#hwscardverseweek

[circlique]

Day 2: Royalty @hwscardverseweek

I like to think Sweden and Finland were the previous Spade royals and America’s adoptive parents. So where are they now? Are they dead? Who knows. Maybe they mastered the flow of time and secretly retired.

I tried to base their designs on Swedish and Finnish traditional wear. I really like how Finland’s came out. Please credit if you use them!

***Please do not repost.***

[lieutkenny]

Day 4: Masquerade ball

Michelle constantly sneaks Lili away to the Heart Kingdom for the Masquerade balls. Since they're both aligned with different suits, its almost impossible to have a private moment together. One of the rare moments Lili has to escape royal duty and can be a regular person again.

[hwscardverseweek]

Hi there! I'm sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if cardverse week was going to happen in 2023? I would love to see the event return!

Sorry for the wait on the reply! I didn’t see this ask until today, my bad. Also you’re not being a bother at all, I kind of expected an ask like this sooner or later so I’ve been trying to think of an answer.

The short answer would be: Maybe? It could happen in the summer. I might post an interest check in the spring.

The long answer would be: I’m not really in the Hetalia fandom anymore. I really enjoyed hosting the event last year and to be honest, I didn’t expect it to get as much attention as it did and it kind of overwhelmed me though I got the hang of it towards the end. I also kind of forgot about this blog after the event passed. Anyways, even though I’m not into Hetalia anymore I’m definitely willing to bring the event back for 2023. Probably during the summer since I have more free time then.

I hope that answers your question and have a nice day/evening/afternoon

[gybas-blog]

For @hwscardverseweek

Day 1: Magic

[dishonor-on-me-and-my-cow]

Day 5: Free Day

@hwscardverseweek

He still doesn’t know where she got it from

[koolkat9]

Cardverse Week 2022: Day 3

Oh my god I’ve been writing these titles as 2021 instead of 2022. Imma fix that. But Also! I ended up getting enough motivation to write something for Day 3!

@hwscardverseweek

Prompt: Sword Fight​

Rating: T

Pairings: GerEng, ScotFra

Word Count: 709

Trust the Love Expert

Metal clashed against metal as Arthur swung at his older brother. Moving quickly, Alastair twirled himself out of the way, leading Arthur to fall forward, almost face planting into the cement. “I win,” Alastair cackled, holding the sword at Arthur’s neck. The queen only let out a groan, heaving himself up off the ground. 

“Well if this was a magic duel, you and I both know I would’ve won by a landslide,” Arthur spat back, dusting himself off.

“Sure, sure. Whatever helps his majesty sleep at night.”

“Oh really?” Arthur growled, getting right up in his brother’s face, “Would you like to test that?”

“Gladly,” Alastair bit back. 

“Boys,” a stern voice calls from the entrance of the garden. King Francis of Diamonds stood at the entryway, tray of lemonade and cookies in hand. “Last time you had a magic battle, the training grounds had to be closed for two months to clean up the mess you made.”

Alastair was the first to break the intense eye contact he and Arthur shared. “How many times do I have to apologize for that?”

“Until I say so,” Francis stated, placing the tray on a nearby table. “Anyway! I had the kitchen staff make us some refreshments.”

The two brothers scurried over to the table, having worked up an appetite during their duel. “Shortbread,” Alastair exclaimed, picking up one of the cookies,  “Goodness love you spoil me.”

Francis pulled Alastair closer, placing a kiss on his cheek. “But of course mon cher.” Alastair gave his husband a sweet smile before capturing his lips in a long, sweet kiss. Arthur rolled his eyes at the sappy scene. 

“Oi! Got something to say?” Alastair asked.

Arthur only shrugged before picking up one of the cookies on the tray and digging in.

“Don’t mind him,” Francis said, straightening Alastair's jacket, “He’s just jealous because his fiancee isn’t here.”

“Still can’t believe my bastard of a baby brother is getting married.”

Francis giggled. “Indeed. And Ludwig of all people? He never seemed interested in anyone…Well other than the Jack of Hearts.”

Arthur scowled. “Well believe it. After all, it’s his ring on my finger.” 

Francis grabbed his hand, looking over the gorgeous ruby heart, held by sliver vines wrapping around Arthur’s finger. “Beautiful,” the king muttered. 

