Chapter 21: Echoes of the North wind

"It's rare to see you so friendly with other nations! I thought you hated the whole world!"

Oh hell …

Alice looked around and met the marine blue eyes of the blond spiky haired Danish man. His axe well visible in his back, thick but rich Nordic court clothes, themed of blue and gold, oddly matching well with Alice's pure white dress. By his side, he was accompanied by a pale blond Norway with stern indigo eyes and his usual cold poker face, protectively standing near his younger Icelander brother, only slightly older looking than Romano (maybe 12?) with silvery hair and bright violet eyes on a pouting face that showed how deeply frustrated and pissed he was to be at this party.

Alice remembered that Iceland hates crowds and has many social stress and issues which at that degree you could call social anxiety or being sociophobic. She also remembered that the boy barely spoke to the other Nordics, and never to strangers. But Alice is no stranger to them. This might be why Iceland looked at her and smiled shyly. She smiled back softly. Romano's head snapped back and forth in sudden worry as he saw Alice and that boy, just barely older looking than him, be so close. He hated it. Norway never smiled but his eyes showed concern for the woman before he warily watched his older Danish brother approach her. Alice looked up and met the bright cheery smile of Denmark. A smile so very similar to Spain's. Uh. Alice paused on that odd thought, a frown crested her face but her attention soon got taken away as the Nordic Empire took Elisaveta's seat and casually dropped his feet on the table. Alice glared, clicking her tongue in annoyance causing the other to lift an inquiring eyebrow and smirk in amusement.

"Put your feet off the table, Denmark." Alice's voice snapped in sharp ice.

"Make me, honning~!"

"… Mathias, don't start." Norway tried intervening but it was already too late. Alice and Mathias were already glaring at each other, forgetting about the world around them. Again … very much the way Alice used to be with Antonio. Romano frowned, very unsettled by this situation.

"You put your feet down this instant or I will make you! Don't you have any etiquette?!"

"Your shouting is as charming as ever … I missed that about you. Forgot how stubborn you were."

"Well, now that you remember, try remembering me and my punch in your face!"

"Hm … Nope, sorry, don't think that ever happened."

"First time for everything." Alice threatened as her body slowly rose from her seat.

But before she could reach for him, the Dane had already leaned forward suddenly over the table. So close to each other's face, Alice blanked out before suddenly stepping backwards, settling space between her and the Viking. Her face was flushed and she looked angry and scared, breathing heavily, while Mathias only smirked in satisfaction.

"Scared, honning?"

"… Fuck off." Alice whispered in a breath so that only Mathias could hear. The man laughed.

"And you talk about etiquette? I do believe this is unethical for a Lady of the Spanish court to speak such words!"

"… What do you want? Can't you just leave already?" Alice kept whispering angrily, her face shadowed by her falling hair and her body trembling of contained frustration. Denmark only watched her with a stern and unreadable expression. His eyes trailed down to Romano then to Spain who was storming towards them. He reached out for England's chin and force her to look at him in the eye. Alice gulped, fear and pain so very vivid in her beautiful green eyes that it made Mathias regret. He regretted … so much.

"You look beautiful." He spoke and everyone heard him in the tensed observing silence of the ballroom. Alice felt her face heat up and she shook the man's hand away. Her face looking towards an empty spot, not able to face Mathias' longing expression.

"Thank you. Now leave." She replied, her cold and controlled voice returned. Mathias sighed but only sat back down in her seat. Alice frowned yet she still didn't look at him.

"I told you to leave."

"I heard you."

"Then …"

"But I don't want to."

Romano took hold of Alice's trembling hand, afraid she might break under the stress. She might. But not the way he expected her to. Instead of running off crying or starting to yell in a hysterical crisis, Alice simply sat back down and lifted a challenging face at the Dane. Said Dane smiled, glad to see the challenge on Alice's face.

"Fine. Let's talk." She spoke with a cold smirk that scared even Romano.

Spain froze, uncertain of what was happening nor what he should do. His wife's attitude had suddenly changed to one of a challenge and she was now talking with Denmark like nothing in the world was wrong. From behind, Spain heard a voice whisper to him.

"If I were you, Spaniard, I'd keep a close eye on the Viking. For your marriage's sake."

