Chapter 1

The large clock over looking the quaint and colorful village of Kleinstadt strikes eleven. The village residents finish the last of the town's decorations. Banners and streamers of red, white, and gold flutter gently in the late morning breeze and the townspeople are dressed in their very best for the holiday granted to them from the King. In the square children wear garlands and braids with cornflowers and daisies as they hold hands and dance in a ring around the freshly polished statue of King Ferdinand and Queen Maria Sophia*. Musicians tune their instruments and play lightly as the adults partake in gossip and a few refreshments. Not a moment after the clock tower silences does a messenger bearing the King's emblem of a white and red eagle over gold comes galloping through on horseback. "Make way! Make way!" She shouts. People in the streets clear out and people inside rush towards opened doorways and lean out of windows anxious to see the commotion. "The Princess of Canarique comes through! Make way!" And he continues to the castle gates just beyond the village. The villagers turn their attention back to where the messenger first came from to see an entourage of magnificent carriages; the lead one carrying flags of red, white, and blue and its' doors decorated with the image of a rose and an iris entwined. Gleefully the people cheer! They wave scarves and toss flowers while chanting Alfred's name. A hand gloved in white moves the carriage's curtain out of the way and perfectly catches a flower. Everyone cheers louder as the Ambassador from Canarique brings the flower to his nose and lips. The man is quite popular in the town due to his beauty, kindness, and the promise of good fortune his very presence brings. Several men and women flock to grab the now retossed flower.

"Uncle..." Prince Mathieu lightly scolds. He moves the curtain back in place, obscuring the view of the carriage occupants. "Don't forget tradition. No one is able to see Alfred before he is presented to the King."

"Of course, of course..." Francois waves his hand as if to dismiss the issue. "I only wanted a bit of fresh air.." He smoothes down his jacket lapel and tucks an imaginary strand of hair behind his ear. Their trip into Germania so far has been an exhausting one especially while having to deal with a nervous prince and an excited princess. However, he does have to admit, even if only to himself, an ecstatic princess is better than a reluctant one- no tears to watch for, no rebellious attitude to thwart. In fact, the boy spent most of the journey enraptured with one of his presents from his fourteenth birthday party just two months ago; a small velvet box, the ribbon of which has long ago been discarded. Inside is a golden ring covered with diamonds and garnets and at the top of the ring, a bright ruby surrounded with sapphires. Francois clears his throat to draw the young bride's attention. "You know," he fondly breathes. "I'm certain that Prince Ludwig would love to see your engagement ring out of its' box and instead on your adorably delicate little finger."

Alfred looks up at his uncle and then quickly diverts his gaze. His smile widens, embarrassed to be caught daydreaming. "I know..." He clutches the little box closer to his heart. "It's just...I wanted him to place it on me."

"Of course." Francois dreamily sighs. "How romantique."

"Yes it is a nice fantasy, Alfie. But need I remind you that all of Germania believes that this ring hasn't left your hand since the day you got it." Mathieu says through a forced smile. "Don't you think it only fair that you show up as they expect you to." He never waited for a confirmation. Immediately he grabs Alfred's hand and slides the ring onto his brother's finger. While securing this arrangement is more important than his brother's dreams, throughout their journey Mathieu has done his best to keep Alfred as happy as possible. In good faith however, he cannot say political relations did not play a part in his brotherly mission. After all, Germania needs a princess happy and willing to serve its' people and Canarique needs a strong and unwavering alliance.

