Prelude: Fem. Russia's POV-

"Look Ms. Braginskaya, as much as I absolutely abhor saying this: we, no you, are in deep trouble. With heavy economic depression and a lack of proper harvest over the past several years, your people are suffering. I understand that you do not wish to admit that you are in need of help, but now is not the time to be putting your pride first. I am sending you to meet with Mr. Kirkland, or as you know him, Mr. England. With any luck, you will be able to befriend him, and will be able to begin openly trading with his people; Mr. Kirkland himself may not be much, but he can still open several trading routes for us through his former colonies, so do your best."

I glance up from my office chair at my boss, not enjoying the tirade in the least. He knows that I am fully aware of my people's plight; he has seen me working with the local kitchens and orphanages after all. Looking down again at my lap, being slightly intimidated by the darkly handsome face of my boss, as par usual, I am shocked by the feel of his hand softly caressing my cheek. Peering up quickly, I notice that he's leaning over the large mahogany desk; I instantly have my eyes locked on his dark and reflective orbs, not trusting this new softness of touch.

"Oh, and Ms. Anya,' He sneered with a cold smirk, 'please do remember to continue keeping your gender a secret, hmm?" He asks; his tone making it abundantly clear that he would not stand for any sort of disagreement.

It was then that he withdrew from his intimate hold of me. Standing from the high-backed guest chair on the opposite side of my desk, he choose then to bid me ado and wish me well until next we met; just as soon as those threatening words slipped past his lips, he non-verbally excused himself and confidently strides out of my personal office. The thick mahogany door quietly slams closed, and a violent shudder runs through my body.

'I've not once before seen him act in such a rash manner. Note to self: From now on, beware of boss's actions. Also, get Estonia to bug the boss's phone later.' I think to myself, my shivers beginning to subside and my nerves beginning to calm after I down the remains of my glass of vodka.

"Lithuania,' I speak into the house intercom, 'as soon as you get the chance, please bring me another glass of vodka; I'll be waiting in my office. Also, please have Latvia pack a pair of suitcases for me; I will be taking an extended trip to Mr. England's home, and I shall need my clothing, makeup, and wig. Thank you" I finish asking the boy, not bothering to lower my voice. (The Baltics, big sister, Mr. China, and that foolish American are the only people who know of my true gender. I have tried telling little sister before, so I wouldn't be quite as lonely, but Belarus is hopelessly delusional when it comes to me. In order to continue hiding my gender, I am constantly wearing makeup and a short wig to make myself appear less feminine.) Removing my index finger from the red call button on the intercom box, I end the call to Lithuania's room. I really do wish that I didn't have to make this dreadful trip; however, the boss is correct, my people need this. If only I didn't have to hide my gender around Mr. England, perhaps he would be more open to agreeing to my suite.

'Oh Mr. England, if only I could tell you and the others who and what I truly am without appearing as a weak-bodied female, or simply untrustworthy for hiding this from you for so long.' I sigh to myself, now looking forward to that new glass of vodka that Lithuania's bringing me.

~~~ The next morning: at the airport~~~

"Your bags h-have been loaded o-onto the plane, M-Ms. Russia." Latvia informs me. Giving him a small smile in thanks, I gently pat the top of his head before turning to Mr. Estonia.

"Mr. England has been made aware that I am planning on staying in his country to discuss trade with him, yes?" I ask the adorably technology oriented man in front of me.

"Yes ma'am, Ms. Russia. However, being that Mr. England is unsure of the time that you will be holed up in his country, negotiating new trade routes, he was unable to procure a place of lodging for you. In lieu of this, Mr. England has insisted that you take up residence in his home until you return." Mr. Estonia reports to me, knowing that I would want to have information on my lodging.

I immediately thank him and then board the plane, all the while thinking 'Dang it. Now, not only will I have to worry about maintaining my secret at all hours of the day, but I will also be forced to remain under the thumb of my interest until the moment that I return home.'

Walking absentmindedly to my first-class seating, I barely register the white inner walls of the plane on both sides of me and the red carpet beneath my feet. I recline tiredly in my assigned seat, exhausted from worrying all last night about the trip. The flight attendant soon begins to waltz about the cabin, reminding the passengers to turn off their phones. Being reminded to do this myself, I pull my new 'smartphone' from one of the many hidden pockets of my coat and unlock the screen, going to turn the phone on airplane mode. When I do unlock my smartphone though, all I can do is stare at the electronic screen in horror.

"Dear Ms. Braginskaya,

Please note that this trip is exceedingly important to the motherland. Should you fail to come home with at least plans for several new trade businesses and routes, you shall never again be allowed to see either of your sisters, and you will be permanently left by yourself. For so long as I am your boss, if you fail me again, you will only to be allowed to see the other nations at the yearly world summit.

~ Your Boss

P.s. – No letting Mr. Kirkland in on your dirty little secret. There are already too many people that know; you know what the Americans say, "loose lips sink ships." You wouldn't want any more 'ships' to be sunk because of you, would you?"