“It is, isn’t it?” Arthur sniffed, pulling his hand away. He looked down at his ring, trying to hold back a smile that threatened to show. No matter how much he tried to hide it, the knowledge that he was Ludwig’s and Ludwig was his never failed to bring a smile to his face. The ring was proof of that.  “Though he didn’t need to give me such an elaborate ring to marry him,” Arthur went on, more to himself rather than his brother and friend, “He could have just asked, without anything, and I would have said yes.”

“Aww Arthur,” Francis cooed, “You closeted romantic! I hope you know that I’ll be planning your wedding. You’re both good friends of mine and after all, I am a romance expert.”

“Like hell,” Arthur growled.

Francis ignored Arthur’s protest, taking a seat on the edge of the fountain with a glass of lemonade. “Assuming it’s you and Ludwig,” Francis said before pointing to Alastair, “Write this down. Okay, so you’ll probably want something simple. So how about…” Francis began listing off all kinds of ideas from decorations to flowers to food. Arthur hated to admit it, but he couldn’t deny that the ideas sounded nice. Perfect even. When Francis started going off about venues, Arthur finally interjected:

“I would like to have it in the garden of Hearts. With all the roses.” Francis was on the edge of his seat with a wild smile. “How romantic,” he hummed, “Maybe we should continue this discussion with Ludwig. Get his opinion.”

“Agreed.” With that in motion, Arthur turned his attention back to his brother. “Now how about another round, Allie?”

“Ready to lose again?” Alastair chuckled.

“Just you wait,” Arthur sneered before gulping down the rest of his lemonade and grabbing his sword. Francis just shook his head as the two brothers began to spar once more. As long as they didn't destroy the garden, Francis could at least enjoy the show.

[sherlockscones]

Cardverse Week - Magic

@hwscardverseweek Ok, so I wasnt going to take part (as I have other things going on 😅) but I love cardverse and seeing all the fics... I decided to write down an idea thats been in my head for a while.

TW: there is an allusion to a past suicide attempt

———

Arthur placed the tea tray on the polished wooden sideboard and leaned toward the large oak doors. The voices inside became a bit clearer.

“...a long time.” That was their visitor. The Jack of the Spade kingdom.

Arthur had seen him arrive earlier. A royal visitor and, from the look on their father’s face, an unexpected one at that. This was unprecedented. Which made this conversation all the more intriguing and Arthur couldn’t help but indulge his curiosity. He strained to pick up more of the conversation.

“...my condolences for the loss of Lady Kirkland.”

Arthur felt his throat tighten. His mother.

“I pray to the gods everyday we’ll find and slay the black beast that took her from us.” His father. Lord Kirkland. He could hear the edge of bitterness in his voice.

A hand landed on his shoulder making him jolt. He froze as the intruder whispered in his ear.

“Eavesdroppers get to shovel stable shit for the next month.”

Arthur frowned. His annoying older brother, Alasdair. Trying to get him to do his chores again. He turned to shove him off, but Alasdair caught his wrists. Arthur glared at his brother.

“Ah, ah, ah,” he tutted, “you wouldn't want father to find out, would you?”

The answer to that question was, of course, no.

Alasdair must have read the thought on his face. He smiled. “I’ll leave the rake by the door.”

He shoved him towards the door. “Now you better get in there before he starts wondering where you are.”

Arthur rubbed his wrists, all the while glaring at Alasdair's back until he had retreated out of sight. Taking a breath, he knocked on the door.

“Enter.”

Arthur picked up the tea tray and entered the reception room. It was the grandest room in the Kirkland manor and as such was bedecked with some of the finest portraits and armour within the house. An impressive row of hunting trophies hung on the wall behind where his father sat, whilst a fire crackled in the imposing fireplace to the left. A scene to impress upon any visitor the Lords right and strength to rule his lands.

Sat opposite was a long haired man dressed in the rich purple of royalty. Long flowing robes of the finest silk, embroidered with the emblem of their kingdom. His build was slim and complexion pale.

A softer look compared to the harsh tartan his father wore. But the tall man wearing it did not look weak. His sharp features and gaze spoke of someone intelligent and calculating. It made Arthur nervous as he approached.

He placed the tea tray on a side table.

“Ah, Arthur,” his father turned, “Jack Yao, this is my youngest son, Arthur Artorias Kirkland.”

Arthur bowed. “It is a pleasure to meet you, your Highness.”

The Jack bowed his head, a graceful smile on his lips. “The pleasure is mine.”

“Tea?” Arthurs father asked. The Jack nodded. It was a drink not often served in the Kirkland household—which Arthur lamented as it was one of his favourites—but judging by the garb of the Jack, which he recognised from some of his books, he surmised it was being served in honour of the man’s own traditions in the East.