Sensing the increasingly uncomfortable atmosphere, Francois changes the subject. "We should be out of the village by now." He sweeps the curtains out of the way hoping to clear the tension and welcome some fresh air. Rolling hills carpeted with flowers of all colors and sparkling with crystal clear streams immediately draws the siblings' attention. "We are on castle grounds," he says. "No one should be able to see us here." And so Alfred takes in the sights of his new home, ignoring the quiet protests of his elder brother. Beautiful trees with leaves of every pastel twinkle in the breeze and Alfred imagines them waving and whispering soft hellos. Diamond white butterflies flutter without worry, golden ducklings splash happily under the watchful eye of their mother, and powerful deer gracefully weave through the trees in the distance. It's as if Germania itself is doing all it can to make the princess feel welcome. And up ahead, yet coming closer and closer is Marchenschloss Castle*, the residing place of the royal family and Alfred's new home. Its' opal like walls and towering spires exuberating fiery brilliance as the gold accents inhale sunlight. "Wow..." Alfred breathes. "It's all so real now." For so long, his entire life really, Alfred knew that he and Prince Ludwig would wed and that they would live together in Germania. After all it has been drilled into his head ever since his third birthday, when he received a portrait of a chubby-cheeked little boy happily hugging a book; but never having left his own castle, and their wedding date seeming so far away, his future always seemed more like a distant dream than reality. In fact, while growing up Alfred hardly pondered over what it would be like to be with the mysterious boy whose face he had only ever seen captured on canvas and whose name was always spoken with a knowing smile. With the castle growing larger and becoming clearer, the dream too comes closer into view and Alfred delightfully bounces; his smile grows with excitement. After all, a wedding is supposed to be one of the most important days in a bearer's life! "Uncle," Alfred starts, feeling ridiculous for having ask this for what must have been the thousandth time since their voyage. "You have met Ludwig before, right?" The answer is yes. It is always yes, but Alfred had felt the need to reaffirm what he has been told. "Tell me what he's like."

Francois sighs. Of course Alfred has always been the optimistic dreamer when compared to his older, wiser, realist of a brother. While Francois does wish that he could say the exact words that he knows Alfred wants to hear- that his husband is a smitten man who enjoys fantastic adventures, theatrical stories, and sugary treats as much as he- as a dutiful ambassador, caring uncle, and loving friend his heart only bade him to tell the truth. "Prince Ludwig and I are not very close, I'm afraid. But over the years he has been shaping up to become the gentleman your shrill and stuck-up mother would approve of and with each passing year he grows more handsome much to the delight of your papa." He chuckles lightly, imagining his elder sister, King Marianne* gushing like a school girl at the sight of her son-in-law. "He is diligent, sincere, and above all, commanding. He shall be a fine king someday."

Trumpets flare and the sentinels signal the arrival of the royal siblings. Mathieu pulls Alfred back inside the carriage and worriedly straightens out the imaginary wrinkles of his indigo tailcoat and white sash, Francois adjusts the golden broach on his silk cravat, and Alfred places his heels of leather and silk, decorated with frills and lace and pearls onto his dangling feet.

It is time to meet his husband at last.

Outside the carriage and in the castle yard, visiting nobles, their attendants, and the palace servants of higher position gather in tradition and anticipation to meet their bridal princess. Footmen from the lesser carriages hurry to their waiting masters. One opens the ornate carriage door and another offers his hand as the arrival of His Royal Highness, Mathieu Bonnefoy the Dauphin of Canarique is announced. Though he holds no true power on Germanian lands, all in attendance- aside from King Hanz that is- respectfully bow or curtsey out of recognition of his status. During the arrival announcement of His Royal Highness, Princess Alfred Bonnefoy, many both noble and common lean forward as inconspicuously as possible; eager to be among the first to see the princess in person. He steps out in a wonderfully elegant dress of powder blue silk adorned with silver ribbons, lace, and pearls. Honey-gold hair shamelessly rivals the richest drops of morning sun and stars dance vibrantly in summer sky eyes that soak in every wondrous sight. Again bows and curtsies are made. Mathieu takes Alfred by the hand and escorts him to King Hanz for a small and pleasant hand over. "Your Majesty," Mathieu bows politely and Alfred curtsies lowly; a sign of respect and subservience.

"Willkommen friends and guests of Germania," King Hanz nods politely but otherwise remains dignified and impassive.

Alfred steps forward and curtsies again as he is presented to the King. "My Father King," he smiles innocently. "I shall be very grateful to you and all of Germania. Thank you for providing my happiness."