Antonio recognised the voice before even looking around at the deep emerald eyes of the crimson haired Scotsman. But those emeralds weren't glaring at him but at the smirking Dane teasing Alice. It almost seemed as though the man was begging to interfere but for some reason couldn't. Of course not. Scotland has no interest in England's foreign relations. None at all. And so no reason to interfere no matter how much Alistair clenched his fists. Without another word, the Briton walked away, disappearing in the crowd of guests and leaving Antonio with the charge of his sister's fate. How ironic. The same man that had threatened him not long ago seemed now reduced to requesting Spain's help. He didn't clearly speak it out loud but Antonio could understand why Alistair had bothered warning him. They both had a common concern. Though the Spaniard didn't need someone else's advice to understand that this situation was clearly not one he should allow to continue.

Determination renewed, Antonio stormed towards the table where Lovino was seemingly trying to keep Mathias away from his mother with his arms wrapped around her protectively, though from an untrained eye, it would most likely look like a child hugging his mother. Alice's face seemed to blank out suddenly and her body froze, eyes in a far daze. Mathias' own expression turned worried yet he didn't dare to engage back with her and Lukas was frowning darkly. Quite surprising to see Norway show this much emotion. The only ones who didn't seem to follow the conversation were the two children Romano and Iceland. But everyone clearly understood that something was wrong. And the Spaniard could not allow anyone else besides himself to harm his wife.

"Alice …?" Mathias whispered in a hesitant breath.

"You just had to bring this up, didn't you?" Lukas growled at his brother, not hiding his anger at all.

"I didn't mean to …"

"Didn't mean to what, exactly? What, pray tell, did you not mean to do to my wife?"

For a moment, neither Alice nor Mathias spoke and Lukas simply sighed as he too took a seat next to his brother, Erik on his lap, while Lovino climbed up on Alice's lap and wrapped his arms around her protectively and glaring at the Nordics. Alice smiled lovingly at her son, gaining the sudden curiosity of the Nordics. Never once had they seen Alice smile like that. The closest to such a smile, she had only given to little Iceland but never quite to that extent. The soft expression on her face was somewhat out of character for the personality they knew to be Alice. A cold and fierce warrior, cruel and violent. That's the picture they came to know of the British woman. Not one of a caring mother.

"I'm surprised." Mathias finally engaged the conversation. Almost reluctantly, Alice looked away from her Lovino and back to the pestering Dane.

"What?"

"I'm surprised to see you changed so much."

"Changed?" Alice allowed a frown of confusion on her face.

"You never would have been this calm talking to us … talking to me … before."

"I didn't change. I grew up and I learned. I learned to overcome anger and rage."

"Oh? So you …"

"I haven't forgiven you however! Make no mistake, Denmark, I cannot simply forget and move on."

"I didn't expect you to."

"Why did you come here for, Mathias." This was the first time since the beginning of the evening that Alice called the Dane by his human name. Mathias felt a sudden chill run down his body at the way she spat his name.

"… I just wanted to see how you were doing. I heard about your marriage."

"Charming. Why am I not believing the genuinity of your concern?"

"I don't care whether you believe me or not. Frankly, I just came here for one reason only."

"And what is that?"

"… I would ask you to forgive me but that obviously is out of the question."

"Indeed."

"Then … Once that marriage of you collapses, I want you to return to me." Mathias spoke in a serious tone, his dark blue eyes burning of the intensity of his emotions.

Lovino clenched his grip on Alice tighter, afraid she might suddenly vanish or be taken away. Lukas' own expression turned from shocked surprise to sudden rage directed at Denmark. Erik hid his face in Lukas' shoulder, already anticipating a clash between his two Viking brothers. But Alice's expression was one to scare them all. Her body froze and her face pale. Her mind blanked out like she couldn't process the information and her emerald eyes clouded themselves as she seemed stare back into the infinity of space. Her life-less appearance could almost make her be mistaken for a string puppet whose string had gotten cut off. The only sign to show that she was still alive was the unusually fast and still increasing beat of her pulse along with the cold sweat rolling down her temples. Mathias' determination wavered as he saw the shadow of fear cross Alice's emerald eyes. He hadn't meant to scare her like that … he just … he just wanted to make things right between them. Maybe sort out their trouble? He didn't mean …

"Alice …?"

"You just had to bring this up, didn't you?" Lukas' unusually threatening voice slashed at the Dane who looked up and fury in his brother's indigo eyes. Of course he'd bring this up. Why was this a surprise? Why would Lukas be so angry? Mathias' eyes widen in realisation as he felt Lukas suddenly grab his collar and hiss curses in his native tongue. The blond Dane's expression hardened and he started stretching his hand and reach for his battle axe.

