew said. “I'm going to plan something special this time.”
“Okay, then.” Francis laughed, giving Matthew a squeeze. “Ah, I'm so glad I found you...”
*****
Matthew was still floating in a pleasant fog after he returned home. Not in the mood to return to his room, he wandered through the vast, elaborate halls (and okay, so he was a little sore, but it was nothing he couldn't handle.). He stopped to talk to various nobles and servants, swiped a roll from the kitchen, admired the artwork and tapestries, and finally stopped to gaze at a large stained glass window he was pretty sure he hadn't seen before. Lost in thought about his lover, he gazed at the light filtering in through the blue and green mosaic pattern for many minutes.
He stepped away when he realized he was no longer alone in the hallway. Another man stood in one of the doorways, looking surprised to see Matthew there. What did I do wrong? Matthew thought desperately. I saw other people here, this isn't a restricted area. Is it?
“Well hello.” The other man smiled. He had ridiculous eyebrows. Ridiculous, familiar eyebrows. Why did he look familiar?
It only took about a second for it to hit Matthew, and he gasped. “Y-your Majesty.” Panic quickly seized him. In the time he had lived in the palace, he had yet to actually meet the Queen. What did he do? Everything he had studied about court etiquette fled his mind as he was confronted by a real life royal. He was supposed to bow, of course. But by then enough time had passed that it would seem like an afterthought, he was standing there staring like an idiot, and-
“There's no need for that.” The Queen stepped closer. “There's nobody else here.”
In Spades 7c/??
anonymous
November 4 2011, 00:22:47 UTC
Matthew let out a breath. “O-okay.” The panic lessened, but only slightly. Why was the Queen still there? Still walking closer and smiling at Matthew and... Well, Alfred had said that the Queen had rather quickly befriended him and invited them to live in the palace. Maybe he was just friendly.
The Queen smiled, reaching out to trail his fingers along Matthew's cheek. Matthew gulped, wondering just how friendly royalty was. They had not even properly introduced themselves yet, even if they knew who they were! And then Matthew found himself being spun around and embraced from behind.
“Your Majesty!” he yelped.
“It's Arthur,” the Queen said.
“Arthur, then!”
“You're awfully stiff...” His hands roamed lower, running over Matthew's stomach before resting on his genitals. “And not in a good way.”
Matthew squeezed his eyes shut, starting to tremble. So this was it. After it had seemed like everything in their life was just getting better and better, Matthew was going to be raped. And there wasn't a damn thing he or anybody else could do about it because it was the Queen.
“I know how to loosen you up.” Arthur's hand thankfully moved, but soon it was massaging Matthew's ass. “Come on, let's go back to... um...”
Nothing was said for a moment, then Arthur spun Matthew around to face him, frowning. “Why are you so scared? You're hardly breathing! You...” He peered closer. Almost comically, the blood drained from his face, and he backed away like Matthew was a dangerous animal. “Oh shit. Are you Matthew?”
Matthew stepped back until he bumped against the wall, eyes wide. “You thought I was Alfred.”
“I thought something was a bit off when I saw you...” The blood had returned to his face in full force, leaving the Queen quite red. “Um...”
Matthew fled past Arthur, ignoring his startled yelp as he hurried through the hallway, back toward his room. He avoided surprised servants and annoyed nobles, not slowing down until he reached the now-familiar fancy room that had become his.
That had apparently become his because his brother was having a royal affair he apparently did not feel Matthew needed to know about.
He paced, back and forth the length of their room. He paced until his feet were sore and Tino would lecture him on overexerting himself. All he could think was Why? Why had Alfred lied to him? What was he thinking? Had the whole stable boy thing been a lie? No, Matthew had seen him working, Alfred couldn't have created that elaborate of a ruse. But the working in the stables at night... Matthew fumed, pacing quicker. It had never really made sense that he would have to disappear for so long each night just to check on the sleeping horses. How could he have fallen for something so stupid? Alfred was off with his lover each night, piling on the lies when he returned, and-
Matthew gasped, hand flying to his mouth. He came to a stop, anger draining from him, replaced with a sharp stab of worry. Alfred had returned one night from the “stables”...