His father may appear to be a backwater Lord, rough around the edges, but he was a shrewd man. People forgot that at their peril.

“Do you have children?” He heard his father ask.

“Sadly, no.”

“They are both the most rewarding and frustrating endeavour you will ever undertake.” He laughed, “so pray you never do!”

Arthur busied himself with preparing the tea, trying his best to ignore his father, it still stung that he favoured his older brothers more. Arthur had always been the black sheep of the family, the one that preferred quiet studious pastimes instead of learning the art swordplay.

He offered a steaming cup to their guest.

The Jack smiled and sipped his tea. “A delightful blend.”

A small bubble of pride welled within him. At least someone appreciated his talent for making tea. He offered the other to his father and turned his attention to the rest of the tray.

“What brings you here, to the kingdom’s edge?” His father asked.

Arthur’s ears perked up.

“I am searching for the Queen.”

He heard his father choke on his tea. Arthur froze, his heart quickening in his chest.

“There hasn’t been a Queen for centuries!” His father replied darkly. “Are you sure?”

From the corner of his eye, Arthur saw the Jack nod. “I am aware. My duty is clear. You know how dangerous a Queen can be.”

“Aye, I’ve heard the old tales.” His father paused. “What makes you think you’ll find them here?”

The Jack said nothing.

“Magic-wielders are not allowed in these lands.”

“I am aware.”

His father’s tone lowered. “Then you should also be aware, any magic-wielders found within my borders are dealt with immediately. That is the law.”

The Jack placed his cup neatly on the table, his long sleeves and slender hands giving a smooth movement to the motion.

“I came to you for your assistance. I was hoping for cooperation, not conflict.”

He saw movement as his father leaned forward. He couldn't see his face, but experience told him what expression he’d find on it. It made him cold.

“You are wasting your time. The one you seek is long gone from this world and if by chance they haven’t, I will happily see them on their way...”

There was a sudden smash and a shattered china jug lay in pieces on the floor. Arthur instinctively gripped his arm.

His father turned. “Clumsy boy!” He barked. “Clean that up immediately.”

Arthur paled and immediately set about cleaning the mess. He tried desperately to keep the shake out of his hands as he picked up the sharp pieces. Placing them on the serving tray, he apologised to his father and their guest. His father sighed and dismissed him with a wave of a hand. The Jack was quiet. There was a curious look on those sharp features which made Arthur even more uncomfortable.

He retreated from the room, as quick as was polite to do so.

He was shaking when he entered the kitchen, put the tray down and locked the door behind him. Collapsing into a chair, he ran a hand through his already tussled hair before burying his face into clammy palms. That was close. Too close.

A gentle touch alerted him to their presence.

Since he had been old enough to understand he had been told that magic was wrong, unnatural and dangerous. It had to be controlled or better yet destroyed wherever it was found. Magic brought only suffering to their people.

His family were sworn to destroy it. So when he had begun to notice his strange ability, he had been terrified. He had hidden it from his brothers, from his father, not knowing what to do. Researched long into the night in the library to try to find out if maybe he was under a curse? Being tricked by a hobgoblin or had he accidentally picked up an enchanted item? Any explanation other than the one which he eventually came to accept was the only possible answer. Magic ran through his veins and he should die for it.

A human born with magic was a monster.

So it was, in his despair, he had first encountered the small common fairies on the edges of the Kirkland estate.

Common fairies were harmless and mostly ignored by his family, as, although made of magic, they did not wield it and thus were not much of a threat. But they were still unwelcome, especially within the grounds of the manor (Arthur had to be very careful with his small companions).

He had told them to go, shouted at them and eventually begged them to leave him be. So he could do what he knew needed to be done, but they refused. They said they wanted to help. His resolve had broken at that moment and all the pain, the fear and despair came out in a flood of tears.

When he had calmed they showed him how he could subdue his power through a binding chant. Woven into cloth bandages which he wrapped around his forearm.

It worked. For a time.

Arthur had felt it. Tight were the bandages, but the binds were loosening, no longer enough to contain what lurked beneath the surface. His magic was slipping through, like just now when an unchecked sliver had shattered the jug within his hand.

“Child, what is the matter?” A soft voice spoke to him. He didn't so much hear it as perceive the words.

He looked up into the soft orange light, tears gathering at the edge of his eyes.

“I have to leave, Marigold.” The tears began to fall. “I have no choice.”

