hearts are burning, heads are rolling

chapter 1

Yashiro Nene had always been a dreamer. Most Soon-to be-Queens tended to be she'd contest, except that she hadn't really interacted with any.

Growing up as Royalty in the Vermillion Empire-the Kingdom of Hearts, Nene had never once in seventeen years left her kingdom. She'd never gotten lost in a foreign crowd, never once had a star-crossed romance with some commoner from another land, and she'd never once crossed paths with some any sort of apparition dwelling between claimed lands.

When she was younger Nene would often hear stories that took place in lawless lands untouched by the four large kingdoms, known as the boundaries. These boundaries in far shores did not abide by the rules of marked territory, they were not mandated by the confines of reality Nene had known all her life.

They were instead riddled with bewitched forests, and dangerous magic. She'd heard mystical tales of how the colours of the skies were never constant, they changed all the time reflecting the restless energies of the spirits and apparitions which roamed freely there.

She'd heard that apples that grew on the trees in the boundaries never rotted, and their stems were always arched with a delicious curve that seemed inviting, but also like a warning. And that the grass there giggled and preened, but turned to needles when the bitter wind blew.

Tales of people getting spirited away to the boundaries when they strayed from the narrow paths connecting the kingdoms were few and far between, but definitely not uncommon. Her own handmaiden Aoi had reminisced fondly one night while brushing her hair, of a time she found herself trapped in the boundary.

A kind apparition, one who looked almost human-minus the greyish hues of his skin, and horns top his head-ferried her back over to the near shore. She said the waters were a murky twilight color, and her saviour gravely warned her to not look back until she was safely over on the other side, lest she would be trapped in the boundary forever.

There was nothing cautionary about the way Aoi told her the story. In fact, she made the boundaries seem dreamlike and mystical, with cheeky canaries, willow trees that wept actual tears, and kind supernaturals lurking underneath deceptive exteriors. She described it like a wistful dream she'd been roused awake too early from.

Once upon a time Nene might've dreamt of having such an encounter herself. But these days, her ask is much smaller, much more reasonable, and much more contained.

Stepping out onto a beaten path, Nene pulled the hood of her cloak further down over her head and continued her arduous journey forward. Her boots were muddied already, but her gown was still relatively intact-save for the Heart insignia she had ripped off earlier at a feeble attempt at anonymity.

The news of her engagement hadn't come to her as a surprise per say. Politically arranged marriages were common for royalty after all, but the idea of marrying someone she didn't know, someone she had never even met-it definitely roused something deep within her. It woke a rebelliousness aching, screaming to be let out.

When she had heard the Obsidian Empire-the Kingdom of Spades, was throwing a huge festival-a three night extravaganza of balls, and handsome diplomats, and dancing-she knew immediately she had to attend.

The Kingdom of Spades was definitely the most mysterious of the four big kingdoms. The Obsidian Prince very rarely made an appearance, and there had even been rumors a few years ago of the possible demise of the young heir. Gossip spread about how he'd gotten himself tangled up with dangerous supernaturals from the boundary. How he had possibly sold his soul to attain dark magic.

But recently, the Prince seems to have reemerged, pale and unearthly, but alive-at least, it would seem.

Prince Hanako was perhaps ceremoniously announcing his own presence, reasserting his reign over his land by throwing this massive gathering.

However, despite the Prince's return-a handful of people close to the palace swore he was once known under a different name. A name that some still dared to whisper in the dark of night, when the stillness of the kingdom offered a kind of perceived protection.

Still, against their own better judgement most people wouldn't dream of turning down the opportunity to peer inside the secretive palace. Nene included.

But in her case, she had no interest in baseless rumors, rather, she just knew she had to get out. She had to go see another kingdom for herself before settling into an orchestrated routine for the rest of her life. Absolutely she would.

But it still felt surreal. Every step away from home she took on the dirt path evoked visceral reactions of fear and excitement. What if she were to get caught? Aoi had promised to cover for her by pretending she was extremely ill, but what if the ruse fell through? Could they be on their way to retrieve her right now? Who would she dance with at the ball first?

It was a seesaw of emotions racing through her mind, until finally her thoughts were interrupted when she spotted a stationary carriage with a Spade on it. Excellent, this meant it was going to the Obsidian kingdom. It was probably picking up guests for the festival.

Hauling herself up in her gown to the side of the carriage, she opened the door to find it surprisingly empty. That is, except for a young man sitting stoically inside.

Awkwardly shuffling inside the carriage, the dark haired young man, who looked as if he spent the last few decades in a state of total apathy-didn't even spare a glance up at her. He wore a fine set of black robes, accented with pieces of gold and turquoise.

His hair was slightly tousled, his stature appeared to be on the shorter side, and his face-

With a jerk, the carriage suddenly started without warning. Nene fumbled to take a seat, planting herself down in red cushiony velvet, but she continued to gaze apprehensively at the foreigner.

Upon her shameless staring, his eyes, viscous as a pool of amber finally glided over to her, but his expression didn't shift beyond disinterest.

"This is a private carriage."

