Third chapter! I hope it is to your liking! Thanks to all those who reviewed/favorited/alerted and for just reading in general! :D

Enjoy~

Warnings: Spamano and of course, a bit of an OOC Lovino. This is focusing more on the 'caring older brother' side of him that we hardly get to see.

Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia or the Servant of Evil plot (which this is now loosely based off of. I'm kinda straying a bit XD)


Chapter Three

Reverie

As we continued our walk, I learned that Antonio was the king's nephew and was living with said uncle until he was of age as the result of his parents dying during his early childhood. He enjoyed playing football, could hardly read the atmosphere, and spending his days taking walks. Oh, and he absolutely loved tomatoes.

He had gotten away with a few playful remarks which in turn made me insult him- that small aspect of the old me never managed to leave. And I was glad it didn't. I may be a servant but that didn't mean that I refrained from saying what was necessary (albeit inside my own head).

"So, Lovi," Antonio decided to shorten my name as if he had difficulty in pronouncing it, much to my dismay, "we've walked in circles around this town and spent quite a bit of time talking about my past and yet I know nothing about you but your name. Tell me, do you have any brothers or sisters?"

"I've told you, it's Lovino. And yes, I have a younger brother. We're twins, actually. However, I'm older by five minutes," I nodded, the answers just spilling out.

"Oh really? What is he like?" he asked, his eyes glowing with excitement.

"He's very… carefree and lazy and is a complete mess from time to time but is a good person altogether. He has a kind heart."

I didn't know why I was sharing this information with a man I met just hours ago. There was something that made him… comfortable to be around. I never expected myself to open myself up so easily.

"What's his name?"

"Feliciano," I replied and his reaction failed to surprise me.

His mouth fell agape slightly, "You mean the prince is your brother? And you're his…?"

"Servant? Yes," I replied airily.

"But why? You are of the royal family! And of the Vargas family, no less! You should be served, not serving!" a hint of anger was leaking into his voice.

"I'm dying," I replied simply as if that was a suffice answer. "Heart condition; the physicians can't do anything for me therefore I'm left to wait for a death that is inevitable. The queen didn't want the heir to the throne to be a sick boy who would eventually meet an early death so she chose my twin to assume the title of king. I was then disowned and sent off for ten years to learn how to become the perfect servant for a prince."

"That is just-! How can they do this to you?"

"Easy, they did it," I said dryly and unintentionally. "There's no sense in getting worked up about it. It's already been done and I've dealt with it for seventeen years. It hardly bothers me anymore."

"Still, how can a mother do that to her son?" Antonio was leading me up a hill that looked over the entire kingdom. And I inwardly admit that it was a sight to see.

"You're not the only one who thinks it wrong. Feliciano does, too, though he has no power to change it."

"But when he becomes king, surely he'll fix things, right?"

"I doubt it," I sighed, sitting next to him in the grass.

"What makes you think that?" Antonio's gaze deepened with his ever-growing curiosity.

"Despite his wishes against it, he'll be king. He won't have time to worry about the well-being of a lowly servant such as myself even if we are brothers. We won't have as much time to ourselves like we used to. And to be completely honest… I'm just fine with that."

"And to think I had you all figured out; yet here you are giving me another piece to an already complicated puzzle. You're a servant to your younger brother who doesn't want it but has taken the throne, which by the way, is rightfully yours, and you're saying you're satisfied with such a life? I don't know how you do it," Antonio laughed a little.

"You're just the king's nephew. Surely you have no responsibilities as of now," I added sarcastically.

"This is only temporary, I assure you. Uncle wants me to be more interested in the life of a noble but I have no desire for it. Like your brother, I want to live my life the way I want to and someday settle down with the one I love," he then looked at me with a different light in his eyes, one I couldn't figure out but one that I would never forget.

"That sounds like a good plan," I agreed, finding it so similar to what I desired for the future that was far beyond my reach.


My eyes widened slightly as the sun began dipping below the horizon and the clusters of buildings and homes, the sky painting itself with a pallet of peach and orange. I shot up to my feet and hastily worked my way down the steep hill.

"What's wrong?" Antonio quickly fell into step behind me.