"I didn't mean to …" He tried explaining things out before he completely lost his cool. A hand landed on his shoulder and a cold voice struck the air.

"Didn't mean to what, exactly? What, pray tell, did you not mean to do to my wife?"

In a swift movement, Mathias had drawn his axe and clashed with Antonio's own weapon. The two axe-men glared at one another until the soft worried voice of Lovino brought all the angry men back to reality. Looking back, they saw Portugal by Alice's side and shaking her shoulders gently while Lovino talked to her.

"Mama! Mama! What's wrong? Are you alright? Mama!"

Alice's body jerked at the sound of Lovino's voice and her dullness seem to faze away, replace by her normal self. She looked back the worried chocolate eyes of her son and buried her face in his embrace, hiding away the tears streaming down her face from the crowd of people watching.

"I'm alright. Just remembered why I'm so glad that you're alive." She whispered in his ear, leaving Romano to his confused ponder.

Looking back up, all emotions drained from her face, the fierce Queen of the Seas glared at the two fighting men. Her glare hardened on her husband and for some reason, it pleased Antonio that she would focus her anger on him. Grinning back charmingly at her, the Spaniard swung his axe away and walked back towards his wife.

"What are you doing?" The woman snapped at him.

"You seemed like you couldn't handle yourself. You are mine. I'm not about to let just anyone trouble you."

"No, that's your job, isn't it?"

"Glad to see we agree on something, mi rosa!"

"You call me that one more time and I will slit your throat in your sleep tonight."

"Really, cara? You'd come and visit me to my room tonight? Are you that eager for me?"

"Are you that desperate that you can't differentiate a knife from a ring?"

"I don't really see much difference. You said yourself that they both are simply pieces of metal."

"Then which one do you think I'd chose for you?"

"I wouldn't know, cara, but I'd definitely want you to pick the knife."

"And why is that?"

"It would mean having you visit me tonight." Antonio smirked at the blushing furious face of his embarrassed wife. She was so cute when she puffed her cheeks like that~! Cute? Oh. Antonio shook that thought away. He couldn't let himself be distracted by such thoughts.

"I think I'll poison your breakfast." Alice huffed, crossing her arms in almost a childish manner that was unknown to her.

Many countries had never seen beyond Alice's cold façade or Antonio's cheerful smile. They never assumed that those faces could hide such different personality. How could Alice sound so childish and innocent when she is the world's reputed most cruel pirate. And how could Antonio show such a dark and teasing smirk when he was thought to be kinder and more charming than the sweetest of children. How can it be that those two have such opposite yet complimentary personalities? The two also seemed to be in a world of their own as they snapped at each other in a verbal joust. The tension and the intensity between them was palpable and oppressing like a battlefield and yet, both harboured broad smiles like they were truly enjoying this from the bottom of their hearts. Completely oblivious to the stares and the nations around them, Alice and Antonio had once again drawn each other into one of their intimate battles, and nothing mattered more than the thrill and the racing of their synchronised heartbeats in a space suspended in time.

"Poison? Every time I try your cooking I get poisoned!"

"Oh? Then that saves me on the making of the poison. I guess I'll just cook you breakfast and pray you die a slow and painful death, dearest!"

"I would eat every last bite and you still wouldn't get rid of me, Alicia. Not until I decide otherwise, you are and will be mine to keep."

"Missing me much? I thought you wanted nothing to do with a witch?"

"What are you thinking, cara? I said I would keep you, but I never said I'd do anything to you. Where is your mind?"

"Nowhere near you, that's a fact."

"You are such a cruel liar."

"That makes two of us."

In the midst of this nonsensical argument, you could only stare agape at the small Italian boy calmly seated on Alice's lap, caught up right in between the parents' war. And somehow, Romano's expression was peaceful and happy, as if for him things had returned to normal. Because for Lovino, nothing could be more normal than to witness the electrified fights of his parents. And he loved it. That was how his family was and he could never wish for a better one!

The rest of the night went on well … as well as it could go when both hosts are ignoring each other and glaring furiously at one another behind their backs. Alice stayed with Elisaveta, João and Netherlands while Antonio hung out with Austria, France and Prussia. The Nordics had excused themselves, Lukas bidding his farewell to Alice under Antonio's watchful glare. Little by little guests were leaving. It was oddly early to leave but nobody wished to interfere in between the silent battle between Alice and Antonio. Even when they stood and each other's end of the room, they still managed to spark another fight with each other.

