I was excited for today! Today Spain would be coming with his King, Queen and his Princess Carmela or something like that. The best part was that Spain was coming! I quickly got out of bed and took a bath before getting dressed comfortably and running down the stairs to get breakfast.
"Fritz! When is Spain going to be here?"
"We'll see them in only a few hours. Did you see the clothes that Abelard set out for you?" I nodded.
"I put on clothes. Kesesese." I picked up my fork and began to eat my breakfast.
"I see that. I know you will change clothes for the ball, you've been given a new suit just for this occasion."
"You mean because I ripped the other one."
"Yes."
"Hey Dad, what Princess am I going to meet?" Frederick George asked.
"You'll meet her when you meet here, Frederick."
"Gilbert, do you know?"
"I don't and I'm sure if I did that I'd be forbidden to tell you, courtesy of our one and only King."
When I had finished my breakfast and drink, I saw Fritz motion to Abelard and he nodded back to Fritz. I'm being forced to change into proper clothes. I stood up before Abelard could talk to me. I walked back to my room and changed clothes, giving the cravat to Gilbird to hide. There was no way I was going to wear it! No way! I grabbed a book from my bookcase and started reading, since I had nothing better to do.
"Gilbert! It's time! You need to head downstairs to be seen." I looked up to Abelard. I'd gotten to half way through the book.
"Is it that time already? Their here?" I asked.
"Yes it is, and remember, stay in the castle grounds this time. You don't want a repeat of last time do you?"
"Shut up Abelard, I didn't ask for a reminder." I stood up and straightened out my clothes before placing the book back in the bookcase. I headed downstairs, Abelard following right behind me.
"I think you forgot your cravat."
"I couldn't find it." Because Gilbird hid it. I reached the bottom of the stairs and walked over to the entrance hall, where I found King Fritz, Queen Elisabeth, and Prince Frederick waiting in front of the doors. The Prince was once again over dressed. I smiled. "Kesesese. Again, my Prince?" I asked, teasing him.
"It wasn't my choice!" He complained.
"Gilbert, don't make fun of Frederick. He needs to look nice for the Spanish Princess."
"Yeah but you are the-"
"Shush!" Fritz ordered. I ran to his side as the doors opened. Spain was the one who opened the door. When he saw me he grinned like an idiot and tackled me.
"Amigo! I'm so happy to see you!" Someone cleared their throat and he quickly stood up and dusted us off. I grinned at him.
"Happy to see you too." I looked to see who interrupted our greeting. It had better be for a good reason. Spain's always super happy after greeting France and I, we'd not seen each other in a long time really. I usually see them both at least twice a week and once every other week together, with the both of them. It was the Spanish King. Charles the Third. The Queen, Maria Amalia of Saxony, was smiling, giving Spain a shake of her head.
Spain walked back over to his royalty quickly. I gave him a grin. I watched the Royal families say their royal hellos and whatever you call it. Soon we were walking into a room. The Kings and Queens sat down together and I and Spain followed the Prince of Prussia and the Princess of Spain. The adults were to be having privacy.
We took them to the gardens. They quickly found a spot away from us to talk to each other. "So…"
"So… how are you doing amigo? I didn't hurt you did I?"
"Of course not. I'm a lot harder to take down than that. Otherwise that loser Austria would have won against me already. Multiple times in fact."
"Fusososo." He laughed, grinning at me.
"So are you bored yet?"
"Si, but I can't leave. I have to stay here with my boss."
"Me too I guess. What do you have planned?"
"We left everyone else because de king said it would be better this way. They'll be here within the first thirty minutes after we arrive."
"So not long then."
"Yeah, but hey! I'm going to do a show with Toro in the hopes that the Prince agrees!"
"And then later we can play with Toro. Gilbird should be back any time now though. So if you want we can write a letter to France."
"No, we can meet up in a few more days."
"So how would this marriage be helping your king? Does he want this marriage?"
"I'm sure anyone would want to have a marriage with your prince approved, based solely on the fact that you are a mighty nation thus giving them more power."
"Only if their power hungry. Which means not Austria. He's too obsessed with music, which is why he has delicate hands."
"Hey! Prussia!" I looked over at the prince.
"Yeah?" I asked.
"Show Princess Maria something cool!" They walked up to us. "Also, when is this really getting started?"
"Whenever the other people arrive. You wanna see something awesome, bring me my horse." He was surprised and confused.
"Princess Maria, I beg you to give me a minute, I'll be right back." She smiled and curtsied.
"Of course, Prince Frederick." She turned to me. "I must inform you that you have one of the most stunning princes I have ever met."
"Well you won't be finding any good lovers in Austria, that's for sure. They have only one love already. Music." Spain chuckled before looking at Maria.