[sassypantsjaxon]

The Season

In the Four Kingdoms of the Cards, everyone who’s anyone gets married in the spring. Arthur and Alfred are planning on their wedding being the biggest event of the Season, until one little detail throws everything out of alignment. Now it’s Ludwig and Kiku who have to deal with the fallout.

Cardverse, but a modern au, complete with social media, tabloids, paparazzi, and the met gala.

(Chapters follow the prompts for @hwscardverseweek, but...are being posted late...)

Chapter One: Making Magic Happen

“What about this one?” Feliciano offered, showing his companions his phone screen.

“Oh, not that one,” Kiku sighed, “It’s too personal.” He was leaning over Ludwig to better watch Feliciano. One of his hands rested just on the inside of Ludwig’s knee. Ludwig had his arm wrapped around Kiku’s waist.

Feliciano nodded, swiping through his photos to find a more suitable one. “This one instead?” he offered.

Kiku glanced up at Ludwig for confirmation. Ludwig just shrugged, “It doesn’t really matter to me.”

“That will work.”

Feliciano glanced out the window, they were almost back to Kiku’s apartment. “What about the caption? Is there anything specific you want me to say?”

“Congratulations?” Ludwig offered, “What more needs to be said?”

“A lot actually.” Feliciano scolded, “Okay, try this again: is there anything you definitely don’t want me to say?”

“Honestly, Feli,” Ludwig said as the car pulled up in front of Kiku’s building, “You’re better at this than either of us-”

“Obviously.” Feli scoffed.

“So, you decide. You know what is or isn’t appropriate. You’re the one who’s made most of my social posts for the past however many years. You know us better than anyone else. You decide what pictures to use, you decide what to say, it doesn’t matter to me. For once in our lives, you have my blessing to go wild.”

Feli rolled his eyes as their driver got out to open the doors for them. “That’s right, you have more important things to worry about tonight.” He winked at his friends, making them both blush as Kiku consciously pulled away from Ludwig before the door opened. “You go have your fun now, leave the magic to me.”

“Thank you,” Ludwig said as he followed Kiku out. “Antonio,” he addressed his driver/security man, “Take Feliciano home, and then you’re done for tonight. I’ll let you know when to pick us up tomorrow.” 

“Yes sir.” Antonio nodded.

Feliciano leaned forward to watch Kiku and Ludwig. Kiku had reached back to take Ludwig’s hand as he led him into the building. They were entirely focused on eachother, paying no mind as Feliciano took one last picture of them through the car window. He smiled to himself as he rolled down the window between him and the driver as Antonio got back in the car.

“Straight home?” he offered, “Or is there somewhere else you need to go?”

“No, home is fine.” Feli settled back already focused on his phone again, he had a lot of work yet to do tonight. “And you can come in if you want, Lovi would like that. I’m sure Ludwig won’t need you until later…Well. Late for him at least.”

Antonio chuckled as Feli focused back on the task at hand. He almost didn’t realize Toni had spoken to him again. “Sorry, what?”

“I said I’m a little surprised they went this route. They’re definitely opening themselves up to a lot of gossip this way.”

“Don’t worry about them,” Feli assured him, “I’m already working my magic, they’ll have the best outcome possible. I promise.”

“With a magician like you on their side,” Toni teased, “How could they not?”

—

“Uh, sir?” Yong Soo offered cautiously, “You might want to see this…”

“What now?” Yao took his assistant's phone, “You follow the prince of Hearts?” he asked skeptically.

“Just read it.” Yong Soo sighed. He watched Yao’s face as he read the caption. “You know they’re going to freak.”

“You know you shouldn’t talk about the future king and queen so casually.” Yao reminded him as he handed the device back. He groaned. He was getting too old for all this drama. Maybe he should just retire now and let Yong Soo deal with all the fallout.

“They’re Majesties won’t be happy.” Yong Soo repeated, “We’re going to have to go bigger and better to get the attention back on them now.”

“I know that.” Yao snapped, “But…we can deal with that in the morning. For now, just go home and get some sleep.”

“Yes sir.” Yong Soo hurriedly gathered his things. It wasn’t often that Yao let him go home early, especially now that they were preparing for the biggest wedding of the decade, if not the whole century. It was better that he took the chance before Yao changed his mind.

—

Ludwig woke up slowly. It was later than he usually would have slept, judging by the sunlight in the window. Kiku was still asleep, his head resting on Ludwig’s shoulder. He raised a hand to slowly stroke through Kiku’s dark hair, waiting for him to wake up before he got out of bed.