Re: In Spades 7c/??
anonymous
November 4 2011, 00:42:51 UTC
Hooooly shit, I was waiting for that to finally happen. Matthew's going to kick both of their asses, isn't he? (Maybe Arthur should have learned to greet people before groping? I mean, come on, even Francis probably does! ... Probably!)
Also, I can't wait to see Arthur and Francis interact. That should be epic.
Re: In Spades 7c/??
anonymous
November 4 2011, 00:57:05 UTC
A!A, you have made my day wonderful. Franada sex and then Matthew finding out what Arthur and Alfred have been up to? Absolutely perfect, I cannot wait until everyone gets to interact together. Lovely, lovely work!
Re: In Spades 7c/??
anonymous
November 4 2011, 08:31:49 UTC
Perfect way to find out his brother is sleeping with the queen, poor traumatized boy. But I as a reader enjoyed it greatly, that was a very well-done scene.
Oh and Arthur being a failure in the kitchen was completely adorable, I' glad Alfred finally gets to see his more human side. (somebody will have to prevent the queen from Matthew's rage)
In Spades 8a/??
anonymous
November 7 2011, 02:02:26 UTC
“You're not going to believe what happened today.” Alfred was already snickering as he pushed open the door, stepping into their room. “Peter was... um...” His smile fell at the sight of Matthew standing there, pale and wide-eyed. “Matt!” Alfred hurried close, taking his brother's arm with one hand and feeling his forehead with the other. “Are you okay? Do you want me to call Tino? I'll go-”
“No.” Matthew pushed him away. “I'm fine.”
Alfred stared at him in surprise. “But...”
“Alfred...” Matthew crossed his arms. His voice was hushed. “What is going on between you and the Queen?”
Shock bolted up Alfred's spine. “Wh-what?”
“Are you having sex with Queen Arthur?”
Alfred swallowed, mouth gone suddenly dry. “How did you know?”
Matthew scowled. “He saw me and felt me up, thinking I was you.”
“Ohh...” Alfred grimaced. “Sorry.” Well shit. What did he do now?
“I don't like being lied to.” Matthew sat down on his bed, staring at the wall. “Tell me everything, Alfred.”
Another grimace. When he was Alfred instead of Al, that was not a good sign. “Everything?”
“Everything you've lied about. Why are we really here?”
“I didn't lie about my job!” Alfred protested, choosing to continue to stand. “Well. Sort of. Um...” Matthew said nothing, eyes narrowing. “It mostly happened the way I told you. Except Yao and I didn't discuss the job ahead of time. The first time he told you was the first time I heard about it, too. He just decided that on the spot because he felt bad for us.” Oh right. “And he and I met in prison after I was arrested. But that's all, everything else happened how you-”
“Arrested?” Matthew gaped at him.
“Yeah... I couldn't help it! I hadn't earned enough for your medicine in a couple days, so I stole some money from some rich idiot and got caught. They dragged me to the dungeon, which is where I met Yao, and I told him I couldn't be locked up because you'd die, and he wanted proof so I brought him to you...” Matthew's eyebrows had risen considerably over the course of the story. “I won't apologize.”
“I know.” Matthew sagged, rubbing his forehead. “And the Queen...?”
“You remember the day I told you we were moving here?”
“Of course.”
“Well earlier, I was working, and the Queen approached me. I didn't know it was him at the time. I guess he'd been noticing me around. Anyway, after I found out who he was, and was panicking because I didn't know what he was going to do, he offered us a room in the palace, and his doctors and stuff, if I agreed to be his bed mate every night.”
“Alfred!” Matthew gasped. “How could you!”
“Easy!” How could Matthew even ask? “Look at everything we have now. Look at you! I'd have agreed if his price were my execution.”
