My hair was a disorderly nest of rotting flowers and askew diamonds. I rose to find my horrid curls sprawled in front of my eyes shamelessly, and a new husband sleeping peacefully. My gaze was afflicted all around our new bedroom, seeing a pile of discarded wedding garments strewn upon the floor, with soft morning light bathing them in its golden rays.

A sigh.

What a terribly beautiful mess.

Without waking the sleeping man at my side, I found my way to the edge of the room, a mirror waiting patiently for my attention. It was lined with pretty silver engravings and as my reflection came into it, I felt as if I inhabited the wrong looking glass. What a gorgeous mirror, and what a fine mess. The flowers were plucked savagely from my shining crown of golden brown locks, and joined the floor with their petals leaving them to lick at my bare toes.

Paces away, a man stirred, the blanket barely covering his hips. I blushed and turned away, remembering the feelings I had looking at his manhood when it was shrouded in darkness…

I tore the diamond studded pins from the strong hold of my curls, and freed a few willing sections. They brushed against my back in tangles, and regret came over me for not removing them the previous night.

There was more stirring under the silken sheets of our bed, indicated by the sensual rustling of fabric.

"…Where are you?"

"…I'm here…" I answered, releasing another shining mass. "By the mirror…"

"…What are you doing over there?" More quiet whispers come from the sheets, and I heard the soft pressing of feet to marble.

"…I'm getting all of these things from my hair…" The desire to speak with a naked man wasn't very high. I simply wanted to bathe and dress myself. If only he would have remained sleeping…

Of course, Roderich approached and stopped when he was directly behind me, his fingers joining the mass attached to my poor aching head.

"…I'll help you…"

"Thank you…"

It was surprising how gentle he was able to be, considering I was nearly loosing hair simply trying to remove those cruel barrettes…

"These rose petals look pretty around your feet…" He commented.

Would I be out of line to ask him not to speak?

"…Thank you…"

Our hands were busy until the last diamonds were taken from the clutches of yesterday's beauty. My hair was left hanging in clumps and tangles around my hips, and I knew many more sighs were to pollute the morning.

"…We have to get ready soon…" Roderich's reflection was stroking through my ruined tresses, eyes lusty.

"…May I ask you something…? You might consider it rude…And I truly don't mean to be…"

"Yes. You may…"

"…Will…Will you please stop? I feel extremely uncomfortable…"

His hands dropped the admiration in his eyes was replaced by a dull kind of pain. Yes…I had hurt him. An injection of guilt was shot directly into my chest.

"…I'm sorry…" His voice had become solemn, and he turned away. "…We'll be leaving at twelve…I'll have breakfast made…"

"No…wait…" My body turned as well. Despite my awkward feelings, I didn't want to ruin this morning.

He faced me, and I felt completely out of line. This man had already taken my body…and it wasn't as if would never occur again. We were wed, and what discomfort there was should have already been erased.

"…I'm sorry…I suppose I'm being foolish..." There was a silence. "…Would you like to bathe with me?" I felt as if I had to repent. That look in those gorgeous eyes had shot me straight through my nerves. If I didn't take that melancholy away, I knew our honey moon would be a trial neither of us would find enjoyable.

"…Would you like me to bathe with you?" His tone held only a few thorns, but they were still stabbing through what could have been gentle words.

"…Yes…I would…" I tried to make my voice kind. "…Please…Disregard what I said… I already like you very much…"

"…Do you?"

"Yes."

"…Then may I kiss you?"

"Yes. Please."

The space between our bodies was lessened, and our lips touched softly. Tongues weren't involved. Just a simple kiss…

"Thank you."

And as if I was cast into a dream, I found myself standing before a tub brimming with steaming water, a beautiful man drifting inside. The cream night gown I was lent curled around my feet, and once again, red was plastered to my cheeks.

"…You really are cute…standing there with that expression…" Roderich was looking right at me, probably thinking my behavior ridiculous. "…You know that we're married, don't you?"

"Of course I do…I'm just…shy…"

"…That's alright…I won't do anything to you if you don't want me to…Would you like me to get out?"

"…No. I'll come in…"

I was having a problem believing this man was tangible…It was as if I was looking at a painting done by a master artist, hanging so wonderfully on my wall. The light kissing his features made him look godly.

…Was he truly my husband? Was this man mine?

I wondered who had made him. What human was born with a perfectly drawn mark right under their lips? And what human was given such perfect lips in the first place?

His mouth pulled at the sides. "…Am I scaring you? I'm harmless, I assure you."

"No…You're not…I was simply admiring you…" Finally, I was drawn in closer, my feet freezing before him. The only thing between us was porcelain, which was no longer an obstacle when my shy foot came into contact with the inside of the tub. I was beginning to loose consciousness, thinking of the rather large gap in between by legs. Quickly, my legs came together and I submerged myself in the water, causing waves to lap at both of our chests.

And we were left to look at one another, Roderich smiling at me as if I was a gift he had been waiting for a long time.

"…What is that look?" I asked, my skin melting amongst the rising heat. "…Have I done something foolish?"

"No. I just think we're going to get along quite well…Is this too much?" One of his feet nudged gently against mine. "…I'm worried you're going to pop…"

I couldn't help but smile. "I won't pop…"

And we soaked.

"…Roderich…You've been married previously haven't you?"

"Yes. I have...Well...A few times…"

"…Were they all this shy?"

"…Just about…I think you're the worst case yet, but that's alright. You're certainly the cutest."

"Oh, you're lying!"

"I'm not, really. You're lovely."

"Thank you…" Gilbert had told me times over that I was gorgeous…But I never believed him, just as I didn't believe Roderich. I wondered how ruptured my heart would be years into this relationship…My emotions still burned for that blond Prussian man, and I was beginning to wonder if I could ever pry away my grip.