King Hanz takes Alfred's hand as he is officially handed over. "I am pleased to see you become a member of my family. Now Your Highness," King Hanz gently thunders. "I present to you my son, the Kronprinz Ludwig Weilschmidt." From behind, Prince Ludwig approaches. Not even an entire year older than Alfred and already he looks to be molding finely into manhood. He looks so very much like his father with his red and brilliant military coat decorated with gold and shining epaulettes, his jaw squaring under the very last remains of childhood chub, and his eyes a wonderful, glacial crystal- beautiful and strong. He bows low and respectfully. Alfred curtsies with the same grace and discipline. Upon returning to position however, the two meet gazes for the first time and to them the universe stops for a brief eternity.

Alfred's breath hitches...

Ludwig's eyes widen...

And both hearts stop and are reborn in sync as their souls tell them that here, standing before their very eyes is the one predestined to be their dearest, their beloved, their one and only until the end of light, life, and time. As instantaneous as it begins, it ends and the world returns into focus. The young princess surprises his husband and the Germanic court by smiling widely and launching himself into a hug far too intimate and informal for a ceremony entirely dependent of making well of first impressions. Both of the princes jump and stiffen in shock and embarrassment. In the crowd a few muffled chuckles and a choked down snort adds to the relaxing air. King Hanz, having witnessed the flicker of wonder and panic in his son's eyes, feels his lips twitch into a tiny smile; one that he is not afraid to share with the public. Yes the princess shall be a nice addition to his family, and hopefully through him, many more would come.

"Did you see that?"

"Look at how happy they are!"

"Seven carriages!"

"They brought so many attendants!"

"I just love the Duke's hair!"

"Prince Mathieu is very handsome, isn't he?"

"Sir Erzsebet nearly swooned!"

"Ooooh! I wish I could attend the royal wedding..."

"I want to go to the ball!"

"If we work really hard, the chef might let us eat some of the leftovers!"

"Alright! Fine! You can come with me to watch them dance! But you had better stay quiet and stay hidden!"

"ENOUGH CHATTER YOU LOT! BACK TO WORK!"*

"Your chambers, Your Highness."

Two grand doors open to reveal a splendid salon; beautiful periwinkle silk wallcoverings with pictures of peaceful birds and flowering trees that alternate between silver and gold within the light of candles and the sun; lavish chairs and a parlor sofa seamlessly stitched with royal blue crushed velvet; plush pillows of bright pink and orange make the seating even more welcoming and soft; elegant tables and furnishings evenly painted with the softest of morning mist and shimmering with finely ground gold dust; luxurious floor and crown moldings, detailed with eagles and knights, bordering the sparkling floor and vaulted ceiling of polished sunshine and champagne; beautiful portraits and large mirrors hanging in exquisitely ornate gold frames; and two fireplaces placed on opposite sides of the room to keep the room toasty in the colder months to come. A golden chandelier draped with countless crystals and dripping with pearls brings the room to life with radiance.

"I hope everything will be to your liking."

Alfred hesitantly steps into the room- forgetting for a moment that it's his. This room will be a wonderful place for entertaining close friends. After a thought, he hopes to make some very quickly. Alfred slowly walks through, admiring it all. His former room wasn't this big! But then again, he wasn't expected to share it either. He stops to smell the jasmines, lavenders, bright blue hydrangeas, and crimson spray roses in one of several vases placed throughout and then goes towards another set of grand double doors- these ones peeking from behind cornflower blue curtains. Another set of servants open these doors leading to the magnificent bedroom. The first thing Alfred notices is the grand and splendid fireplace over which are the most recent portraits of both Prince Ludwig and Princess Alfred. Ludwig is standing proud and tall in his military suit with sword at his hip. His eyes seem to be looking through the canvas and into the room; ready to strike down any threat. Alfred on the other hand, is sitting in his parent's rose garden- Papa's red roses on one side and Mama's blue roses on the other. Surrounded by bunnies, Alfred beams as he gently cuddles a tiny spotted one.

"That portrait," says the chamberlain. "Is the prince's favorite thus far."