“Don't say that!” Matthew finally sprang to his feet. He paced for a moment, then stopped in front of his brother. “Al... Do you like it?”
Alfred blinked. “What?”
“Sleeping with him.”
“I'd be happy no matter what, we-”
“Are you happy sleeping with him?” Matthew repeated firmly.
Alfred ran a hand through his hair. “Matt, I'm happy! Anything is worth-”
Matthew firmly tapped Alfred's chest. “I'm not asking about the benefits! You returned crying one night! Are you happy having sex with him?”
Alfred brushed his hand away. “No! Of course not.” They stared at each other for a long silent moment. “But it doesn't matter,” Alfred added weakly. “It's not like I can stop. And it's worth it...”
“Al...” Matthew dropped back onto the bed. Alfred's heart broke at his brother's devastated expression.
“I can... I can go...”
Matthew shook his head. “I'm not mad at you...” He held his arms out, and Alfred settled onto the bed beside him. Matthew wrapped his arms around Alfred and held him close, quietly crying.
*****
To their immense relief, a servant stopped by to let Alfred know his services would not be required that night. The twins spent that night snuggled together, clinging to each other and talking about anything. They fell asleep on Matthew's bed, curled up like a pair of cat siblings, though Matthew awoke the following morning on the floor.
In Spades 8b/??
anonymous
November 7 2011, 02:03:37 UTC
Though Matthew wished it weren't so, Alfred headed off to the stables to work. Mind filled with horrible visions of Alfred being snagged by that royal bastard and raped as soon as he left the safety of their room, Matthew selected a book he knew he wasn't going to be very successful at reading.
As soon as he settled down with the book, Tino walked in, with his usual bag of supplies and friendly smile. “Good morning, Mattie.”
“Good morning.”
“I passed by Alfred in the hallway.” Tino set his bag down and rummaged through it. “He didn't look too good.” He glanced over at Matthew, and grimaced. “Neither do you. Did you two have a fight?”
Matthew set the book aside, shrugging. “Sort of.” He didn't particularly want to talk about it with somebody that lived in the palace.
“I'm sorry to hear that.” He got started on their daily routine, examining Matthew, making little noises of pleasure as he went. Once he decided Matthew was physically satisfactory, he poured a cup of medicine and handed it to him.
“Thanks,” Matthew murmured as he accepted the cup. He stared down at the medicine, chest hitching. All he could think of, then, was why he was being given that medicine, being cared for. Matthew clapped a hand to his mouth.
“Are you okay?” Tino said, alarmed.
“I'm gonna be sick...”
“Oh!” Tino quickly grabbed a small bucket. “Oh dear.”
*****
As soon as the inn room door was opened, Matthew flung himself at Francis.
“Oh!” Francis stumbled backward, but managed to retain his balance. “Did you miss me that much, kitten?”
“I couldn't stay there any longer,” Matthew said, loosening his grip a bit. He reached back to push the door closed with his foot. “I'll end up doing something to the Queen that will get me arrested. Or executed...”
“Really?” For some reason, that seemed to please Francis. “I mean... Well, what happened? Here, let us sit, I'll get you something to drink.” He shifted them around so that his arm was around Matthew's shoulders, and led him to the bed. “Tino still allows a little alcohol, right?”
Matthew nodded, and watched as Francis poured a couple glasses of red wine. He accepted the glass with a soft “Thank you.”
Francis settled down beside him, sipping at the crimson liquid. “So what has the Queen done? Was he rude?”
Matthew bit his lip. “I thought...” He took a deep breath. “I thought he was nice! That's what Alfred said. He met the Queen, they quickly became friends, and we were invited to live in the palace.”
“I remember,” Francis said with a nod.
“But that isn't what happened at all! He invited us to live in the palace if Al agreed to be... if he agreed to have sex with him every night.” Matthew wiped at his eyes.
“I see,” Francis murmured.
