Lillica's POV
I was surprised I wasn't dead by the time the week of my next festival came around. It was now mid-December and I was exhausted. I was ahead of my game since my meeting with England. Unless some terrible crisis hits me between now and the festival, I was available on the 25th. I blushed when I finally realized what this festival was.
It was the Lover's Festival. America said it was like Valentine's day for him and a few other countries. But mine was more intimate.
This was a one day festival. For an hour, everyone met in the capital for the Maiden's Dance. Every maiden on the island would dance on the stage, before going down to the one that had caught their eye, maybe the person that would be removing their maiden status that night. The maiden would go to the person, taking a flower from their dance attire, and placing it behind their choice's right ear. It signified unrequited love. If the choice moves the flower behind their own left ear, it meant the feelings were returned. If removed and dropped to the ground, it meant they didn't feel the same. If left alone, it meant that the subject was unsure on their feelings. Even if it was common for my people to have sex during the Lover's Festival after the Maiden Dance, it didn't mean all the maidens lost their status that night, or even that year. Some maidens stepped down off the stage, going to the same person and having their love reciprocated, but continued to dance in the Maiden Dance for years after.
Not all maidens went off the stage. I had danced since it's creation, and have never once walked off the stage, watching for centuries as other maidens went down. If England came for this festival, I would have to perform the ritual like the others. And he wouldn't know what to do, not knowing my customs. I either had to tell him, or let him find out. Surely every one of my people will make some comment on me actually stepping off the stage. England could find out through that. Someone would explain it to him. Rumors would get to his ears before that.
I was now nervous. I wanted England to come. I wanted to reveal my feelings. But at the same time, I wasn't. Again, it's common to have sex after the Maiden Dance. Would I be willing to do that? After a few more seconds, I shook my head. No. I wasn't ready for that. And I bet England wouldn't either. Being the 'gentleman' he is.
I sighed as the week drug on. I was helping with the day before festival plans when there was a knock on my door. I excused myself from the chiefs of my country to check it. I never let one of my own people do this for me. If it was an attacker, I'd rather be in the way.
I opened the door, and my breath caught in my throat.
"Hello Lillica." England said. I smiled as I stepped towards him, automatically clinging to him and nuzzling his neck.
"Hello England. Please, come in. I have a few more things to discuss with the chieftains to finalize everything for the festival tomorrow, so please, make yourself at home. I have a fresh pot of geta tea on the stove if you'd like some." England stepped in, hanging his coat as he nodded.
"Don't mind if I do. I apologize for interrupting your meeting." England said. I giggled.
"Oh please, don't worry about it." I said as I headed back to my meeting room. An hour later I was seeing the chieftains out. "Remember to make sure the brothels are clean!" I called after a few of them. They nodded to me and when I turned, England looked at me like I had kicked someone's cat.
"You have brothels?" He asked. I looked him dead in the eye.
"Most of the people here walk around naked and randomly hug each other. People get aroused sometimes and don't have anyone but their hand. I have brothels to help with that. The workers are well respected people." My eyes narrowed slightly. "Don't you even start to judge my culture again." I warned before getting my own cup of tea and sitting in the living room with England.
"Alright." England said, looking into his cup before speaking again. "So what is this month's festival?" England asked, bring the cup to his lips. I chewed my bottom lip for a second.
"It's the Lover's Festival." I said. England nearly choked on the tea he was drinking.
"What?" He asked, staring at me with wide eyes. I sighed as I began to rub on of the sides of my cup.
"The Lover's festival. Around five o'clock tomorrow night, everyone gathers in the capital for the Maiden Dance, and then goes home. Not everyone goes home with a Lover, so you don't have to worry about anything." I said. "And I understand if you'd rather not stay. I'm surprised Italy and Germany stayed-"
"Wait! Those tossers are here?" England asked. I nodded.
"Yes. Italy had days off, as did Germany, and came to stay in some cottages I had told them I had if they wanted to go somewhere." I didn't mention that they were actually sharing a cottage, and that Italy was more than happy to hear about the Lover's Festival. They were probably actually in the middle of some steamy sex if the twinkle in Italy's eyes were anything to go by.
"Is anyone else coming?" England asked. I shook my head.
"No. And they won't be participating in tomorrow's festivities either. It'll be just us, unless you'd rather not." I said, looking up through my bangs. England just sighed.
"Well, I might as well see what the big deal is about your Maiden Dance." And that's where the conversation ended. I made us dinner soon after and we headed to bed. I was extremely nervous about tomorrow. It was going to be revealed. My true feelings for England. Damn it.