"I am glad it pleases him."

"The bath is warm and ready your highness."

Alfred smiles a silent thank you and looks around while the servants disrobe him. A pristine and freshly polished marble floor almost perfectly mirror the world above. To the back a set of bright pink curtains close off the toilet closet. A cabinet with glass panels stocked with all kinds of perfumes and oils stands adjacent to the mirrors and sinks- yes, sinks! Two of them! Seeing them side by side made his wedding so much closer...so much realer...

Naked, Alfred is guided to the tub- that is oddly square shaped. The chamberlain proudly admits that the outside is made of gold-garnet granite and the inside is sparkling crushed marble. Not that Alfred could see it through the bright yellow bath water swirling with golden cream. "Enriched rose clay to nourish the body, honey and oils of the sweet orange to tickle the spirit, and flowers to please the eye...truly a bath fit for the wife of our Kronprinz." Alfred slowly lowers into the tub; careful not to disturb the pastel pink chrysanthemums, scattered lavenders, white lilies, and gardenias. The curtains close and Alfred takes a moment to relax in the creamy, silky, and sweet-scented water. There must have been an enchantment on the mosaic walls surrounding three sides of the cube tub for only a few seconds into his bath, the walls change to blue skies, rolling clouds, and Alfred can swear he feels the noon sunlight dancing on his exposed skin. "Illusion tiles," the chamberlain says. "A gift from your parents." Trying to literally touch the sky, Alfred is almost saddened when his fingers are met with cool stone, but is happy for the gift nonetheless. This just might be his favorite part of his new home.

Of course the bath does not last for long. Cleaned and relaxed, Alfred stands after being reminded, "You can't be late to your own wedding." The servants dry him off, wrap him in an orange satin and lace dressing robe and lead him to his private boudoir- hidden behind a door that perfectly blends into the bedroom wall. The boudoir is styled in a manner similar to the sitting room, just on a smaller, simpler scale. Inside and awaiting him are his clothes lain across the chairs and window seat. Disrobing him again, the servants place Alfred on a foot stool and organize to dress him. The dressing process is a rather long one, but Alfred is quite used to it. First on goes the undergarments, soft both in feel and color and then white stockings with cream satin ribbons. Then an off-shoulder chemise so light and airy, he could barely feel it. His corset is laced up and tied just before the crinoline is slipped over his head to hug his waist and rest on his hips. The first set of petticoats set out is a thin white and gold chiffon with flounced frills along the hem. The second set is three-layers of organza with colors alternating between white, silver, and gold and again with flounced frills. Several skirts of sheer and light chiffon come next; most of them white but a few silver and gold skirts slip in too. The top most layer is a cascade of white silk pouring over to the floor. The hem is decorated with whimsical line work depicting little silver butterflies with golden wings and little golden flowers dancing across a silver wind. There is a section along the front- directly in front of his feet- that is sheer silk and the same length of his underskirts and with the same flowers, butterflies, and wisps of winds going up towards his waist. Because of the sheer quality, that section shimmers between white, light silver, and light gold within the light.

"Tea, Your Highness?"

"Yes. Thank you." Dressing a royal family member while an honor can also be a tiring procedure- especially for the princess. Fortunately measures have already been taken for such a precaution. Alfred sips his wild flower blooming tea, "A gift from of the Emperor of Taihon" and tries to smile through his wince. "I actually prefer sweeter tea."

"Of course, Your Highness. We shall inform the cooks and scullions." A few grapes and one small pea prosciutto tea sandwich later, the dressing continues. "You cannot be full before your wedding feast!"

Resuming the dressing, Alfred slips into the white, off shoulder bodice and stands as still as possible while the servants stitch it to the skirt. More chiffon and organza is draped and ruched and stitched along the top of the bodice and sleeves and a single golden butterfly is pinned in the center. "Beautiful..." comes a whisper from aside.

"Mattie!" Alfred lightly scolds as the servants decorate him with diamonds earrings, a tiara, and veil. "You shouldn't be here. You're not supposed to see me yet." Alfred says. His smile however, reveals his true feelings.