Decided to distract Alice from her current foul mood (thanks to Antonio's jealousy at seeing her with his brother and Netherlands), the Hungarian tried to introduce Alice to other female nations. She forcefully dragged her friend towards the tall platinum blond girl in a clear blue dress and hair pins in her short hair, peaceful clear eyes that showed nothing but motherly love enough to bathe the entire world in it. Alice suddenly felt scared in front of that woman's natural feminism and motherhood. Her figure was also not one you could easily rival with if at all. Could her breast be any bigger?!

"Alice, I want you to meet Ukraine! Ukraine, this is England. Isn't she cute?"

Alice blushed at being called cute but faced the taller woman proudly. Yes, she wasn't as pretty. Yes, her figure wasn't as curvy and voluptuous (Hell, even Belle has bigger breasts that hers! Make no mistake, Alice has a fine body and her chest is more than enviable but just … not at that level!) Yes, she wasn't as kind-hearted and sweet as that person seems to be. And yes, Antonio is looking this way and Alice could bet he's eyeing the Ukrainian woman like the pervert he is! Men are all the same! Yes, she's not as womanly as her but Alice will be dammed before she let her insecurity show on her face. There is no way that she would allow herself to feel threatened by Ukraine! Besides, Antonio said he loved her, right? So there's nothing to worry about!

…

Why is she thinking about that imbecile?! Why would she care if he found interest in another woman! It's not like this marriage of theirs is going to last eternally! It's not like they were in a real relationship! It's not like they are exclusive! Besides, knowing Antonio and his playboy habits, he probably feels no shame in flirting with other women despite being married. If you can call that a marriage. After all, he did cheat on her with Belgium once. Oh, she didn't blame Belle. Not at all. Alice was well aware that this whole marriage was in the first place to allow Antonio to keep his relationship with Belle. She held no grudge for that. But if Antonio were to cheat with anybody else, he would not only betray her but also Belgium! Could the man really do that?

Of course! He'd do it in a split second, that bastard! Why is she even married to that monster? Why does she even care if he ran off to some big breasted Ukrainian? She wouldn't care! At all! It's his damn life! Alice didn't expect Antonio to show the safe self-restraint and marital respect as she does. She hadn't slept with anyone ever since her wedding and was planning on keeping things at such until this marriage ends. She never expected Antonio to have the same decency!

So why was she so pissed about it?

Blinking slightly, Alice looked up and crossed eyes with the Ukrainian. Did she just say something? Alice hadn't realised the conversation, too busy brooding over her cursing thoughts towards a damned Spanish husband.

"Alice?" Elisaveta asked in frowning concern.

"A-ah! My apologies, I was distracted. What were you saying, Ukraine?"

"You can call me Katyusha. If you don't mind me calling you Alice?"

"Not at all! I … I'm sorry but I've never really been very good at socialising." Alice apologised with an embarrassed blush.

"Unlike your over-social husband!" Elisaveta laughed but soon realised her mistake at Alice's dark aura. "Uh … So! Katyusha! How is your life?" she eargerly tried to change the subject again and away from anything related to Spain.

The Ukrainian shrugged lightly.

"Nothing much. I mostly take care of my siblings."

At that, Alice's attention was peeked.

"Your siblings? Are you the eldest?"

"Yes. I have a younger brother and a younger sister. You might have heard of them: Russia and Belarus."

"I've heard of Russia." Alice nodded in deep thought. She had had some ambassadors from Russia not long ago before her marriage.

"Sister? Did you call?" The innocent voice of a child interrupted the chatting girls as they all looked down to discover a 14 year old boy with silver white hair and big intense purple eyes staring up at them in curiosity, his thick scarf wrapped around his neck, covering half of his face and trailing down on the floor. He held the hand of a younger 10 year old girl with long identical silvery white hair held back with a white bow almost too big for her head, her shy crystal eyes looking at everyone in fear and suspicion as she never let go of her brother's hand. Ukraine smiled at them and motioned them closer.

"No, Ivan, I didn't call you but while you are here, why not meet these nice ladies? This is Lady Hungary, you've met her before, remember?"

Hungary smiled at Russia before patting his head.

"Hello Russia! How have you been doing? Taking care of your little sister?"

The Russian nodded but his eyes never left the figure of England. He pointed his finger at her before turning to his sister.

"Who's that?"

Alice chuckled and gently kneeled down, like she always does when talking to a child (usually Romano) and extended her hand at the surprised Russian boy. Ivan just stared at her hand, not sure of how to react.

