“I-I’m all right with it..” Arthur mumbled. He didn’t want to assume that Alfred still wanted to do this with him now that his time to back away from it all has been cut shorter. Though, with Alfred’s silence, Arthur thinks that he already knows what Alfred was thinking. Arthur looked up at Alfred with sad emerald eyes and a sad smile, saying “It’s all right, I understand.”

~~~

Alfred had listened to Yao’s words with a smile. He thought of all the things that would be happening that night. There would be food, music, and his Arthur would finally become his queen. Yao had told him about the ceremony a few days ago, so he knew what would happen.

Alfred looked down at Arthur with a smile, but it turned into a frown when he saw the other’s face. It was a smile, but a sad smile. Why? Did Arthur not want to be his queen? Did he not want to go through with it anymore?

“Arthur…?” Alfred’s voice held worry, sadness, and fear. “What’s wrong?” He then bit his lip and looked away, his grip on Arthur slipping a little. “Do you not want to be my queen?”

Yao shifted uncomfortably as he was still there and listening to the other’s conversation. “You’re highness-” He started but was interrupted when the king spoke up again.

“Yao told me about the ceremony… I-I found out it hurts. And I don’t want you to get hurt Arthur. So it’s okay if you don’t want to do it…” He finally looked away from the far wall and looked down at Arthur, though he was wearing his fake smile.

“It’s fine… I understand. We’ll still be really close… and I don’t need a queen anyway…” He gave a bit of a laugh, though it sounded forced and hollow.