"I know. I only came to give one more gift from our parents and the people of Canarique." Mathieu motions for one of his servants to bring forth a pair of shoes covered with a silk cloth and standing on a red, velvet pillow. "You do remember our traditions, n'est pas?"

"Of course, Mattie..." Alfred scoffs with a roll of his eyes. "Just because I am becoming a member of the Germanian court, it doesn't make me any less Canaricain."

"Good. Remember, you are of two courts- two countries- now. You must stay in the favor of both your husband and the king in order to have the power to do what is best for both lands." Mathieu grazes his fingers in his brother's hair and gazes into his eyes with a sparkling sadness; unsure if this would be their last meeting. "If only Father and Mother could see you now."

"I miss them." Alfred says wistfully. "I wish they could have come with us. Papa would have loved this castle."

"Yes, she also would have loved to flirt with the castle guards too." Mathieu pauses as the boudoir fills with Alfred's boisterous laughter. "As for our mother, she would have whisked you away!" Mathieu hoists Alfred into the air and twirls them round and round. "As soon as she saw you in your wedding dress, she would steal you away, take you back home, and lock you in a tower so you would never be able to leave her!" The siblings laugh and silently agree that it was for the best that their parents stayed behind. Mathieu places Alfred back onto the foot stool and retrieves the pillow carrying the shoes. "The royal Canaricain family has a tradition dating back to the reign of Queen Ellouise*." He starts, "To prove our legitimacy, whether during our wedding or coronation ceremony, we must wear-"

"Glass shoes..." Alfred breathes. Mathieu reveals the shoes; glass heels that as soon as they catch the light, sparkle and shine- bending the light to cast rainbows on the walls.

"Made of glass and magic, only your feet will be truly accepted by these shoes as they are marked with the symbol of your destiny."

"A butterfly?" Alfred points to the two golden butterflies resting on the shoes. Magic still radiating from them makes their wings slowly flutter.

"Yes, a butterfly." Mathieu places the magical heels onto Alfred's feet. "Gentle and free; small and yet capable of great change. This is your destiny, Alfred."

Alfred steps down to the floor with puffed cheeks and a pout. "I wanted to be an eagle..." He murmurs.

Mathieu smiles. "Maybe in another life." Mathieu kisses Alfred's forehead before taking him by the hand and leading him away. "Now come, you have a prince to marry and a friendship to forever establish between our kingdoms."

A/N: So I got the idea for this fic from a tumblr post about a Royal/Arranged Marriage!AU. At first I was going to have Alfred completely against the marriage but that's such an over used trope and pretty weird in a universe where arranged marriages are a large part of the culture/society so I decided not to do that. Idk if it's clear or if Alfred seems too ooc, but both Alfred and Ludwig are 14 years old. So they're both young and pretty naïve.

So this is what has been keeping me from working on The Monster of Notre Dame. Don't get me wrong! I'm still writing it! But because this story takes place in a universe that I create and I don't have as many restrictions and a lot more freedom, writing for this fic wont be as difficult and updates will probably be easier.

*King Ferdinand & Queen Maria Sophia: They aren't really important. They won't make an appearance but this is supposed to be a statue of Snow White and her Prince.

*Marchenschloss Castle: I kinda want the design of the castle to be like the concept art of the Enchanted Storybook Castle at Shanghai Disneyland. Kleinstadt by the way, I imagine to look more like Epcot Germany (Disney World) and the Fantasy Faire in Disneyland (California).

*King Marianne: Nyo!France is Alfred's father. Nyo!England is Alfred's mother.

*[senseless chatter]: Awkward transition is awkward. This is just tidbits of unimportant conversations from faceless/nameless characters. It's not supposed to flow coherently as one conversation but is instead the random sentences one might pick up when hearing multiple conversations happening at once.

*Queen Ellouise: "Cinderella" I should let you know, I'm taking inspiration from many fairytales and not just the Disney ones.

Thank you for reading! Reviews are much appreciated!