Her voice gets caught in her throat. She didn't expect someone dressed in clothes so regal to be so uncouth. Still, in an effort to maintain a dignified front, Nene held her ground, smiling as sweetly as she could.

"We're going to the same place, aren't we?"

He stared back indignantly, a coldness present behind his eyes. A part of Nene wanted to attribute his poor manners simply to him being a spoiled aristocrat… but an uneasiness permeated, as if there was something off about this particular young man, like something rotten-and maybe downright sinister radiated underneath his collected exterior.

She swallows hard.

"You're… not gonna suggest I get out of a moving carriage?"

He flashes her a smile then, one more feral than good-humored. It was the kind of smile that read like a bad omen. A smile that reminded her of starless nights, and wilted flowers.

Trying to collect her frenzied thoughts, Nene wondered if it would do her good to come up with a rebuttal. Somehow he didn't seem like the type to appreciate having his patience tested.

Maybe she really should just get out of the carriage. No, that would be crazy! If he didn't want to share a carriage with her, he should be the one to leave.

Unless… he was the type to push a young maiden out a carriage.

A shiver ran up her spine.

She sneaked a peak back at him, but his gaze was back out the window again, as if he had lost interest in her already.

In an attempt to calm her already frantic nerves, Nene also turned her attention out to the sights outside the window. She'd hoped the rolling hills, feathered trees, and unfamiliar skies would reignite her previous excitement having finally left home, instead dread now sat immobile in her stomach like a tethered rock.

When they arrived at the palace, Nene disembarked quickly from the carriage, not wanting to spend another tense second with the unfriendly stranger.

She didn't even dare risk a look behind her, instead she took in the straight, regal architecture of the palace. Unlike the one she grew up in-which was accented with curves, coppertone colours, and rounded edges, this one was sharp, angular and grey.

Her hurried steps up the marbled stairs led her to a beautiful stone hall. Despite the somewhat foreboding, standoffish exterior, the interior of the palace was absolutely bedazzling. The walls were bejewelled, the floors made of fine lapis, even the columns made of what appeared to be polished travertine.

The boots on her feet clicked with every step as she walked down the entry hall. At the end of the hall was a granite counter.

A green haired matron, with long eyelashes and asymmetrically braided hair-practically exuding class and beauty seemed to be in charge of admission.

"Invitation?" she asked, extending an expectant hand.

"Invitation?" Nene parroted, sweatdropping.

Invitations! What a fool she had been! Nene had figured she was safe because peasants were being allowed into this party too, but even peasants in this kingdom received royal invitations didn't they?

She opened up her mouth to form an excuse, but instead a whimper escaped past her lips.

The matron withdraws her hand in understanding. "I'm sorry, I can't let you in without an invitation." The tone of her voice was bored, but not unkind-sounding like a mere cog in a complex machine.

Desperate to earn her keep, Nene shook off the initial shock, and thinking quickly on her feet, she leaned forward, dropping her voice to a hushed whisper.

"Actually, I don't have an invitation because... I'm a special guest and my presence is not to be made public yet."

The green-haired matron quirked an eyebrow at this. Though she might be skeptical, Nene knew how these kinds of things worked. In any kingdom royal affairs were matters often shrouded in mystery, and scandalous secrets were well guarded. Even the occasional leaks had to be traded in darkness like a kind of forbidden currency.

There'd be no way to immediately disprove her false identity.

"Oh, a special guest who cannot be revealed?"

"Yes, exactly, I'm um-" and then an outlandish idea struck her, and by this point she didn't have the option to be picky. So conjuring up her best haughty, cavalier expression, with raised eyebrows and head tilted at what she hoped was an appealing angle, Nene leaned even closer-so close she could feel the cold from the granite counter even over her dress as it pressed into her stomach. "I'm Prince Hanako's new fiance."

A beat passes, then two. The adrenaline rush from just name dropping the most powerful person in the Obsidian Empire was alarming, yet strangely addicting. Nene leaned back to cross her arms against her chest in feigned impatience, staring down the matron.

"His majesty is engaged?"

Nene gave an imperious sigh, as if having to talk about the matter was nothing more than an inconvenience to her. "Yes, but you see it all happened very recently and we don't want anyone to speculate."

Then-right when Nene thought she might have had this woman in the palm of her hand-manifesting suddenly beside the matron from a slightly parted curtain, a handsome gentleman with auburn hair styled with an undercut, and grayish almond eyes appeared.

The corners of his lips were curved upward in a catlike grin. If Nene hadn't been so nervous, she might have taken the time to fawn over this good looking patron.

Instead in that moment Nene faltered, anxious her lie had spread to another staff member unintentionally. But then he nudged the green-eyed beauty in her in the side, in a manner suggesting it was good-natured.

"I'd give her a room too, M'lady. We don't want to leave a cute girl like this out by herself after the party." He gave her a coy wink.

Backed by this mysterious gentleman, Nene straightened her posture out even more, hoping to channel a monarchial air-which shouldn't be that difficult considering she was a royal herself.

"Besides," the patron continued, voice lowering to an ominous whisper, purposely said just loudly enough so Nene could still hear, "you know how terrible the Prince's temper is. If she's telling the truth, the runt will make sure there's hell to pay if his affairs are not properly taken care of."