"I'm extremely late. Feliciano must be worried sick about me," I quickened my pace, heading in the direction of the castle. It wasn't Feliciano that concerned me. It was the queen. If we were late-

"Will I see you again?"

Those words made me stop in my tracks. They made me stop breathing altogether and my heart jump in my throat. He… wanted to see me again? And the question sounded so desperate… pleading.

"I… I can't say. I don't know how often Feliciano will be making trips here and I doubt I'll have a chance of coming on my own," I pursed my lips as my heart thrummed inside my chest.

"Oh," Antonio's shoulders slumped a little.

"Surely you have other friends, don't you? You're the king's nephew. I'd be fairly surprised if you didn't," I scoffed a little. "You shouldn't have to waste your time with someone of my position."

"No one but the arrogant nobles; and I hardly consider them friends let alone human beings," Antonio whispered the last sentence to me with the vigilance of a secret. "Besides, I like you and you are a person I feel I can trust."

"You hardly know me," I rolled my eyes.

He laughed quietly, "My uncle has hundreds people shoved under his nose every day and each time it becomes easier and easier to tell those who are telling the truth… and those who aren't. Their facial expressions give them away instantaneously and yours is… just like the sun. I found myself gazing too long at times today."

I then looked away, my eyes downcast and mesmerized by the swaying blades of grass.

"My flattery makes you uncomfortable," Antonio said with uncertain confidence.

"No…" I trailed off, attempting to find any sort of excuse for my behavior and not making eye contact. How did he keep doing this to me? He made me reconsider everything I said, everything I believed in…

"Compliments in your family are usually for someone else- the younger brother. I can relate. I know what it's like to live forever in the shadows, unnoticed by all. It's my cousins who are the cause of this, nonetheless, I understand."

And he, for once today, was right.

I wanted to say my thanks but found that I couldn't speak (not that I was afraid to because I wasn't). As the blush crept across my cheeks, my thoughts had been begun drifting somewhere else… to the festival. Should I invite him? No, that wouldn't please the others. Feliciano could possibly care less, but…

"Lovi? You okay?" Antonio raised an eyebrow at me, pulling me out of my consuming thoughts.

"I'm fine. I really must be going now. The prince will be expecting me at any moment and if anything, he's probably out searching for me. If you will, my lord, please excuse me," I cursed the formalities in my head. They didn't suit him in the slightest.

"Just Antonio. I consider myself no different than you, my dear sweet Lovi," Antonio then grabbed my hand and kissed it lightly, leaving it to tingle sweetly.

"It's Lovino, idiot…" I turned an annoying crimson.

"When can I see you again? Name any time that suits you best," he murmured across my hand and released it.

"Two days from now at midnight," I replied and spun on my heel, waving a final farewell and continuing my way back towards the castle.

When I arrived there, however, Feliciano wasn't waiting for me as I thought he would. Our horses were out front so I assumed they must be finishing soon. After giving my identity to the guards, I was allowed inside and scanned the area for my prince, trying to decide which room to enter first. Without having to spend too much time dwelling on it, the sound of Feliciano's voice drew my attention and I immediately followed it.

It was muffled due to closed doors but it was unmistakably Feliciano's voice. I knocked on the door and it opened, leading to what I supposed was the drawing room. There was King Matteo, Feliciano (as one would've guessed) and a man I did not recognize who was sitting quietly beside my brother and the king.

His hair was a golden blonde and sleeked back and oceanic eyes that were stoic and serious. His clothes were foreign to me and I eyed him warily. He wasn't from here and I didn't trust him.

"Lovino! You're back!" Feliciano grinned. "Did you have a good time?"

"Yes, my lord," I nodded, not taking my eyes off the third man in the room.

"Great! You came just in time. We're done!" Feliciano said gleefully and his eyes sparkled as he averted his gaze, looking at the unknown man with profound fondness. "Oh and this is Ludwig Bielschmidt. He's the king's friend from Germany!"

The blonde man nodded to me in greeting and I did the same.

Ludwig, huh?

Interesting.

By the way Feliciano was looking at this man… could Ludwig have won his heart like Antonio won mine? My nose sort of wrinkled in disapproval; there was something about the German I didn't like. Don't get me wrong- I didn't hate him. Something about the man just had me chewing on the inside of my cheek with tension.

