A white veil hung over my eyes, and power adorned my cheeks. I no longer resembled myself. It was as if I was wearing a gorgeous mask, and as soon as I removed it, I would again become plain.

I was standing inside a room amongst a few other girls, who were chatting frivolously with one another. They were all incredible beauties, and next to them I felt as a dandelion in a garden of roses. I wondered if my husband would find me lovely…

As we prepared to walk out, a man entered, carrying with him a camera. We all looked to his direction, but he waved us away as though we were pests. A few words were mumbled and our bodies followed orders.

My heart was beginning to beat as if it would burst. My poor hands were shaking, causing the bouquet to quiver. The thoughts rushing into my mind were incoherent and saturated with worry.

And I was frozen to the spot. It felt as if time itself has stopped moving and we would all stand as statues until our hearts ceased to work.

Finally, the music began, and I forced my legs to move forward. As soon as the doors parted, my back became straight, reminded of my duty to represent my country. Yes…they would admire me…I would be a dutiful wife and always behave as a lady. I was beginning a new life today, and I refused to mar it with mistakes.

It was by far the longest walk I had ever experienced. Everyone's eyes were focused on me, as if I was a bright star in a world full of darkness. They were whispering, and I truly hoped for their words to be kind.

I stopped walking when I was parallel to the man at the alter, and there was a brief silence before the priest began his dialogue. I didn't think anyone was actually listening. I certainly couldn't. My heart was far more audible, and my attention was stolen by the attractive man before me.

Two soul stealing sapphires were giving me their glance, and I was falling victim to their tricks. What gorgeous eyes! The question of their authenticity came to mind, and I wouldn't help but let my lip drop. My gaze rolled over his other features…Pale skin…a well formed nose and pretty pink lips…and under those lips was a perfect little mark…My husband's face was framed with dark luscious hair, which was finished with a pair of glasses comfortably sitting upon his nose.

But despite his allure, my thoughts were given to a certain Prussian man, and sadness took possession of me.

"Roderich." The priest spoke, catching our attention. He was given vows and he recited them back with a velvet voice while my hand was taken into gentle captivity. His eyes gave equal attention to the holy man and me.

"Elizaveta…"

I was given the same vows and went through the same ritual, my shaking a bit within his. Amazingly, my voice was steady. The pressure must have been securing it. As I spoke, gloved fingers brushed past my bare skin, and more crimson was thrown upon my face.

The final words left the safety of my lips, and a ring was slipped gently upon my finger. The veil before my eyes was lifted, and before a coherent thought could enter my mind, our lips were pressing together. Warmth filled my body and turned my face rosy.

We were leaving with connected fingers, all of Austria and Hungary cheering around us. I couldn't even begin to fathom what had just occurred.

Our feet had finally stopped, and we were in a secluded space, eyes absorbing each other.

This was my husband. This was the man who was going to deflower me. This was the man who would give me children…It was as if my heart was surrounded in petals, and each one of them would be plucked by white gloved fingers.

"…Hello…" My voice was timid.

"Hello."

"…I'm Elizaveta."

"And I'm Roderich."

We shook hands, ridiculous grins lining our lips.

"You're quite lovely, Elizaveta."

"Thank you…You're very handsome yourself, Roderich…"

Awkward moments fleeted as we progressed down the hall, arms locked together. We had a bit of time to become familiar with one another before our reception, and I was uncertain as to what we were supposed to do.

"You have a very lovely home."

"Thank you. I'm glad you think so."

As we passed through the halls, I let my eyes take in everything. There were complex drawings of family members past and expensive looking vases with fresh flowers inside of them. I had yet to see such a gorgeous place…I was told Roderich was a frugal man, but it was impossible to even consider while walking through these halls.

It was difficult to imagine myself here. I had never lived in a house so spectacular, if it could even be called a house…

"…May I ask you something?"

"I think you already have."

I couldn't keep the smile from my mouth. "…I'm sorry…But where are we going?"