“It's practically rape! Al doesn't want to at all!” Matthew set his glass aside. “I thought... I thought now that I was getting better, how wonderful it is that Alfred can stop suffering for my sake. But... he's...”
“Shh.” Francis set his own wine on the nightstand and pulled Matthew into his arms. “It will be all right.”
“It won't...” Matthew said tearfully.
Francis rubbed circles on Matthew's back. “I think it will.”
“How do you know?”
“Once he grows tired of his plaything, he won't just throw you both out of the palace. He's not going to keep screwing your brother forever.” He kissed Matthew's cheek. “This will pass.”
Matthew certainly hoped so. Surely the Queen would not rescind all benefits if he moved on to someone else, right? How long would it take him to grow bored of Alfred? Then Matthew would do everything he could to find someone who would love and cherish his brother. Alfred deserved that.
“How did you find out about this, anyway?” Francis wondered.
Matthew froze, feeling his face grow warm. “Oh. Right. Um...”
*****
With a sigh, Alfred pushed open the door. He was stopped by a soft voice behind him before he could step out into the hall.
“Don't go...”
Alfred squeezed his eyes shut. “I have to, Matt.” They had spent all evening together talking some more. But night had fallen, and duty called. No servant had showed up to give him another night off.
“You're sure?” The other man turned to him with a smile. He really was handsome, and had a hint of beard. He had an accent Matthew couldn't place. “Because it must have hurt when you fell from the heavens.”
“What?”
“Sorry.” His smile grew apologetic. “If I told you you had a nice body, would you hold it against me?”
Matthew frowned. “I... What?”
“Ah... never mind.” With a defeated sigh, the stranger turned to leave.
“I wasn't questioning you out of ignorance,” Matthew said with a roll of his eyes, and the man turned. “I was just surprised that someone would seriously use such awful lines.”
“But it got your attention, didn't it?” He stepped closer again. “What is your name?”
He hesitated on the verge of walking away. “Matthew.”
The other man took Matthew's hand and kissed the knuckles. “I am...” He paused. “Francis.”
“Is it really?”
“You doubt me?” He chuckled.
“You paused.”
“It is not a well-liked name in this kingdom.”
“Ohh...” It hit Matthew. So that was why his accent sounded unfamiliar! Francis was a very common Diamonds name. The kingdom Spades was pretty much always at war with. “Are you really from...?”
“Originally,” Francis said quickly. “No worries.”
Matthew glanced around. He was living in the palace due to the Queen of Spade's generosity, and here he was speaking to someone from the enemy kingdom! “Can't you... mask the accent a bit?”
“Very few of the general population would even recognize it these days. You're proof enough of that.” Francis flashed an annoyingly winning smile. “Could I treat you to dinner?”
“I'm afraid not,” Matthew said, shaking his head. “My physician wouldn't like me staying out that late.”
“Oh, you are ill?” Francis' eyes widened in surprise. “Lunch, then? Or just a drink?”
Why not? Now that he could, Matthew wanted to enjoy himself whenever he could. And he had to admit, the handsome Diamonds man intrigued him. “Lunch would be nice.”
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Lovely work~
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(although, I will have to go D: for poor Alfred.)
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It's nice that things are looking up for Matthew. :)
Looking forward to the next update <3
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Lots of love for this fill as always, updates make my day without fail.
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“You're going out again?” Alfred, in the middle of getting ready for work, turned to stare at his brother. “You just went out yesterday! I don't know if that's a good idea. Why not rest for a couple day?”
“I'll be fine,” Matthew said. “I won't be doing anything strenuous. I'm just going out for drinks and chatting.”
“With who?”
“With Francis. I met him yesterday...” Matthew smiled, tracing the pattern on his blanket with a finger. “He's very handsome and nice.” His smile promptly fell and he ducked his head, chewing on his lip. Alfred realized with a grimace that Matthew was waiting for him to disapprove, to be angry that someone would dare be too friendly with his precious brother.
