Cardverse rusame au pls!! I love your writing!!
THEME: Cardverse / Alfred and Ivan are from two separate kingdoms that had once been sworn enemies, but now are allies. However, the tensions still exist for many. This includes the young Spade prince, who has a bitter heart towards Ivan.
The room was packed with diplomats, the most noblemen and ladies all together in one giant ballroom. It was the annual masquerade, hosted by the Spade Kingdom to celebrate their years of peace with their previous rival, the Clover Kingdom. It had been ten years since the last war, but many people still had a bitter taste in their mouths. It was done more for appearances, keeping their public relations looking well. Besides, the Spades still weren’t back to their former glory yet. The war had battered them terribly.
Hence, this ball was hosted to keep the waters calm. It was unclear if war would ever break out between them again, but that would be important for another day. Despite his resentment, the prince had agreed to come out and attend the ball. Truthfully, he still despised the other kingdom, especially their heir. His name was Ivan, and he made Alfred’s blood boil.
The man was taller than he, and he had quite the physique. He was well trained and skilled in the sword, his muscles evident underneath his clothes. His face was handsome with a strong jaw. Brows bushy and hair silvery blonde, he had a very arrogant demeanor about him. His people adored him, as well as other’s too. It made utter sense for him to be present for this social scene, but it wasn’t pleasing Alfred in the slightest.
Never did he want to see the face of the “enemy” in his own home. He could see him, dancing with the ladies of marrying age across the floor. Leaning back, Alfred was close to the wall. He was usually quite the party person. His parents loved how social he was; he was a natural born leader with how charismatic his energy was. However, his mood was soured. He had little desire to dance and chat when he knew he would be out there.
After rejecting the umpteenth girl who asked for his hand to dance, his father got angry. He demanded that he go out into the floor. Obedient to his family, Alfred followed the order. Walking through the crowd, he was having trouble to not bump into the couples moving around the floor. As a new song began, partners began to exchange to someone new.
Struggling, he was bumped into and pushed forward. A pair of arms caught the tumbling boy, saving him from a fall. He was helped back to his feet, but not let go. His eyes went wide, looking upward at the man he loathed. Alfred was wrapped up in the arms of the prince of Clover.
“That could have been a nasty fall,” Ivan spoke, smiling at him. He actually was fond of Alfred, finding him a great source of entertainment. The two had always been at each other’s throats, competitive and cocky. Whether it be through the sword or status, it was an unsaid competition between the two, always trying to outdo the other.
“Yes, now unhand me. I have duties to attend to, being an actual prince.” Ivan just sneered at the comment, going to grab his arms and put them around his neck. His own hands tightly gripped around his hips.
“Why, of course. Perhaps a prince should have at least one dance at his own ball? I’m here to be of service, save these lovely ladies the trouble of tripping over your feet.” As the song started, many eyes were on the pair. It was odd for two men to dance, but not as peculiar for the two heirs to be sharing one together of all people.
Ivan took the lead, able to overpower the will of Alfred. Plus, he was a whole head taller than the man. He knew that Alfred wouldn’t want to cause a scene, so he hoped he would follow. To his luck, he did. Alfred met his eyes, and the two said nothing. They whirled around the floor, large space around them. Many had stopped to watch, or at least give the two princes room.
The song was beautiful, very slow and enchanting. They were kept pressed close, chest to chest. Despite his best attempts, Alfred was blushing from the way Ivan smirked. He knew how smug he felt, his hands teasing his sides. He couldn’t help but shiver, getting goosebumps over his skin.
“Everyone is watching us. Is this what you wanted?”
“Yes, I’m enjoying myself. I’m shocked someone from your land can play this well.”
“Hey! What does that mean-” He was stopped as the song came to an end. Alfred pulled off, but his hand was grasped, the other on his waist again. Ivan wasn’t done yet. He wasn’t a one dance and done. He had found his partner for the whole night.
“Where are you running off to so fast? We have an audience, don’t want to disappoint them.” They moved much faster, the song having more of a swing than the last. Alfred was spun and dragged along like a doll, gasping as a hand trailed down to his ass. He was ready to punch him, but he could see both of their families watching, talking among one another. No, if he fought with Ivan, that wouldn’t do well for their so called peace.
“What are you gaining out of this?”
“Alfred, maybe I judged you too hard. You might actually be better than I thought…” He trailed off, stopping and catching his breath. Alfred didn’t understand what he had meant. Then, Ivan held his hand, leading him over to get a drink from one of the servants.
“What nonsense are you spouting? Why don’t you let me go?” He would go on, but Ivan shoved some food into his mouth. His babbling was still not liked at all.
“Besides attending this dreadful ball, I came looking for a fiance. I need to marry, my family is impatient and sends me to hundreds of these things, but this will surely be the last.”
“What the hell does that have to do with me?”
“Idiot, you really are thick.” Ivan shook his head, making sure no one could hear him. He went to Alfred’s ear, teasing it with his hot breath and a little nip at the lobe. Alfred let out a mewl, making him cringe and immediately cover his mouth up. Disgusted, he could hear the laughter of the other before he whispered.
“Alfred, I think prince doesn’t fit you. Oh no, I believe queen does,…my queen.” He pulled back, smiling as if he had said nothing at all. The look on Alfred’s face was priceless, a mix of horror, anger, and attraction. He shook his head, glaring daggers.
“Don’t make me laugh! I would never be the queen, that would surely be you,” he spat, but his fire died down with the chuckling it earned.
“So you don’t refute the idea of our marriage? I’ll be sure to tell my family I have found a possible bride. I’ll be back to court you, Alfred.” Ivan let his hand go, slipping away in mere seconds. Alfred tried to call for him, but it was a waste of breath.
The last dance was over, and it was time to say goodbye to their guests. As Alfred stood back with his parents, he prepared for seeing Ivan’s family. When they came up, he tensed.
“Thank you for attending, we hope to see you again soon.” He heard his mother say as they all bowed. A small goodbye was exchanged back, and Ivan took Alfred’s hand, kissing the top of it.
“I’ll be sure to come by soon enough. Wait for me, little prince.” The words made Alfred shudder, pulling his hand away and looking aside.
“Y-Yeah…erm, until then.” He was unsure what to say, but his parents didn’t seem phased. They shared a look with Ivan’s family before they were gone. Alfred was unsure what was going on, but he didn’t feel right. Was he out of the loop?
Still, there was no way he would ever marry a man such as Ivan. Not over his dead body.
