Chapter 10: Almost Lady like

Romano stared at his mother in awe. He had every reason to. She was quite dazzling and except for her wedding day, Romano had never seen Alice in a dress. Until now …

They had arrived at Austria's house a few hours before the ball. Elisaveta had showed them to their room. She laughed when Alice requested a separate room from Antonio's and Roderich sent a disagreeing look to the Spaniard who shrugged in return. They were now preparing themselves. Alice and Elisaveta had taken care of the Italians' outfits: Veneziano was in a pastel green dress with frills. Romano rolled his eyes at his brother's excited grin and cheerfulness. He was in a white shirt and brown pants with an overall red coat laced in gold. As he escaped Veneziano's eager love, he had followed Alice to her room where she was preparing herself. She didn't mind changing in front of him but Romano was too respectful to dare look at his mother's naked body. He had kept his eyes closed until he heard her giggle and ask for his opinion on her looks. When he did open his eyes … his mouth dropped and he remained stunned in admiration.

She was beautiful. Well, Alice is always beautiful in Romano's opinion. But here, her beauty was enhanced by 50% at least! She wore a crimson red dress that curved around her body like a vale. Her golden lion and cross hung proudly around her slender neck. Her arms were uncovered as the dress stopped at her shoulders and the wedding rings at her fingers shone brighter than usual. One was the simple golden alliance. The other, on Antonio's specific orders, was a single rose-shaped ruby incrusted in another golden ring. Alice's golden hair was tied up but with loose strands falling gently on her shoulder. A red rose was entangled in her hair just above her left ear. Her green emeralds watched shyly and impatiently at the boy, dreading his answer.

"… Marry me?" Romano smiled weakly, causing Alice to let out a broad relieved smile of her own.

"As soon as I get a divorce!" she joked back with her crystal laugh. She had been worried because being a lady is not easy for her. One may think it is, having been raised by France. But in fact, Alice always had to act like a boy to be respected and have her voice heard. She didn't often let herself act girly. And she didn't have many female friends. That's why she's glad to have met Elisaveta and is a bit nervous about this ball.

Romano hugged her. He felt her nervousness. He himself was excited because it's his first time at a real adult ball. Alice smiled gently at him and ruffled his neat chocolate hair.

"Shall we? Let's not make Stupid Antonio wait any longer. He'll get all cranky again!" Alice chuckled and took Romano's hand, and they left the room.

You wouldn't recognise her had you not known who she was. Fact is, most people did not know who that blond mysterious beauty was. She wasn't Austrian or Prussian. She spoke Spanish but had none of the Mediterranean features. Her French was excellent but she seemed to be hateful of Frenchmen. Where was she from? Who was she? Everyone wondered the identity of the lady as she walked into the ball room accompanied by a small Italian boy.

Romano smirked as he noticed the admiring looks people sent his mother. Even Austria looked surprised. The Italian walked proudly by his mother's side, his hand still in hers and not letting anyone take her away from him. Alice's deep green eyes searched the room but she couldn't spot her husband. She recognised João smiling at her in his blue outfit. She smiled back and kept searching until Elisaveta came up to her with an admiring, appraising and excited smile. She wore a purple dress, matching Roderich's purple clothing. And Veneziano was clinging to her hand very much like Romano clung to Alice.

"Alice! You look adorable! Red really suits you!"

Alice felt a blush dust her cheeks as she averted her eyes nervously. She really wasn't comfortable in such situations. Elisaveta noticed. She also noticed the increasing attention Alice was receiving.

"Don't blush like that! You really are beautiful! I can tell from all those admirers around you!" The Hungarian smirked. She was herself quite beautiful but everyone in court knew not to flirt with her for two simple reasons: One – she's married to Roderich. Two – She'll beat up anyone that dares to anger her with a frying pan. Apart from that, she was gentle and a perfect lady.

Alice on the other hand, had to force herself not to chop all those idiot's heads off. She rolled her eyes in exasperation and looked out again for her annoying, never-there-when-you-need-him, stupid, arrogant husband! Elisaveta giggled at the annoyed frown on Alice's face.

"Antonio is having a talk with Gilbert in private."
Alice's eyes widen in anxiousness. She had a bad feeling about this. And she wasn't sure if Antonio would return unharmed. Her worry must have shown since Elisaveta took her free hand comfortingly.

"Don't worry. France is with them. He'll keep them from killing each other."