Well... maybe he was a little. But mostly he was glad that Matthew could have a life. “Sounds fun!” Alfred grinned at his twin's surprised expression. “Is that what you're going to wear? I've got something a little nicer in here somewhere. You're about my size, right?”
And they both laughed at the stupid joke, purely happy.
“Of course, if he does anything I don't approve of to Mattie, he's toast,” Alfred said to himself. And strangely enough, now that he had mentioned toast, he could swear he smelled something burning. He paused as he approached the kitchen, sniffing the air. Tucking the list away with a frown, Alfred stepped closer.
He definitely smelled smoke. It didn't look like there were any unwanted flames in the kitchen... Nose twitching like a rabbit as he sniffed, Alfred walked into the kitchen. Somebody must have left something in to cook and forgot about it. Well, Alfred had spent too many years on the brink of starvation to let a little char stop him from salvaging food.
Standing in the kitchen was none other than Queen Arthur. He was hovering near the cooking fire, swearing as he fanned at the thick plume of smoke.
Alfred froze. “Er, Ar-Your Majesty?”
Arthur whirled around. “What are you doing here?”
Alfred looked around at the assorted food. “Getting something to eat? Well, Mattie sent me with a list, and...” He shook his head. “What are you doing here? Uh, if you don't mind me asking...”
“I cook,” Arthur said, sounding almost defensive. “I wasn't always royalty, you know, I'm not helpless.”
“Uh, I wasn't going to-”
“It just got a little too hot too quickly.”
“Maybe you should take it off the fire now?” Alfred stepped closer, peering at whatever it was the Queen was killing. What appeared to be a sad little blackened chunk of meat sat in the fire. Alfred grabbed some tongs and rescued the poor smoldering thing. “I don't know that this can be salvaged.”
“Well...” Arthur coughed. “I can cook.” He turned and quickly strode out of the kitchen.
“He's got five thousand cooks working for him...” Alfred muttered to himself as he disposed of the ruined meat, and set about hunting down Matthew's supplies. “Oh well. I guess he gets tired of being waited on hand and foot, if he wasn't born into it.” Should he have asked Arthur what the last item on the list was? Ah well...
*****
Matthew thought he might pass out as he clung to Francis. Their slick bodies writhed together on the inn's luxurious bed. Matthew was lost in a haze of sheer heavenly pleasure - Francis had spent so long worshiping every inch of Matthew's body with hands, lips and tongue, by the time they had gotten to the actual lovemaking, Matt had been too far gone with floating on pleasure to even pay much attention to the discomfort. Francis brought him right to the verge of orgasm and kept him there, until he thought he would go mad. When he finally did come, it was the most intense sensation he had ever felt.
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“That was good,” Francis said at last. “You are sure that was your first time?”
“I'm sure.” Matthew laughed tiredly. “There was no skill involved on my part, that was all you.”
“Why thank you. So was it worth the wait?”
“I'll say.”
“Good.” Francis moved his hand to comb through Matthew's damp hair. “You look lovely like that, all flushed and tired and happy.”
“Mm.” Francis seemed to like everything about him. He was always finding something new to be enchanted with: his eyes, his glasses, his laugh, his knowledge of the Diamonds language, the way the cold didn't bother him as much as it did Francis. In return, Matthew found just about everything about Francis enchanting. His zest for life, his sweetness, his corny jokes and even cornier petnames, his fondness for birds, his fondness for sweets...
“You are okay? Tino cleared you for such strenuous activity?”
Matthew lightly smacked him. “I'll be fine. But I probably won't stay too much longer.” He brightened. “Why don't you come back with me? Alfred wants to meet you, I'm sure.”
Francis chuckled. “To the palace?”
“On second thought, I don't know about the policy regarding guests... It's never come up.” Matthew let out a sigh. “Maybe we should hold off on you visiting me.”
“That's okay. I'm not a big palace fan...”