"So what have you two been talking about?"
"Antonio! You know I won't tell you. I know you'll report to Father what I said."
"It's my job, señora." She rose her head higher.
"Exactly." She turned around and walked stiffly back toward where she was before, waiting for the Prince to come back. A few more minutes he came riding over on my horse. He jumped off, swinging himself using the horse for support. The princess quickly stood up and hurried over.
"Here you are Gilbert. Now show us whatever it is your going to show us." I grabbed my horse by the reins before greeting my horse with affection. It whinnied as I led him to the middle of the backyard. I let go of my horse and whispered into his ear affectionately. I turned around to see them. Spain was behind the Princess and Prince.
"Watch carefully because I'm only doing this once." I took off my shoes. I climbed on top of my horse sitting on it for a moment. I've done this many times to practice so I can impress Fritz. I threw my leg over, to face my crowd, so I looked like I was side saddling. I quickly drew myself into a crouching position before standing up before I fell over. "See? How awesome is this?" I asked. I was met with claps and cheers.
"Gilbert, get down from there immediately!" Fritz ordered. I wobbled and my horse backed up, freaking out at the sudden shout. I quickly sat down as my horse reared backwards. I grabbed the reins and tried to calm my horse down, talking to it quietly. It was my home horse, not my war horse. Otherwise the loud shout wouldn't have bothered it.
"Gilbert!" the Queen shouted. My horse ran away and I quickly began using one of my hands to comfort it. It calmed down a few minutes later, having finished freaking out. I walked it back to the others and smiled.
"Ta da!" I chuckled but only the children and Spain laughed. I saw Abelard quickly run out and grab the reins, calming the horse. I got off and he led it back to the barn. Fritz gave me a look as the Queen checked me for injuries while everyone else turned and headed back inside the castle.
"Oh Gilbert, are you okay? Are you hurt?"
"Calm down, my Queen. I'm fine. Really." I said gently. She sighed and pulled me into a hug. This felt awkward but after a minute she let go and kissed my cheek. "Hurry, we have to greet our guests." She turned around and started walking toward the ball room.
I walked into the ball room to see a band ready to play music as the royalty greeted the guests. A few minutes later the Prince and Princess started dancing when the kings had finished giving some sort of speech about how they were happy to be able to spend this time together or something. I wasn't really listening. I was too busy watching Frederick fidget. He kept looking at me desperately and back at the Princess with confidence before looking at Fritz with pleading eyes. Then he would look back at me and start it all over again while his hands were messing with his clothes.
They danced in circles as music played and ten minutes later everyone grabbed a partner and started to dance too. This was the part where the ball conducted at the castle fell back into order with everyone else's.
I watched them all dance with Spain standing by my side. After a minute he turned to me. "Gilbert, if you will excuse me, I think I know how to make this ball more entertaining." He left and I waited for him. He returned quickly. With two glasses of wine. I grinned. "This will make your day, si?"
"Oh I think I must agree with you, sir Spain." We both chuckled before we took sips of our wine. I drank mine more quickly than he did. He finished his before turning back to me. I smiled, bowing. "May I have this dance?"
"I would be delighted." He said, chuckling. We took hands before walking onto the dance floor. I quickly let go before we started 'dancing', or walking in circles in tune with the motion the others were moving in.
"I wonder how the common people live." I said absentmindedly.
"Don't let them hear you say that! It's very offensive."
"Oh, come on! They'd be happy I'm even interested! I've always lived at the height of society."
"Ego much?" He asked, laughing.
"I am awesome!" We laughed together.
After some time everyone had stopped dancing and we were all now in the banquet hall, having lunch. I sat with Spain near the end of the table. I was having fun talking with Spain and eating food and drinking beer when Abelard came up behind me. I groaned, almost laying my head on the table before I settled quickly for slouching with my head down, looking at my lap.
"Gilbert, I would like to inform you that you must dance with at least one of the girls. I saw you staying near the wall with Spain earlier. At least dance with the Princess. For your His Majesty's pleasure." He whispered in my ear.
"I do what I want Abelard. If I wanted to dance, I'd dance. I don't want to give the impression that I like any of these people. Because I don't. Oh and by like I mean love." I whispered back to him. He sighed.
"I urge you to reconsider." He said before leaving me to myself.
"I'm sorry amigo but who is that guy. He's always talking to you. I know his name is Abelard but what does he have to do with you?" I looked at Spain.
"Do you know what a caretaker is?"
"Si. I had one once or twice."
"His job is to look after me. You know, take care of me."
"Oh! You mean caregiver. I have one of those! His name is Leoncio." I smiled.
"I have tried to get him fired at least three times. I want a new one, one who doesn't squeal to the authorities." He chuckled.