Alice nodded. Elisaveta left Veneziano with her as she had to attend Court matters with Roderich. The English woman looked down at the northern Italian chasing his southern brother as they ran in circles around England. She chuckled in amusement and picked them both up, taking them to the buffet. Alice was careful to select food that would please the childish taste of the Italians before settling them down at a table. For herself, she only took a glass of red wine.

"Miss Alice, you're not hungry?" Veneziano asked innocently.

"No honey, I'm fine."

"But the pasta is really buonissima!"

"I can tell, as you've already emptied your plate!" Alice laughed, wiping off Romano's face and listening distractedly at Veneziano's chatter. Holly Rome watched them from afar, shy and nervous, he didn't dare to come near. Alice spotted him and motioned him over, ignoring Romano's grunting. The blond child blushed when he felt Alice pick him up and place him in between the two Italians, opposite to her. Alice smiled as she watched the three children interact eagerly with one another. Holly Rome constantly defended Veneziano and would often end up in childish arguments with Romano. Veneziano would chatter on endlessly, not caring if others listened to him or not while Romano constantly snapped at him. Quite cute~ Alice was really enjoying this even if she wasn't dancing in the arms of a Prince Charming which by the way she never believed in. Fairies and dragons, she knew they existed. Princes Charming on white horses, not a chance in hell!

Therefore, she was quite surprised to see a man walk up to her and extend his hand to her. She lifted questioning eyes and met the hard grey ones of Netherlands. His pipe was gone, his sandy blond hair was as spiky as usual but neater. He wore red themed clothes in respect to the Empire he belonged to and an engaging smile contrasted on his usually cold face. He bowed gracefully, his hand still awaiting for hers. Alice blinked in confusion. In the background, she could see Portugal dancing with Belgium and it seemed like they were more plotting than dancing between them. Austria and Hungary too were dancing, calm and composed as ever. Spain, France and Prussia still were nowhere to be seen. England noticed another couple, two blonds. One she knew to be Switzerland dancing with a small girl, smaller than herself, with very long blond hair braided elegantly and wearing a pink dress. She also recognised Poland dragging Lithuania to the dance floor, she had met them earlier in the evening and was quite fond of the odd couple. England's eyes settled back on the man in front of her. His grey eyes looked gentle and sweet, not cold and iron-like as she usually saw them. She nodded shyly. No words spoken. She took his hand, waved of the three children and mouthed "I'll be back soon" to her worried Romano. The boy frowned but nodded. Veneziano was giggling excitedly and chatted off to Holly Rome on "how cute Miss Alice looked and how scary Mister Netherlands was".

"I didn't think you'd accept this easily." The tall man gently spoke in her ear as they waltzed around the dance floor. Alice titled her head to stare in his grey eyes.

"Why not? It's just one dance."

The man chuckled.

"Aren't you worried about your husband? He might not approve."

"Oh, him … When have I seemed to care about his opinion?" she replied dismissively but a malicious grin curled her lips.

"You did hesitate in taking my hand."

"… I was worried of leaving Romano alone …" Alice mumbled softly, her eyes shifted to where Romano was seated.

Timothy Koning followed her gaze and smirked as he spotted someone else. He gently pulled Alice closer to him, his hand drawing her face back to look at him. Alice followed his lead as they moved around gracefully, letting him twirl her around. She was enjoying this and even allowed a smile on her face. Timothy leaned closer and ushered a soft whisper in her ear.

"Your husband is back."

Alice blinked. It took some time for the information to sink in, but when it did, her head whipped around and she saw the cold angry green eyes of the Spaniard dressed in red. No sooner had the dance ended that she felt a hand steal hers. All she saw was Spain's eyes widen in fury before she got greeted by Portugal's laughing cerulean blue ones. Alice rolled her eyes and sent a scolding look to her friend.

"Allow me this dance, my Queen?" the tanned man smirked as he kissed the back of her hand. Alice looked around, the music had already started, the people dancing, she had no choice unless she wanted to attract attention … and she did not. Hopefully, Antonio won't cause trouble again.

"Fine! But don't play any tricks just for the sake of pissing off Spain."

"Why would I ever do that?" The Portuguese laughed before twirling his partner around in a faster, more sensual dance than Netherlands. His hands seemed to accidentally slip more than once and Alice was really getting flustered and angry at this. She stepped on her partner's foot, causing him to gasp.

"We're not doing one of your Latin dances, sweetheart, this is ball room waltz. Please keep your hands in line." She whispered threateningly with a sweet honey coated voice. João smiled apologetically and complied with her will. He danced seriously till the end of the song and Alice tried walking away from the dance floor to meet up with Romano. No such luck. She felt a strong grip circle her waist and she suddenly felt her body being lifted bridal style, her eyes met the spring angry green of Antonio as he carried her back to the next dance. Alice sighed in defeat. She was not going to get a break, was she?