"To sign a piece of paper…" The same grin affected him. "We still have to sign the registration form, but then we can do whatever we like."

"…Can we sit down…? This dress is quite heavy…"

"Certainly. We're almost there."

We arrived inside another lovely room, with sunlight bathing the walls through a soft pearl curtain. There was a man who looked as if he was anticipating our presence. There was a golden key secured tightly in his gloved hand, and a sort of bureau before him.

"Hello, Master Edelstein."

"Hello."

The key was utilized to open one of the drawers, and a single sheet of parchment was removed, along with a feather and a well of ink.

The servant moved to the door, as we progressed towards the waiting form. My husband was first to sign his name, and I observed how very precise his writing was. The quill was careful as it wrote the last few letters, and was surrendered to my fingers with the open well of black water. Just as carefully, I wrote my name, the text somewhat bigger and without grace. My cheeks filled with red. It was as if I simply couldn't function, being in this mansion and put in the presence of this aristocrat.

As soon as the pen was set upon the polished wood, I felt his lips at my cheek.

Were husbands and wives supposed to kiss each other so shamelessly? He would know better than I…

When his lips left my enflamed skin, I turned to him with a smile painted upon my mouth. Perhaps he wasn't the man I wanted to marry, but it was clear that he was kind. At least my life would be pleasant, and it was very possible to learn to love.

And for a moment, we simply stared at one another, guilt coming over me like a violent wave. I shouldn't have thought him to be so attractive…

"We can sit down now if you'd like…"

"Oh, thank you…"

Again, my fingers were stolen from me while we stepped towards the door and went. I was being led down the same hall the opposite way, and without nearly as many steps required. We stopped outside a door, and the man by my side pulled a silver key from his pocket and put it easily into the lock. This chamber was especially wondrous, with a luxurious red couch in the center and gorgeous flowers painted upon the walls. There were a number of decorations around the room, one being a large mirror hanging from the western wall. What this room was possibly used for, I wasn't certain, but that didn't stop its beauty from stealing my breath.

"Welcome to my secret room…"

"…A secret room?"

"It's very useful when I don't want to be bothered…You can use it as well, if you like."

"Thank you…"

"Please sit down."

Roderich left me to stand while paced across the room to a wine rack. Disregarding his behavior, I gave my back to a crimson cushion and made certain to preserve my complex curls. My posture was nearly perfect.

I was joined by a man carrying two wine glasses and an expensive looking bottle. The thought of loosing my virginity now came to mind. Was that what he was trying to accomplish? We had a very expansive amount of time, and with nothing immediate presenting itself, it seemed to be an option to consider. Why else would a man be so romantic with a woman, and no less behind a locked door?

"…Would you like me to get undressed?"

"What? No…No, no. Why do you think that?"

"…I'm not sure exactly…" I had to move my focus elsewhere, nerves jolting.

"…Excuse me for speaking so lewdly, but I don't plan to ask such a thing until tonight…I simply thought you might like something to drink."

"Oh…My apologies…"

"It's alright…" The bottle was opened, and richly colored liquid drained into a glass, which was given to me.

"Thank you."

Another was prepared, and the rims of our glasses touched with a clean note. We both took a polite sip.

I wasn't sure what words this man wanted to hear. Perhaps he preferred a woman with her lips shut. I would play either roll.

We sat there several long moments, sipping wine between short conversations. We stayed until the sun began its descent, the sky once again turning into a complex and magnificent array of colors. The alcohol had taken a gentle hold of me, but my composure was still very well intact.

My husband was first to stand, placing the empty bottle on the rug near one of his feet. I was lifted to my heels, which bit at me harshly and caused my feet to weep. Even my mild intoxication couldn't deflect their nonsensical revenge.

As we made our way to the ballroom, the voices of our several guests grew louder and louder in anticipation. Their noises were merry, and my heart was overflowing with joy.

Elegantly dressed servants pulled at brass handles and the doors before us were opened. As our feet past the threshold, everyone grew silent, spectators to our nervous waltz. And all so suddenly, they broke out in cheer, hands slapping together as we took our places as man and wife at the head table.