“Well I won't force you. It's nice here.” Francis had a favorite inn he stayed at whenever he was in the area on business. His home was in the Leaf area of Spades, a goodly distance away. Matthew supposed he could make the journey some day, if Tino didn't mind accompanying him. “Maybe I'll bring Alfred next time. He'll worry less.” Matthew chuckled when he realized how that sounded. “About my health, I mean, not you.”
“I will have to think of something fun for us all to do together,” Francis said. “And something special for us to do next time we're alone.”
“You've thought of all of our activities,” Matthew said. “I'm going to plan something special this time.”
“Okay, then.” Francis laughed, giving Matthew a squeeze. “Ah, I'm so glad I found you...”
*****
Matthew was still floating in a pleasant fog after he returned home. Not in the mood to return to his room, he wandered through the vast, elaborate halls (and okay, so he was a little sore, but it was nothing he couldn't handle.). He stopped to talk to various nobles and servants, swiped a roll from the kitchen, admired the artwork and tapestries, and finally stopped to gaze at a large stained glass window he was pretty sure he hadn't seen before. Lost in thought about his lover, he gazed at the light filtering in through the blue and green mosaic pattern for many minutes.
He stepped away when he realized he was no longer alone in the hallway. Another man stood in one of the doorways, looking surprised to see Matthew there. What did I do wrong? Matthew thought desperately. I saw other people here, this isn't a restricted area. Is it?
“Well hello.” The other man smiled. He had ridiculous eyebrows. Ridiculous, familiar eyebrows. Why did he look familiar?
It only took about a second for it to hit Matthew, and he gasped. “Y-your Majesty.” Panic quickly seized him. In the time he had lived in the palace, he had yet to actually meet the Queen. What did he do? Everything he had studied about court etiquette fled his mind as he was confronted by a real life royal. He was supposed to bow, of course. But by then enough time had passed that it would seem like an afterthought, he was standing there staring like an idiot, and-
“There's no need for that.” The Queen stepped closer. “There's nobody else here.”
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The Queen smiled, reaching out to trail his fingers along Matthew's cheek. Matthew gulped, wondering just how friendly royalty was. They had not even properly introduced themselves yet, even if they knew who they were! And then Matthew found himself being spun around and embraced from behind.
“Your Majesty!” he yelped.
“It's Arthur,” the Queen said.
“Arthur, then!”
“You're awfully stiff...” His hands roamed lower, running over Matthew's stomach before resting on his genitals. “And not in a good way.”
Matthew squeezed his eyes shut, starting to tremble. So this was it. After it had seemed like everything in their life was just getting better and better, Matthew was going to be raped. And there wasn't a damn thing he or anybody else could do about it because it was the Queen.
“I know how to loosen you up.” Arthur's hand thankfully moved, but soon it was massaging Matthew's ass. “Come on, let's go back to... um...”
Nothing was said for a moment, then Arthur spun Matthew around to face him, frowning. “Why are you so scared? You're hardly breathing! You...” He peered closer. Almost comically, the blood drained from his face, and he backed away like Matthew was a dangerous animal. “Oh shit. Are you Matthew?”
Matthew stepped back until he bumped against the wall, eyes wide. “You thought I was Alfred.”
“I thought something was a bit off when I saw you...” The blood had returned to his face in full force, leaving the Queen quite red. “Um...”
Matthew fled past Arthur, ignoring his startled yelp as he hurried through the hallway, back toward his room. He avoided surprised servants and annoyed nobles, not slowing down until he reached the now-familiar fancy room that had become his.
That had apparently become his because his brother was having a royal affair he apparently did not feel Matthew needed to know about.