Antonio put her back down on her feet and started to lead her across the dance floor. Alice heard ushered whispers run around them. Obviously, carrying her around in such a way was bound to draw unnecessary attention and gossips. Exactly what Alice wanted to avoid. If she could, she'd gladly not even get near that stupid dance floor! She should have stayed put. Alice was drawn out of her dark thoughts as she felt a possessive embrace around her waist drawing her closer to the man leading her. She looked up only to realise that Antonio had never stop staring at her. His intense olive eyes looked like ones of an enraged bull. He leaned in closer as the music dropped down into a slow. He pressed his forehead against hers.

"Mi Rosa … why did you dance with them?" There was accusation in his voice, not an angry accusation, a pained one. It surprised the English woman, who blushed in confusion.

"W-why not? It's just dancing, isn't it? Besides, do I need your permission to do anything?" Her defiant tone didn't seem to have the usual effect it had on Antonio. He simply sighed.

"No. You don't need my permission. You never do."

It sounded like a defeat and it rang wrong in Alice's ears. For some reason, she hated hearing Spain with such a defeated voice. Tightening her grip on his hand, she took the lead. It surprised Antonio and more than one among the Court nobles. Alice led her husband across the floor, ignoring the shocked stares, the disagreeing looks and the huffing sounds. All she looked at was Antonio's surprised face. He blinked before allowing a crooked smile to twist his lips as he moved to regain the lead of the dance. They had many rounds where each would try and lead his partner. Twisting, turning, twirling, nothing around them existed except their silent battle. It seemed that no matter what they did, they would always end up fighting. And they both loved it.

Adrenaline, exhilaration, excitement, Alice never felt so happy in this entire night. She laughed as she fought around the dance floor, her feet gracefully moving like blades, avoiding Antonio's traps. She loved it! She adored it! She wished it never stopped. Her crystal laugh rang brightly across the silent room. The music had stopped but the two kept dancing. Even Antonio looked blissful with an ecstatic smile greeting his lips. He lifted his partner up, Alice threw her hands up in the air gracefully, as if she was about to fly off, until slowly, Antonio moved her back down. He leaned forward and Alice shut her eyes close. Nobody dared to interrupt them as they both ended their battle with a draw and a passionate promise for another chance.

Alice broke apart from the other's lips, breathless. Antonio looked just as dazed and breathless as her. Neither stopped staring in each other's eyes. The world had stopped existing. Nothing mattered. Alice smirked devilishly and licked her lips in a very seductive and tempting manner.

"Not bad, sweetheart." Her tone was teasing and engaging. Spain smirked back, a dark expression covering his face, like one of a predator.

"Not over yet, mi Rosa." He purred as he closed in on her for another kiss. He never got granted such a wish. Romano rushed towards Alice yelling at his brother who had gotten in his head to make him wear a crown of flowers.

"Mama! Help! Stupido is trying to make me wear those stupid flowers!" the boy jumped in Alice's arms, breaking his parents apart. Alice laughed softly as she patted his head. Antonio was rolling his eyes in both exasperation and annoyance. Romano was glaring at his brother, yelling death threats if Veneziano dared to put those flowers on him. The teary north Italian was picked up by the English woman. Holding both twins in her arms, Alice smiled softly at them and with a motherly calm voice, tried to appease the tension between them.

"That's a pretty crown you made, Veneziano! Would it be ok if you gave it to me instead of Romano?" Alice asked and was gladly greeted with the excited giggle of the Italian as he placed his crown on her head.

"Si! Miss Alice is bellissima!" he chirped happily.

"Of course she is, Stupido! Mama is the prettiest girl in the world!" Romano exclaimed proudly. Both children caused a fierce blush to cover Alice's face but that was nothing until she felt an arm around her waist that guided her away from the dance floor and a soft Spanish whisper.

"Si … muy bella, my English rose."

Needless to say, the unwanted attention Alice tried to avoid … failed. Now everyone was sending her curious or envious stares. Some women were glaring murderously at her. No wonder. She had just been dancing with hot and powerful guys. Of course, nobody knew that they were nations. And Alice could feel the murderous glare battle between Portugal and Spain. Netherlands was not making things easier as he was back to smoking his pipe with a dismissive attitude. Dear lord … Alice couldn't think her situation could get any worse. Never think that. There's always a way to make things worse. Namely France.