A chill ran through her at these words. What were the chances an ill tempered Prince would find her little escapade funny?

But it was too late to take back her little shenanigan, with only a ghost of a glance at her partner, the matron only paused for another moment before nodding. "Very well," she said, turning her attention back to Nene. "I will grant you entry to the ballroom, and a key to one of this castle's finest suites for the night."

She held the key out with a slight bow of her head. Nene tried to keep the dignified expression taut on her face as she accepted, despite her insides feeling like jelly.

With the key safe in her hand, and full access to the party she's been dreaming about for half of her life, she muttered a quick 'thanks', before strutting past the strange duo and into the lit corridor leading to the ballroom.

Taking one last glance behind her, she accidentally catches the peculiar way the patron looked at her.

With his smile flattening, and brows dropping, it sure looked like something akin to pity. Like the way someone might look at garden worms before they are inevitably devoured by a sparrow.

No, she couldn't start spiralling now. She couldn't. Not when she was so close. The Prince would never have to find out. She'd make extra sure of it.

She would keep a low profile, staying far away from the thrones. She would dance a little dance, flirt with some handsome diplomats, enjoy a nice room overlooking the kingdom, and in the morning, she would sneak away before the Prince even realized he was ever fake engaged.

And that was exactly what she set out to do.

Nene danced the night away, trading in partner after partner-not daring to turn anyone down, for it could be the last time she'd ever spread her wings. She laughed loudly and shamelessly at overtold jokes, she drank rose tinted champagne, she traded dry anecdotes and toasted elegantly dressed strangers.

She had an evening to die for. One she could take with her and cherish well after the celebration had ended. She was sure of it.

This would be enough, she told herself firmly.

Making her way over the catered tables for another refreshment, two voices perked up from behind an h'ordeuvres spread. Two young ladies who looked to be nobles seemed to be caught up in an animated discussion.

Letting her curiosity get the better of her, Nene strained her ears to catch some of it.

"I really thought the Prince was gonna make an appearance this time around. I was gonna ask him to dance with me."

"You want to dance with the Prince?"

"Of course I do, he's a Prince!"

"You don't care that he's a murderer?"

Their voices muted to a hush before one spoke up again.

"I mean, we don't really know that."

"Right, the younger Prince just up and vanished by himself, did he?"

"I heard he ran away…"

"No, that's just what the kingdom wants you to think. Everyone knows Prince Hanako had him killed to avoid a potential coup for the crown."

"Ah, stop. That's too scary."

Suddenly assaulted by a punch of nausea, Nene turned away. She'd heard too much. The unease travelled through her steadily, the way rust travelled through sunken ships.

So not only had she engaged herself to a bad tempered prince, but also a murderer. Good thing her own engagement suitor was chosen for her, because clearly she did not know how to pick decent candidates.

She was already feeling dizzy when audible gasps and murmurs started to arise from party guests everywhere. A commotion, perhaps?

"The Prince!" She heard someone exclaim.

Snapping her head up, Nene could only describe what she saw as her worst nightmare. To say the wind got knocked out of her was an understatement. It was as if all the air escaped her lungs at once.

Standing from across the room-with a gold and spaded crown perched right on the top of his perfect head-was the very stranger she shared a carriage with. The very stranger who lit up almost gleefully at the notion of her taking a tumble out of a moving carriage.

The stranger was the Prince. The Prince was a murderer.

Gods, help her.

Those amber eyes of his scanned across the room, slow and steady as if he already knew where she was, and rather was putting on a show to make her skin crawl.

When his gaze finally landed on her, his pupils dilated with a glint oddly reminiscent of the way a sharp knife catches the light while being twisted.

Sauntering towards her in broad strides, he appeared completely oblivious to the curious onlookers hanging onto every breath and movement of his. And with every step closer, Nene could feel the sinking, awful notion that he wasn't looking at her, but through her. And despite being under layers and layers of her ridiculous frilly ball gown, she had never felt more exposed.

Prince Hanako stopped before her, right in full view of speculative party guests-some were craning their necks to get a better look at the elusive prince now on full display. The whispers were anything but subtle.

If he could hear these whispers, he didn't show it. Rather, a trigger happy gin etched itself across his pale face, showing off deep-set dimples. Though instead of misconstruing this display as charm, Nene registered it for what it truly was, unbridled satisfaction as if he had won an invisible game. A game that he had not yet proposed the rules for. It was a look of simultaneous amusement and warning.

"Ah, my lovely fiance. Sorry for keeping you waiting."

The cruel Prince delivers this blow so devastatingly stoic and so self-assured, she really should've been more afraid, yet all Nene could think about in that moment, was how he looked nothing short of a freshly brewed storm.

A/N: Thanks for reading! I'm not quite sure what this is, but I really loved the card game interpretations of the JSHK characters, and I wanted to write about it so this might just be a self-indulgent piece of work.

Some elements are also borrowed from the Caraval trilogy, just because I think that whole fantasy universe of dark magic blends really well into the card game idea.