"My lord, our horses are waiting outside for us. Were you planning on heading back home? If so, we need to leave now. The sun is beginning to descend on the horizon," I reported.

"Right; I suppose I lost track of the time again," Feliciano sighed before saying goodbye to the king and Ludwig. He then left the room with me close behind him.

And we were off, our horses in a near sprint to make it back home before nightfall or it became too late.


"What did the queen say?" I questioned as I pulled out Feliciano's nightwear.

"Nothing of importance. She was pleased that we're now allies with King Matteo and that she was about to send the entire royal guard after us if we hadn't arrived much sooner. Then she went on and on about the festival. I can't remember much else," Feliciano replied, sitting on his bed and kicking his legs back and forth. "I wasn't really paying attention."

I nodded, "As to be expected."

"So Lovino, what did you do in your spare time?"

"I…" starting with a tentative tone wasn't envisioned and I cleared my throat before continuing, "I met someone and we walked around for most of the day."

"Really?" Feliciano bounded from the bed. "Who? What's he or she like? Are they nice? Are they good-looking? Are they kind? Are they funny? Are they smart?"

I felt no need to answer those questions aloud for I already knew the answer.

Antonio was all those things.

"What's their name?" Feliciano repeated, his anticipation getting the better of him.

"Antonio Fernandez Carriedo," I replied. Couldn't he have had a shorter name?

"Wow, the nephew of King Matteo? How unexpected!" Feliciano smiled. "Matteo mentioned something about him roaming the kingdom and that he was sorry I couldn't meet him or something. Matteo said that Antonio didn't want any involvement in noble life- not that I hold him accountable, of course. I can hardly stand it myself."

"He's quite the character," I chuckled to myself, envisioning Antonio's bright smile and stunning eyes as I turned around so Feliciano could change. That man was all I had my mind on nowadays. He was a sweet distraction- my sweet reverie.

"Ludwig is too," Feliciano crawled into bed with a small yawn. "He's serious and likes to keep things neat and organized but is a nice guy. I like him a lot."

Feliciano's words were slurring together as sleep began pulling him into its welcoming embrace.

"Lovino…" he drawled as I reached for the candle on the bedside table.

"Yes?"

"Stay with me… until I fall asleep," a sigh escaped his lips when he struggled to keep his eyes open for a few seconds longer.

"As you wish, my lord," I nodded, placing the candle back down.

"It's Feliciano," and his eyes slipped closed and the only sounds were his soft snores.

"Buona notte, il mio fratellino," I whispered, took the candle and exited, joining the other servants in making early preparations for the festival.

What could I have possibly been thinking? Here I was, telling Feliciano everything about Antonio and I had made arrangements to meet up with him two nights from now. I would need to tread carefully. Thin ice weakens with each step.


"Lovino! You're here!" Antonio grinned, pulling me into a hug. "I wasn't expecting to see you until tonight."

"Feliciano is here on important business again," I answered, not fighting him to release me but also not hugging him back with the same vigor.

"Perfecto!" that grin kept his face alight. His attention was then caught by the sound of distant music and the twinkle in his eyes was one I knew.

"I don't think so," I immediately rejected.

"Oh, please, Lovi? Just one dance!"

"No means no. I don't dance!"

"Of course you do! It's just one little dance!" Antonio pled.

"No."

"Por favor?" his eyes watered with false tears. "For me?"

Why must he torment me with his native language? I despised the weak feeling it gave me.

"Fine, just one," I sighed and he dragged me towards the town square.

The crowd was fairly large when we reached the area and a rough circle had been formed around the couples already dancing. We waited patiently (with reluctance on my part) for our turn. Though it came too soon for my liking, the next song played and much to my dismay, it was fast paced and one I was certain I could not keep up with.

Antonio made his way through the gathering with me in tow, joining the same couples that were there for the song before. Now I was definitely reconsidering this.

"Antonio, I'll make a fool out of myself. I can't dance, Feliciano is the only one who can," I murmured.

"Just follow my lead and you'll be fine," Antonio whispered in my ear as he took my hand and his other on the small of my back.

I gulped.