He paced, back and forth the length of their room. He paced until his feet were sore and Tino would lecture him on overexerting himself. All he could think was Why? Why had Alfred lied to him? What was he thinking? Had the whole stable boy thing been a lie? No, Matthew had seen him working, Alfred couldn't have created that elaborate of a ruse. But the working in the stables at night... Matthew fumed, pacing quicker. It had never really made sense that he would have to disappear for so long each night just to check on the sleeping horses. How could he have fallen for something so stupid? Alfred was off with his lover each night, piling on the lies when he returned, and-
Matthew gasped, hand flying to his mouth. He came to a stop, anger draining from him, replaced with a sharp stab of worry. Alfred had returned one night from the “stables”...
Crying.
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Also, I can't wait to see Arthur and Francis interact. That should be epic.
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Lovely, lovely work!
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Oh and Arthur being a failure in the kitchen was completely adorable, I' glad Alfred finally gets to see his more human side. (somebody will have to prevent the queen from Matthew's rage)
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And Matt now knows! well this isn't going to be pretty at all, probably
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“No.” Matthew pushed him away. “I'm fine.”
Alfred stared at him in surprise. “But...”
“Alfred...” Matthew crossed his arms. His voice was hushed. “What is going on between you and the Queen?”
Shock bolted up Alfred's spine. “Wh-what?”
“Are you having sex with Queen Arthur?”
Alfred swallowed, mouth gone suddenly dry. “How did you know?”
Matthew scowled. “He saw me and felt me up, thinking I was you.”
“Ohh...” Alfred grimaced. “Sorry.” Well shit. What did he do now?
“I don't like being lied to.” Matthew sat down on his bed, staring at the wall. “Tell me everything, Alfred.”
Another grimace. When he was Alfred instead of Al, that was not a good sign. “Everything?”
“Everything you've lied about. Why are we really here?”
“I didn't lie about my job!” Alfred protested, choosing to continue to stand. “Well. Sort of. Um...” Matthew said nothing, eyes narrowing. “It mostly happened the way I told you. Except Yao and I didn't discuss the job ahead of time. The first time he told you was the first time I heard about it, too. He just decided that on the spot because he felt bad for us.” Oh right. “And he and I met in prison after I was arrested. But that's all, everything else happened how you-”
“Arrested?” Matthew gaped at him.
“Yeah... I couldn't help it! I hadn't earned enough for your medicine in a couple days, so I stole some money from some rich idiot and got caught. They dragged me to the dungeon, which is where I met Yao, and I told him I couldn't be locked up because you'd die, and he wanted proof so I brought him to you...” Matthew's eyebrows had risen considerably over the course of the story. “I won't apologize.”
“I know.” Matthew sagged, rubbing his forehead. “And the Queen...?”
“You remember the day I told you we were moving here?”
“Of course.”
“Well earlier, I was working, and the Queen approached me. I didn't know it was him at the time. I guess he'd been noticing me around. Anyway, after I found out who he was, and was panicking because I didn't know what he was going to do, he offered us a room in the palace, and his doctors and stuff, if I agreed to be his bed mate every night.”
“Alfred!” Matthew gasped. “How could you!”
“Easy!” How could Matthew even ask? “Look at everything we have now. Look at you! I'd have agreed if his price were my execution.”
“Don't say that!” Matthew finally sprang to his feet. He paced for a moment, then stopped in front of his brother. “Al... Do you like it?”
Alfred blinked. “What?”
“Sleeping with him.”
“I'd be happy no matter what, we-”
“Are you happy sleeping with him?” Matthew repeated firmly.
Alfred ran a hand through his hair. “Matt, I'm happy! Anything is worth-”
Matthew firmly tapped Alfred's chest. “I'm not asking about the benefits! You returned crying one night! Are you happy having sex with him?”
Alfred brushed his hand away. “No! Of course not.” They stared at each other for a long silent moment. “But it doesn't matter,” Alfred added weakly. “It's not like I can stop. And it's worth it...”
“Al...” Matthew dropped back onto the bed. Alfred's heart broke at his brother's devastated expression.
“I can... I can go...”