When everyone had finally settled down, and the air grew quiet, my husband stood. "Thank you all very much for coming! I hope you're all having a fabulous time, and may the union between Austria and Hungary be forever blessed!"

More eccentric cheers and faces brimming with smiles…Sides of forks het crisply against crystal glasses and I came to my feet to press my lips to the man standing beside me. The excitement in the room was fed and grew even livelier. So many people were here, and almost all of them had their eyes set on my silken dress. They were all so ecstatic for us…My heart welled with warm emotion.

And perhaps I should have been saturated in guilt, but I simply couldn't bring myself to be unhappy. My face was unable to hold a frown.

The night progressed with joyous faces and an excess of mingling. Everyone was compelled to tell me how gorgeous I was, what a fine dress I was wrapped in, what a wonderful wife I would make…It was as if my sorrows leading this day were washed away and in their place came a plethora of hopes for our union.

We all danced and laughed together…I refused to let them down…

Near the end of our party, people were trickling from the room, and I came to the realization that I would soon be undressed and taken. A horrible shiver rushed down my spine and my feet almost lost their comfortable place on the floor.

"Are you alright, Elizaveta?" My husband was pink in the face. "…Have you had too much wine?"

"Oh, no…I'm alright…"

A kiss was stolen from me, and my hand was captured as well. "I'm glad."

Eventually, all of our guests had gone, and we were left to linger in a ballroom being swept up by loyal servants. Sweet intoxication left me, and every nerve became aware.

"Are you ready to leave?"

"…Yes…I am…"

I was carried off, finally finding relief from my aching feet, but no ease to my worried mind. My heart was accelerating and if I lost my consciousness in his very grasp, there would be no complaints.

The door to our room was opened and I was set securely on my heels. Without the exchange of words, Roderich removed the veil from my complex web of curls. His movements were slow, and I began to wonder if all of this was truly occurring.

"Please…be gentle with me…" A voice infested with quivers exited the confines of my scarlet lips.

"…Of course. We don't have to move quickly. I intend to be careful with you…"

"Thank you." Hands pressed softly to my figure as laces were carefully taken away from my complex outfit. As I was unraveled, my mind became a well deep with the blackness of confusion. I was afraid, but some part of me was happy, and yet misery had its way with me. But most of all, I was relieved to have my body free of this weighty mess of elegant frills.

I was disassembled in layers, and finally, I stood before him in nude glory. From impulse, my arms covered my shivering chest and I looked at him with so many questions livid in my eyes, which were all answered with a grace of sweet lips.

"Please don't look so nervous…" An open palm found my shoulder blade, offering me an odd sort of comfort. "You might actually enjoy some part of this…"

"…I'm sorry…" My syllables still came out malleable.

"…Go lie down. I'll join you in a moment."

I moved across the room, my body submerged in an ocean of soft sheets. I lied my head upon a welcoming pillow filled with feathers and forced my arms away from my naked breasts. My stare was afflicted to the man across the room, who was discarding his clothing as a snake escaping its worn skin.

If only that man could be Gilbert…perhaps I wouldn't have been so frightened.

Roderich was free of his garments, and took a place next to mine, both of us lying idle a long moment. But finally, I felt a hand at my waist as he mounted me. Our lips pressed softly in union. His warmth was hovering above me…

Mouths dropped, and our tongues twisting together. We drew each other closer, eyes closing tightly.

This felt…fantastic…

Lips parted and there was heat at my neck, devouring me as soft touches found my breasts. How could someone so comfortably reach for a woman's bosom? Was the first night supposed to be so free of awkward tension?

Roderich was leaving a pretty trail of kissed across my stomach and moistness was forming in between my legs. This had happened only a few times before, and was mostly accompanied by the image of my Prussian.

Finally, his lips were touching gently to my thighs, and I resisted an overpowering compulsion to close my legs and turn away. This was becoming almost too much…and this was certainly not the limit.