He didn’t have to wait long before Kiku stirred. “Good morning,” Ludwig whispered.

“Mhm,” Kiku hummed, trying to burrow further under the blankets.

“You can’t sleep all day,” Ludwig reminded him, “We’ll have to go see my father.”

“He can wait.” Kiku mumbled before raising his head to smile at Ludwig, “I have you all to myself right now, and I don’t intend to give you up.”

“You’re going to have to.”

“Not yet.” Kiku argued with a soft kiss. Ludwig kissed him back.

“I’m going to make breakfast,” he announced after a few minutes, getting out of bed as he spoke, “Anything you want?”

“Perhaps for you to come back?” Kiku requested.

Ludwig leaned down to give him another kiss. “No. We have a world to face.” He reminded Kiku.

“But not yet.” Kiku repeated as he followed Ludwig to his kitchen.

“No,” Ludwig smiled, “Not yet.”

Kiku picked up his dog, who was waiting for them outside his bedroom. “I’ll have to see if one of the employees downstairs will walk him today.”

“That’s probably for the best.” Ludwig agreed. He shuffled through Kiku’s fridge, trying to find something acceptable for breakfast. He pulled out a box of take out pizza. “Just like university,” he offered.

“Not quite,” Kiku took a slice, “Feli and Toni would be here too.”

“And aren’t you glad they’re not?” Ludwig teased.

Kiku rolled his eyes as he fed some of the pizza to his dog. He nodded. “They were always in the way.”

Ludwig picked up both of their phones from where they had left them to charge on the counter overnight. “Are you ready for this?” He asked as he held Kiku’s out to him.

Kiku hesitated, “Can we wait a little longer?”

“Yeah, of course we can.”

—

“Al…Al…” Alfred pulled his blanket over his head, trying to muffle the sound of his brother pounding on his door.

“Alfred, Arthur’s on his way over…Alfred, I’m coming in.”

“Noooo…” Alfred groaned as his brother let himself into his room.

“Alfred, you need to get up, Arthur’s on his way over.”

“You said that already.” Alfred grumbled, “And it’s not like he hasn’t seen me like this before.”

“I don’t need to know anything about that part of your relationship,” Matthew gagged, “And this isn’t just a funsies visit. Did you really not see this last night?”

“See what?” Alfred groaned as Matthew pulled his blankets away from him. He picked up Alfred’s phone, unlocking it to pull something up.

“A dozen missed messages from your fiance, for one.” Matthew said. Alfred tried to reach for his phone, suddenly alarmed, but Matthew pulled it away. “And a social post from one Feliciano Vargas for another.”

“Am I supposed to know who that is?” Alfred asked as he sat up, “How long before Artie gets here?”

Matthew rolled his eyes, “Feliciano Vargas is the best friend to Prince Ludwig of Hearts. He’s the source of any and all information about him. And you’re going to want to see this.” Matthew finally handed Alfred the phone. “Arthur will be here in about ten minutes.”

“The fuck…?” Alfred asked as he scrolled through the pictures of the prince, along with a very familiar face, “What the fuck?”

“Yeah,” Matthew sighed, “That’s what I thought.”

—

Ludwig never ceased to be amazed by just how much smaller than him Kiku was. He was currently wearing one of Ludwig’s shirts, which easily fell down to his hips, and the collar had stretched out enough that it was almost falling off Kiku’s shoulder. If they didn’t have other things to do…

Kiku was standing in the bathroom doorway, watching Ludwig as he shaved. “Is there something I can help you with?” he asked, watching Kiku’s reflection, rather than facing him directly.

Kiku shook his head, “I just like watching you. Do you ever think about the order you get ready in, or is it just a routine you go through?”

“It’s just what’s most efficient for me. What are you going to wear today?”

“Is there something specific I should wear?”

Ludwig paused to rinse his face before turning to face Kiku, “Something red, preferably. Or pink. That would also work.”

“What are you going to wear?”

“Something red, probably. What do I have here?”

Kiku shrugged as he turned to go back into his bedroom, “Something red, hopefully. You know Lovino would have a fit if he knew we hadn’t planned out outfits months beforehand.” 

“We weren’t planning on being in this position months beforehand.” Ludwig replied.

“Lovino would still insist that we should have gotten new coordinating outfits made.”

“Made by him.” Ludwig said he joined Kiku in looking through his closet, “So he could charge us some exorbitant amount.”

