King of Spades:

A relieved sigh escaped his lips. To Arthur the discussion, while it was unprofessional, didn’t sound as severe as his mind lead him to think.  “Our greatest challenge is walking away from a fight–I still have problems with that myself–but the best response is not following their example.” An amused smile twitched his lips upward. “I bragged about you. I said that you were a man that wouldn’t let any insult get to you, and I hope that will be proven from now on.” He leaned slightly forward and whispered ( though there was no real need for it, but one did not know when someone was eavesdropping), “For the record, I could kick his ass.”

      The expression on Arthur’s face allowed him to relax a little, but at the same time it made him wonder exactly what Arthur was thinking. For a moment Alfred seriously considered reading his thoughts, but the sharp pain that shot through his head moments later reminded him that he probably shouldn’t. He reached up and rubbed his temple and answered, “Sometimes I think you’re not actually as young as you are; you have way too much wisdom for someone your age.” The Ace took a big breath and then looked at his King with a smile. “No pressure right?” Though knowing politics there was always pressure. “I know,” he whispered back, grin spreading. “There wouldn’t be any competition.”