There was something wet at my most private of spot, and in surprise I yelped, retreating only a short distance.

"Was that your-"

"Yes…It was my tongue…Do you mind?"

"…No…I'm sorry…It just surprised me…I wasn't aware one could do that…"

"Well…would you like me to continue?"

I was truly unsure of what to say. It seemed as if my lips weren't willing to express my desires…Perhaps I simply didn't know what those desires were.

"…If you don't like it, you can ask me to stop…"

"…Oh…well, alright…"

And again, something wet and lusty was pressed to me, and in such a way that caused my mouth to open. What a horribly wonderful sensation…

Minutes past, each moment filled with soft moans and few spoken words. In the height of my pleasure, my body reacted in a way I can't possibly describe, and the man who had caused this ecstasy stopped.

"Are you ready?"

"…Ready?" That word made me shake even more profusely. My face must have illuminated the entire room…

"Mmm…" Warm hands slipped past my curves. "Yes. Ready…"

"Is…Is this going to hurt?"

A smile graced his pretty lips, which were given to me shortly after. "…Yes…But the first time is the only time that it does…Afterwards, you'll enjoy it."

"…I…will?"

"Well, I certainly hope so…" I received another touch of the lips.

"…Alright…" My eyes closed and my legs widened. "…I'm ready…"

"…Please don't be so nervous…" A kiss. "I'll try my best to make it as painless as possible…"

"…Alright…"

There was an odd series of noises, and my eyes opened to find my husband preparing himself. Again, my face flushed heavily.

"You don't have to do that…I mean…That's what I'm for…isn't it?"

"Well, perhaps next time…" I felt something between my legs, pressing gently into my opening.

"Mmm…" I bit my lips and turned my head away, wishing I had more time to mentally ready myself.

As he slipped in, pain possessed my senses and caused me to cry out. My arms took his torso into their custody, and fingernails found places against his soft back. My lips spread wide, this horrid feeling being almost too much to bear...And he had hardly even moved.

Roderich had kept his promise. Every movement of his hips was careful, and I tried my hardest not to cut into him with my nails. Little moans came from his parted lips, and despite my discomfort, I was happy at least one of us could enjoy this. Once, he had even stopped to kiss me, his passion flowing lovingly into my mouth.

And finally, he came to a sudden halt, an unmistakably expression inhabiting his face. He looked at me with eyes possessed by pleasure, and removed himself, landing limp next to me.

Roderich's nude body took mine into a comforting embrace and kisses were placed neatly all around my mouth and cheeks. And suddenly, tears flooded my eyes.

I was married to a man I was barely familiar with, and I was just claimed as his. Perhaps I should have been happy with his kindness, for it seemed to be immeasurable…But how could I be when I was forced to close the door on an already passionate relationship? Before the idea of this union was even conceived, I had always imagined that Gilbert would be the one wrapped so pleasantly around me at this moment…

And it was too late…My blood had already been spilled, and so were the hopes of ever belonging to that Prussian man I had surrendered so much of my heart to…

My love for him still surged through my body as crimson liquid, and what was supposed to be the most joyous day of my life was marred with that very same love.

"…Please don't cry…Was I too rough?"

"No…no…It's not you…"

"Are you sure?" I was given a kiss. "…Because I'll understand if it is…I know I'm far too hideous for a beauty like you, but I'm not so bad…"

Through my pain came laughter. "…You're not ugly at all…"

"…Well…I hope you feel better soon…I'd hate to think I was the one to make you cry…" His soft hand grazed my nude back. "…I was going to surprise you tomorrow…but we're going on a honey moon tomorrow in Vienna…"

"…We are?"

He nodded and gave his lips to me once more. "…I think you'll like it there…It really is lovely…"

"…Thank you…" More tears came, and I wasn't sure if they were from my pain or joy. I wasn't expecting a honeymoon. I came into this relationship aware of my husband's busy position…

Regardless, my arms were given up to him and we kissed with as much passion as my mouth could produce…