Perfect…

Before I knew it, Antonio was already taking the first step and I stumbled awkwardly along with him. He laughed at this but refused to let me go and continued. I had no words to describe my absolute embarrassment as the song progressed and even though I was beginning to catch on with the rhythm, I failed to remember steps and stepped on Antonio's feet more times than I can count.

The crowd evidently found this amusing and cheered and clapped along with us. A few of them were even laughing. New couples started to join in, making me feel more anxious than I already was but the Spaniard I was dancing with eased my comfort with his emerald orbs and winning smile.

Antonio brought me close as the song ended, grinning wildly.


"Lovino, are you sure you're well? You've not been yourself for a while now," one of the maids asked me as I entered the kitchen with supplies for tonight's dinner. She did not look up from her work of mincing the vegetables when she questioned me.

"Oh, I'm fine. No need to worry, Clara. It's been a long month, that's all, what with the festival preparations, Feliciano learning to become king and-"

"Does it have something to do with that boy you've been meeting in the middle of the night?" she had a playful glint in her coffee eyes. Clara glanced at me once with a knowing smile.

I froze for the slightest second, having intentions to gather my now scattered and hazy thoughts, "H-How do you know about that?"

"How can I possibly word this? You're glowing, Lovino. I've never seen you happier- not once in the time I've worked for this family," Clara answered over the chopping of the knife on the cutting board.

"Is it honestly that obvious?" I wondered quietly. "And how did you see?"

It couldn't have been! I made sure that I hadn't been seen by anyone in my disappearances.

"To those not paying attention and rest assured that I am the only one who has," Clara finished cutting the carrots and moved on to the potatoes.

"I'd like to keep it that way, if you don't mind," I ran a hand through my hair.

"Of course," she nodded and smirked. "But I must ask… are you two intimate?"

I stumbled over my words, trying to form a coherent sentence.

"I'm only teasing, Lovino. Just be careful, will you? I have found a great friend in you and it would be such a pity to see you hurt," Clara's smile was sincere this time.

"You know me," I made my way to leave.

"That's exactly why I'm worried," Clara winked and looked back down at her task. "Be careful tonight. That's all I ask. And be sure that you aren't too distracted with this boy that you start lacking on your daily chores. People start noticing. Even little Feliciano- he may be naïve but he's not a complete idiot."

That much I knew for certain.


"Antonio? Are you here?" I called out into the night, the wind carrying my whisper further. I scanned the area, "Where are you? This is no time to play games."

I heard a small laugh erupt from behind a tree and Antonio appeared, removing the hood from his head, "Don't worry, I'm here. I was beginning to wonder if you would show up or had abandoned me for someone else."

He kissed me lightly, tenderly- those that left me breathless yet wanting more. I sighed softly in content and he kissed my head, embracing me warmly. We stood there for what seemed like an eternity prior to taking my hand and pulling towards the forest surrounding the castle grounds.

"Follow me," he grinned.

"Where are we going? You know I have to be back before dawn!" I whispered harshly.

"Don't worry, you will be, Lovi."

We travelled further and further into the foliage until we came to a clearing that had a small cottage built in the center. We went inside and it was warm, surprisingly so.

"Did you build this?" I asked, looking around and admiring the simplicity of the lodge that had only the basic necessities. I enjoyed it.

"Yup. All on my own. This is where I come if I want to escape the town. It's suffocating at times," Antonio nodded, admiring his work with pride. He then removed my cloak for me along with his and draped them over a chair. "Please, take a seat."

He joined me on the single bed and gazed at me, "Is there anything I can get you?"

"No, I'm fine," I replied.

He nodded once.

There was a comfortable silence between us and it was broken when Antonio placed his hand on mine.

"Lovi," he started delicately, "have you ever thought of leaving your family and settling down somewhere? Maybe out in the country?"

"More often than not," was my answer. "Why do you ask?"

"I know this may sound sudden but I can't take it anymore. What do you think of coming with me? We'll both leave and start our own life together," Antonio suggested with a hopeful twinkle in his eyes.

Was he really asking me this?

It sounded far too good to be true.

He waited for my reply longingly, his eyes betraying nothing.

"I accept," I let the smallest of smiles fall on my face.

His eyes became the shimmering emerald I loved as he exclaimed his happiness in Spanish and kissed me again. This time was different. It was deeper and fervent but still withheld tender touches. I melted into it instantly, closing my eyes. My arms wrapped around his neck and my hands wove into his brunette curls of hair.