I think my face must have shown some part of my pain, because my hand was taken by the man across from me and held while a few pleasant kisses landed upon it.

No…If things continued like this, I would eventually forget my passions. But how could one be charming day after day? It would be interesting to see how we aged together…

"You have very nice hands…" I was told. "They look elegant with this ring…"

"Oh, stop. Now I know you're lying."

"I'm really not." His lips smiled against my milky skin. "Aren't I allowed to be somewhat fascinated?"

"I don't think you'd like me to pass out, would you?"

"No…Not especially…"

I leaned a little more heavily against the rim of our tub, warm water growing in currents around me. My movement sent ripples across the glassy surface, and shook the light lying so stilly upon the clear drink. A hand was returned to me, and pleasant glances were exchanged.

It occurred to me how close we truly were…The caps of our knees were touching as lovers would kiss, and for a moment, I truly felt as if I was a child. An admirer would make advances, but he was simply sitting, happy just as we were…What would a cruel man do? What would Gilbert do?

I would have to write him a letter very soon…

When our wrinkled feet finally touched marble tiles, Roderich placed a hand upon my shoulder blade and a kiss to my cheek. Would nudity ever become comfortable? A soft blue fabric was placed around me, and the water seeping from me was absorbed. Roderich had done the same, and before we progressed from the safety of the bathroom, we slipped on the night gowns, which had been dampened in some areas by reckless fluid.

It was an award walk out, but our first stop was the bedroom, which had all of my clothing waiting inside. Roderich had purchased every last thread. My old robes were the objects of a child compared to the outfits that would cloth me.

That day, I wore a gorgeous yellow dress. It reminded me of daisies…I hadn't worn any of the garments inhabiting my dresser. I was moving up in rank, meaning all of them had to be made to match my husband's fine attire. I couldn't be caught in green rags any longer…

Breakfast commenced, and I could see a little more clearly into Roderich's frugality. It was a very simple meal, and the amount was somewhat wavering, but there was enough to satisfy my hunger.

As our jaws worked, I composed a letter in my mind to Gilbert. I'm sure he was concerned for my happiness, and if I didn't send him a few words of comfort, he would likely come and see my new life for himself. As much as I loved him, I would never trust him to keep his distance for too long.

In my false letter, I mentioned the deep pearly frills of my dress. I mentioned the reception, the cake, and the movement of our feet in dance. I mentioned how Roderich took me gently, so he could be at ease…And I mentioned how very much my heart wept for him.

Perhaps I could give him actual written words, but I would have to wait until my life was absent of the protocol that came with being newly wed…What other duties would I have to occupy my time? There had to be responsibilities that came with living in such a mansion and belonging to such a man.

When breakfast had ended, we began to pack our things. Most of Roderich's belongings were already comfortably placed in a large trunk. Luckily for me, I wouldn't have much to stow away; only clothing and a few other simple items…

"How long will we be in Vienna?" I asked, stalking an azure robe.

"A week." His reply was short, but his voice still rung sweet.

"Alright."

I selected eight dresses in the event one of them became sullen, and once those had joined the luggage, there wasn't much else that needed to be assembled.

The clock's arms were stretched to represent nine twenty three. We had quite a few unoccupied minutes. Of course, few preparations had yet to be accomplished, but with a house full of hands, simple tasks became even more simplistic.

This would be an excellent opportunity to begin my letter.

"Elizaveta…I have a bit of work to do before we go. Feel free to do whatever you like. I'll meet you here at twelve."

I gave him an affirmative nod of the head. "Right…I'll try not lost get lost in this huge place…"

He kissed my cheek. "Don't worry. You won't get lost."

And I was left in my solitude to pick nervously at my fingers. Roderich wouldn't be pleased with a letter to Gilbert. Upsetting my husband wasn't my greatest aspiration as a loyal wife, but ignoring my Prussian was possible disaster. He would come straight to our doorstep and begin a fight with Roderich which would likely follow with my very sloppy abduction.

Finally, my conflict resolved, and I sought out a quill and parchment.

I asked a servant as to where I could acquire such things, and was led through a series of lavish hallways. Finally, I found myself in the middle of an office with a stained glass window and polished oaken desk. It was well kept, but looked as if no one had come in accept to clean the area.

"Excuse me…Does anyone use this office?"

"Oh no…Not often…But it will have everything you need, Mrs. Edelstein…"

"Thank you…"

My back faced the glass as I began my message, fragmented light shining heavily upon my back and the lustrous wood. The crisp paper was even illuminated a gorgeous hue because of the window. What a wonderful place…

As soon as my pen pressed to the parchment, words bled easily from the tip as crimson from a slash. Four pages were polluted with news and emotions, along with the promise of a photograph. My name was signed with much grace at the bottom of the last page, and the desire to kiss my closing was fought intensely. For a moment, my mind wondered to him, queries of his state coming to thought. I certainly hoped he was doing better than I was. I would be flattered if he wasn't, and yet, I would be happier knowing he wasn't going through such heart ache.

Would I ever be able to lay my glance upon him again? What a sad woman I would be if I had forgotten the sound of his voice to time…

The envelope was given to a servant when it was ready.

"Please mail this for me…Or find someone who can…But please don't let Roderich see it." I felt a strong ripple of guilt for already deceiving my husband only a day after being wed…But I wanted so desperately to tell Gilbert that everything was alright.

At twelve that day, I met Roderich near the luxurious doors of our room. Everything had already been prepared, and all that was left to do was walk.

"Are you ready to leave?"

"Yes. I am." I answered.

"Alright." A kiss was plucked gently from my unsuspecting cheek. "Then we can go."

And we boarded the gaudy portal to a passion infested week in Vienna. How truly guilty I was for being so excited.