The blond French nation walked up to her with an extended hand. He ignored the two angry Iberians glaring at him on either side of Alice. Romano had gone off to play with Veneziano and Holly Rome. And Alice really wanted this night to end. She shook her head, only to earn an insisting smile from her ex-owner.

"Allons, ma chérie! You granted all those other gentlemen with a dance, why not Big Brother?"

"… Fine. One dance, frog!" Alice warned him. She just wanted to escape the tension of the two tanned brothers.

The dance started well. France kept his behaviour in line. Alice got slightly suspicious and with good reasons as she heard Francis whisper in her ear.

"So what was that all about, little kitten?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me, you know what I mean. Did you dance with the other two to get Tonio jealous?"

"No. Why would I want to make him jealous? I danced because they asked me out."

"That sounds very … submissive of you, my wild kitten. I've always had to beg for you grant me a dance."

"That's because I hate you."

"I love you too, mon chaton!" Francis grinned maliciously. His hands started to move downwards and Alice's eyes glared upwards. She didn't get a chance to throw her clenched fist at his face than she was stolen away and into the arms of a Prussian albino. Francis glared angrily and Gilbert smirked back as he led Alice into the dance he had interrupted. Thankful, Alice let him guide her. If she had to choose, Gilbert was always before Francis in her list.

"Thought you needed saving." The Prussian laughed quietly. Alice smirked at him.

"Who said I can't save myself?"

"I know you can. But that wouldn't have been very lady like!"

"… I hate you."

"And I love you too, princess!"

Again, Alice felt her body being pulled away from Gilbert, and back she was with Francis. The music never stopped and all in all Alice kept changing partner constantly in a silent joust between the two men. Eventually the music stopped and both had a grip on her hands. And another unwanted display of attention! Great! Just what Alice didn't want! She noticed the moving figure of Antonio as he advanced towards her with a very angry expression. If he meddled in, things would only get worse. Alice snapped her hands away from the two other nations' grip and glared savagely at them before punching them both in their faces. They both retreated a step back and she walked away gracefully. She walked past Antonio and straight towards Romano who had been following the events with curiosity. The boy looked up and saw Alice curtsy for him. He blushed nervously and bowed back, meeting her gentle green gaze.

"Romano? Will you grant me this dance?"

The boy nodded and felt himself being lifted up and carried to the dance floor. Roderich shook his head in exasperation. Next to him, Elisaveta giggled as she watched in delight the improvised dance of mother and son. Antonio was smiling, all anger vanished. He'll deal with his friends later. For now, he just enjoyed the happy smiles on his family's faces. Veneziano dragged Holly Rome to the dance floor and followed Alice's lead.

"This is uncivilised behaviour." The Austrian spoke in a scolding tone. His wife hummed in disagreement.

"I disagree, dear. I think Alice is a very elegant lady."

"She's not a lady, she's …"

Roderich became thoughtful for a minute, leaving Elisaveta to look at him with questioning eyes.

"She's almost lady like. Which I admit is more than I expected from her." The huffed.

The Hungarian smiled fondly and pecked him on his lips, bringing a sudden blush to his cheeks.

"That's so sweet, dear!" she laughed and dragged him to join Alice on the dance floor.

Alice laughed as she carried Romano around in circles, twirling and spinning, the boy's laughter filling her ears. They had so much fun that night. Neither will ever forget it. They danced until dawn and never once, did Alice feel tired. She even danced with Veneziano, Holly Rome, Roderich, Polland, Lithuania, Spain and Portugal again. Her last dance ended with Romano. Once the music stopped, the room was almost empty, in fact, Roderich was the only one left to provide music on his piano as the orchestra had left. Only few nations remained. Veneziano and Holly Rome had fallen asleep with Hungary and Belgium. Netherlands was smoking in a corner with his eyes closed and none could tell if he was sleeping or not. Spain and Portugal were arguing again as were France with Prussia. And on the floor, only Alice and Romano stood.

Roderich looked up from his piano at Alice. She smiled thankfully at him, causing an embarrassed blush on his face. She picked up the grinning boy who then started yawning.

"Time for bed, love."

"I'm not tired …" The Italian tried to argue but his eyelids dropped and he fell asleep.

"Sure you're not!" Alice chuckled as she stroked the sleeping boy's hair. She walked past her husband and left the ball room to head to her own bedroom.

"Sleep tight, love." She kissed the boy and hugged him tightly as she fell asleep next to him in her bed. The sun was rising, casting their sleeping shadows against the plain wall. It wasn't as bright as the sun in Spain and it felt strangely warming and gentle.

It was a peaceful morning only interrupted by the soft humming of birds.