I felt him slowly push me down onto my back, our lips never breaking.

We parted for a single breath and his eyes were hazy with love and yearning. He left trails of feather kisses along my jawline and whispered into my ear, "Te amo."

"Ti amo troppo," I murmured as our lips met again.

I then lost myself within a night of passion with the man I loved and would love even more.


Stirring from my sleep, I could feel someone's arms firmly holding me, protecting me. The sunlight trickling into the room was warm and inviting, making Antonio's face more beautiful than it already was.

Wait.

I was with Antonio the entire night?

Oh no.

"Antonio," I shook his shoulder. "Antonio, wake up."

"Mmm… five more minutes, Lovi," he nuzzled into my hair.

"Antonio, I'm late. I have to go," I sat up and out of his arms. Nearly jumping out of bed, I quickly dressed myself and threw my cloak on.

Catching the look from Antonio, I moved towards him and he brought me as close as possible. I listened to the strong thundering of his heart that overpowered and echoed in harmony with mine.

"I'll come back as soon as I can," I tried to reassure him. "I promise."

He kissed me and reluctantly pulled away, "Te amo."

"Ti amo," I gave him a small smile as I left, breaking out into a full sprint down the path.


"There you are!" Clara whispered starkly. "I've been covering for you since dawn! Where in God's name have you been?"

I tossed her a knowing glance while catching my breath.

"Lovino, you are pushing your luck too far! The queen isn't too pleased with you right now," Clara sighed.

"When has she ever been?" I removed my cloak.

"True as that may be, you don't want to suffer the consequences. Not only that, Feliciano was about to send the entire cavalry to search for you. He's worried sick," Clara then placed a pill in my hand.

My medication.

I completely forgot.

"We don't need you lying on your death bed because you neglected your medication," Clara smiled though my brow furrowed in disgust for it.

I chewed the pill quickly, nearly gagging in the process, and she handed me a cup of water that I greedily drank.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to the taste," I nodded my thanks to her.

She took the cup from me and had a slight smirk, "Where would you be without me?"

"Probably six feet under," I let out a bitter chuckle. "But even with the medication-"

"Don't talk like that," she growled. "You're just fine. Keep taking your medicine and you won't have any problems."

If she only knew…

"If you'll excuse me, I must return to work and you need to report to Feliciano before he has the kingdom search for you," Clara retreated to the kitchen. "Oh and you may want to get cleaned up first. No need for unnecessary questions."

With a sigh, I started towards the throne room after bathing. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door. Almost immediately it opened and I stepped inside. Feliciano's eyes widened upon seeing me and he grabbed my shoulders.

"Where have you been? I was worried sick! Are you hurt? Any injuries? Did someone attack you? Was it an animal?"

"I went to Terra di Dio," I replied.

The queen interjected, "Why on God's green earth were you over there?"

"I had to get more ingredients for our cooks. It was at their request. I apologize for making you worry, my lord. By the time I was ready to leave, it was nightfall," I explained, the lie searing on my tongue.

"That doesn't matter, as long as you're safe. You're my brother, I would hate to see if something happened to you," Feliciano smiled, hugging me.

"Feliciano, you have more important problems to worry about than the safety of a mere servant. He has many of his own tasks to finish such as the festival," the queen raised an eyebrow.

My brother rolled his eyes before releasing and remained by my side.

"Lovino, this place must be spotless. King Matteo needs nothing but perfection out of this and I want to make sure he gets it, am I clear?" she narrowed her eyes at me, glaring daggers.

"Of course, Your Majesty. I will see to it immediately," I gave a small bow.


Oooo Spamano~ One of my many loves.

Was it to your liking? I hope so!

Drop a review or favorite/alert and let me know! Honestly, they help with inspiration.

Hopefully I didn't butcher the Italian too bad but I'm not using Google Translate so that counts for something, doesn't it? /shot.

Here are the translations:

Buona notte, il mio fratellino- Goodnight, my little brother

Ti amo (troppo)- I love you (too)

Oh and please let me know if there are any spelling/grammar mistakes and I shall fix them right away (This is, after all, unbeta'd)

Thanks again!

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