“He is the most sought after designer in the entire kingdom. We’re probably fortunate we know him personally enough for him to care what we wear.” He pulled out a red shirt of Ludwig’s, “Will that work?”

“I suppose it will have to.You know we should probably go turn our phones on, right?”

Kiku sighed, “Yes, I know.” He shook his head, “Now?”

“I have to call Toni anyway.”

“Alright, now.” Kiku followed Ludwig back to the kitchen, where they both picked up their phones again. “Okay.” Kiku sighed.

“Ready?” Ludwig checked.

“I am as ready as I can be.”

They both turned on their phones at the same time. Both were immediately flooded with notifications. Socials, messaging, mail, everything.

“My father wants to see us.” Ludwig said.

“We already knew that.” Kiku scrolled through his notifications, trying to sort out anything he actually needed to respond to.

“Should I tell Toni twenty minutes?”

“That will work.”

Ludwig opened his socials, “Let’s see what the damage is then.” The top post was Feliciano’s from the previous night. 

A dozen pictures of Ludwig and Kiku, one of them with their dogs; an older one of them laying together in the grass on the university campus; one of them dancing together at the Chairman’s ball the night before they graduated; one from their engagement, just a few weeks ago, underneath the cherry blossoms; one of them walking into Kiku’s apartment building, the red sunset reflected in the glass doors; and half a dozen others from the three years they had been more or less dating. The last one was a picture of the two of them, holding hands as they had exchanged their vows. Even without any of the traditional clothes or decorations for a wedding, it was still obvious what the occasion must have been.

And if the pictures weren’t evidence enough, Feliciano’s caption certainly sealed the deal. Congratulations to my two favorite people! Thank you for letting me tag along on this journey of life and love with you. Wishing you all the health and happiness in the world! <3<3<3 There were thousands of reactions to the post, and the number was climbing as Ludwig watched.

“Well?” Kiku asked. He was looking at it over Ludwig’s shoulder, waiting for his reaction.

Ludwig nodded, “Well.” He repeated, “No going back now.”

—

“And Kiku, of all people!” Arthur paced. Alfred, Matthew, and Yao were all watching him. “I never expected this from him!”

“It’s not like he’s obligated to tell you anything,” Matthew reminded them, earning himself a glare from both his brother, and almost-brother-in-law.

“Yes, but some warning would have been nice!” Arthur snapped.

“So…” Yao cautiously spoke, “What does this have to do with me?”

“They’re clearly trying to upstage us,” Alfred insisted, “So now we have to get the attention back on us and our marriage.”

“I really don’t think that’s what’s happening,” Yao sighed, even though he knew it was useless. He knew the direction this was going as soon as he saw the announcement.

“Of course it is! Why else would they get married during our Season?”

“You also claimed last Season,” Matthew reminded them, “And you can’t exactly claim an entire Season. Somebody else is going to use it. A lot of other people, actually.”

“Yes, but nobody important,” Arthur argued, “And especially not Kiku.”

“Again,” Yao interrupted, “Why am I here?”

“Because, this means we have to completely rethink our wedding plan!” Alfred insisted.

“Now?” Yao objected, “There’s only five weeks left-”

“And you’re going to spend them making sure everything is sufficiently…magical.” Arthur replied, “I don’t want anything in common with…whatever they did. We can’t have anyone thinking we’re copying them.”

“I…don’t think that will be an issue,” Yao sighed again.

“Nevertheless. You will go over every detail. I do not want a single thread out of place, I do not want a single note to remind anyone of Hearts, I do not want anything to go wrong. Do you understand?”

The royal wedding planner sighed in defeat, “Yes. Of course. You just worry about getting married. “I’ll make the magic happen.”

—

Antonio was waiting with the car just outside the building. But so were dozens of reporters, hoping to catch a picture of the Prince of Hearts with his new husband.

“Are you ready for this?” Ludwig asked.

“...No.” Kiku admitted, “What should I do when we go out there?”

“You don’t have to do anything. We’re just going to get in the car, and Toni will drive us to the palace. That’s it. You don’t have to say anything, you don’t even have to look at them if you don’t want to.”

“What do you usually do?”

“Smile and wave. It’s what they want to see. They don’t actually care about anything else.”

Kiku nodded, “Then I guess that’s what we’ll do.”

“Are you sure about this?” Ludwig asked as he led Kiku to the door.

“There’s no way around it.” Kiku caught Ludwig’s hand and gave him a soft smile, “Let’s go face our people.”