Matthew shook his head. “I'm not mad at you...” He held his arms out, and Alfred settled onto the bed beside him. Matthew wrapped his arms around Alfred and held him close, quietly crying.
*****
To their immense relief, a servant stopped by to let Alfred know his services would not be required that night. The twins spent that night snuggled together, clinging to each other and talking about anything. They fell asleep on Matthew's bed, curled up like a pair of cat siblings, though Matthew awoke the following morning on the floor.
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As soon as he settled down with the book, Tino walked in, with his usual bag of supplies and friendly smile. “Good morning, Mattie.”
“Good morning.”
“I passed by Alfred in the hallway.” Tino set his bag down and rummaged through it. “He didn't look too good.” He glanced over at Matthew, and grimaced. “Neither do you. Did you two have a fight?”
Matthew set the book aside, shrugging. “Sort of.” He didn't particularly want to talk about it with somebody that lived in the palace.
“I'm sorry to hear that.” He got started on their daily routine, examining Matthew, making little noises of pleasure as he went. Once he decided Matthew was physically satisfactory, he poured a cup of medicine and handed it to him.
“Thanks,” Matthew murmured as he accepted the cup. He stared down at the medicine, chest hitching. All he could think of, then, was why he was being given that medicine, being cared for. Matthew clapped a hand to his mouth.
“Are you okay?” Tino said, alarmed.
“I'm gonna be sick...”
“Oh!” Tino quickly grabbed a small bucket. “Oh dear.”
*****
As soon as the inn room door was opened, Matthew flung himself at Francis.
“Oh!” Francis stumbled backward, but managed to retain his balance. “Did you miss me that much, kitten?”
“I couldn't stay there any longer,” Matthew said, loosening his grip a bit. He reached back to push the door closed with his foot. “I'll end up doing something to the Queen that will get me arrested. Or executed...”
“Really?” For some reason, that seemed to please Francis. “I mean... Well, what happened? Here, let us sit, I'll get you something to drink.” He shifted them around so that his arm was around Matthew's shoulders, and led him to the bed. “Tino still allows a little alcohol, right?”
Matthew nodded, and watched as Francis poured a couple glasses of red wine. He accepted the glass with a soft “Thank you.”
Francis settled down beside him, sipping at the crimson liquid. “So what has the Queen done? Was he rude?”
Matthew bit his lip. “I thought...” He took a deep breath. “I thought he was nice! That's what Alfred said. He met the Queen, they quickly became friends, and we were invited to live in the palace.”
“I remember,” Francis said with a nod.
“But that isn't what happened at all! He invited us to live in the palace if Al agreed to be... if he agreed to have sex with him every night.” Matthew wiped at his eyes.
“I see,” Francis murmured.
“It's practically rape! Al doesn't want to at all!” Matthew set his glass aside. “I thought... I thought now that I was getting better, how wonderful it is that Alfred can stop suffering for my sake. But... he's...”
“Shh.” Francis set his own wine on the nightstand and pulled Matthew into his arms. “It will be all right.”
“It won't...” Matthew said tearfully.
Francis rubbed circles on Matthew's back. “I think it will.”
“How do you know?”
“Once he grows tired of his plaything, he won't just throw you both out of the palace. He's not going to keep screwing your brother forever.” He kissed Matthew's cheek. “This will pass.”
Matthew certainly hoped so. Surely the Queen would not rescind all benefits if he moved on to someone else, right? How long would it take him to grow bored of Alfred? Then Matthew would do everything he could to find someone who would love and cherish his brother. Alfred deserved that.
“How did you find out about this, anyway?” Francis wondered.
Matthew froze, feeling his face grow warm. “Oh. Right. Um...”
*****
With a sigh, Alfred pushed open the door. He was stopped by a soft voice behind him before he could step out into the hall.
“Don't go...”
Alfred squeezed his eyes shut. “I have to, Matt.” They had spent all evening together talking some more. But night had fallen, and duty called. No servant had showed up to give him another night off.
“But I can't stand it!”
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