"Hello Russia. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I heard a lot about you from your ambassador. He never said how cute you were! I am England. I hope we will build a positive and healthy relationship between our nations." Alice spoke with her melting smile. Ivan couldn't stop staring as a deep blush crept up his face and he shook Alice's hand rapidly and letting her go like he was afraid she would infect him.

"Hello." He mumbled back and stayed quiet along with Belarus, listening to the women talk.

"I'm sorry about Ivan and Natalya. We don't really get to see many other countries from where we live so they're not very good at socialising either." Ukraine explained while looking at Alice. The blond woman nodded in understanding.

"I guess not everyone can be as carefree as my idiotic husband." She sighed, glancing back briefly in Antonio's direction only to see him staring at them. At first she blushed but soon realised that his stare was on Ukraine.

Well … she expected that.

Damnit!

What a clueless idiot! Alice glared at him murderously before turning back to the Ukrainian, royally ignoring her lecherous husband. She should have known! Antonio would never change! Men like him never do! Just look at Mathias! He's still the same idiot who thinks he can just waltz in and swoop in his arms whatever girl he chooses without thinking of the consequences! Damnit! Why did she always have to fall for such idiots all the time! Just once, is it too much to ask for her to get one nice guy?

I love you more!

Damn right you do! That's why you sleep with Belle and flirt up other girls! Alice's scowled and kept a bitter expression as she excused herself from her new friends. Elisaveta had been kind enough to introduce her not only to Ukrain but also Leichtenstein (Lili) whose figure was flatter than a bread board and yet Antonio still stared at her like the hungry wolf that he is. Lili sure had a cute angelic face, similar to Belle's in a way. Nothing like Alice's frowning and temperamental mood. And after that, she met Luxemburg, Belgium and Netherland's little sister who looks about the same age as Lovino. Yet every time Alice met some new girl nation, Antonio would stop and stare at the said nation. Typical of that bastard!

Alice dropped herself down at a table with a growl and crossed her arms and legs, ignoring the disapproving stares she was receiving for her cursing her unlady-like position. A chair moved next to her and Alice barely spared that person a glance until she recognised the voice.

"You look cheerful! Did your husband ditch you again?"

Alice crossed the ruby red eyes of Prussia, his wide grin beaming at her. He smiled a lot but Alice always found Prussia's cheerfulness less annoying than Antonio's. Probably because she could see the genuine concern in the Prussian's eyes and the comfort he was trying to offer her. She truly loved her Prussian friend, fully aware of her blood connection to him and she remembered the times when he would help her out when they were small. Times when she was busy fighting with her brothers. Lovely memories, as you can imagine! She smiled at the albino and sighed.

"I'm just a bit tired, Gil. Don't worry."

"You're sure you'll be alright, Princess? I could talk to Antonio if he did something …"

"If you talked to him, I'd be worried of what would be left of my so called husband." Alice laughed at the Prussian's dark expression. But Gilbert wasn't reassured in the least. He took Alice's hand and squeezed it gently.

"If you need help, don't hesitate. I'd do anything for you. You know that."

"I know, Gil. But there's nothing you can do here … it's not really about Antonio … … Okay, yes it is about him! But not the way you're thinking!" Alice sighed as she struggled in her explanation bringing only more confusion upon the Prussian.

"What do you mean? Did he hurt you? Did he force you?" The panic rose in Gilbert's voice as he squeezed Alice's hand tighter.

"No, nothing of the sort. Though it is related in a way … … Gil? Have ever fallen in love?"

Prussia silenced for a minute. He didn't like where this conversation was going. Slowly he nodded, not trusting his voice not to break. Alice smiled sadly at him.

"Have you ever been betrayed by that very person you love?"

Again, Prussia nodded. He couldn't tell her about Elisaveta. Hell, even he hadn't told the Hungarian about his feelings. Well, the feelings were still there a little but he mostly got over them and accepted the fact that Hungary wasn't his for the taking. In a way, this only made his love for England grow ever so more. Prussia had only had feelings for two women in his life, both strong and determined warriors with whom he could battle with. But having lost Hungary, Prussia's brotherly feelings for England had grown into something more than just protective love. And after losing his love once, he wasn't about to let his second one slip away.

"What if you were to fall in love again?" Alice continued, oblivious to the turmoil of emotions in friend's mind.

"And what if you know that your love is from the get-go a failed one. Fully aware of this, you still can't stop yourself from feeling this love. And it hurts because you know that this person will betray you and break you down just like last time. What would you do?" Alice lifted watery eyes to the speechless man.

"… Alice … are you talking about …?"