"I know how you feel, amigo. I thought about doing that twice myself. Actually did it once. Didn't really work out well though."
"Kesese. Really? What did you do? Frame him for a crime or something?" He froze.
"Well not really. I don't really remember, all I remember is that it didn't work out well when I tried to get him fired."
"I'm bored again. I need more beer." I complained.
"Well the next festivity should cheer you up!" He said, smiling. "I'll be playing with Toro." I grinned.
"Sounds great."
"It will be."
"Wish I could join. Fritz wouldn't let me though. Nor would Queen Elisabeth."
"Sorry to hear that."
A few minutes after talking to Spain everybody was getting up again. I was trying not to hiccup so much. I followed Spain and the others to a place where we were to watch Spain do his thing. I sat down and I was quickly joined by Prince Frederick and Princess Maria. Prince Frederick seemed to finally be warming up to the princess. Which was good to see. Though his affections for her weren't that great as he had for that French princess.
Spain walked out wearing his costume, people cheered, mostly the Spaniards. I cheered too of course. I felt something land on my shoulder and lean up against my cheek. I looked to see Gilbird. I smiled. I was happy to see him again. I pet him and offered my palm. He gladly hopped into my palm before settling himself down for a nice long bird nap. I petted him while he slept. He's had a long flight.
Toro was waiting to be released but he was still acting as the bull he was expected to behave as. When he was let out he ran, mooing. "Hey, amigo! Over here!" Spain called. Toro looked around at Spain before scuffing the ground with his front hoof. He mooed before charging straight at Spain. Spain quickly danced around Toro and ran to the center of the field. Toro turned around and charged again.
Spain let the fabric pass over Toro's head and Toro mooed again. This time from pleasure. He didn't turn this time, he kept charging and turned while doing so. People rose in their seats, worried for Spain, however, Spain neatly jumped over Toro, not even touching the bull's back. Toro jumped around before scuffing the ground with all his hooves. He mooed and charged forward, lowering his head. Spain let the fabric pass over his head again. Sadly, Toro misstepped and he fell, lodging part of his horn into the ground, diagonally. I stood, just in case Spain needed help.
Spain threw the cape and ran to Toro. He grabbed his horn with worry being heard from the crowd. He helped Toro partly to his feet so that the horn was lodged downward. Toro started to pull. Spain patted him on the head before digging around his horn. Soon Spain nodded at Toro and Spain pulled hard on the horn, and finally Toro was free. Toro turned to Spain and started licking his face. Spain quickly led Toro away from the public eye. I smiled. Those two have a great relationship. Spain came out and bowed to Prince Frederick.
"That show was for you. Do you approve?" I whispered to him. He nodded.
"What do I do?" He whispered back.
"Stand up and start clapping." I told him. He stood and started clapping, followed by Princess Maria and then the other royalty and finally everyone cheered.
We started heading back to the ballroom to dance some more. "Man that bull was stupid! That guy was talented! Did you see the way he jumped over it?"
"That bull was not stupid!" I defended. He turned to look at me.
"What do you know?"
"More than you, obviously." I replied.
"Liar."
"Who you calling a liar? You loser!" I shouted at him, smirking.
"Gilbert! A word please!" I looked over to see Fritz. I smiled and headed to go see my King. "Gilbert, please don't cause any trouble today. You're doing very well so far." He gave me a bigger smile. I frowned.
"I wasn't causing trouble. He said that the bull was a dumb animal and you know that's not true. That's Spain's bull."
"Well you can't exactly tell him that can you? You would be taking away from Spain's credibility." I nodded.
"That makes sense." I quickly looked at him. "I'm not apologizing! No matter what!" I quickly told him, hoping he wouldn't find a way to make me.
"I'm not asking you to. I distracted you before you could make it a fight." I smiled.
"See? I only need you to know when I make a mistake." His smile seemed to become almost a smirk of laughter.
We walked back into the building and entered the ballroom. Spain finally caught up with us, dressed back in his other clothes. "What did you think?"
"Totally amazing. Anyone who says otherwise is a loser! Except Austria. He's a loser either way."
"Gilbert, would you like a dance with Princess Maria?" I looked up to see that Maria wasn't here, just Abelard.
"I told you I wasn't going to dance! I don't want to give the impression I love someone."
"His Majesty requires that you do."
"What part of no don't you understand, Abelard?" I demanded. "Now either support me or get lost. I'm in a conversation with my friend Antonio." I looked away from him and back to Spain. "Hey, Spain, guess who came back?" He looked at me, smiling.
"Who?"
"Gilbird!" I opened my coat to show him off. Spain smiled.
"Aww! He's so cute! Hey Gilbird." He said.
"He's sleeping so you'll forgive him if he doesn't reply." He nodded.
"I'll forgive him."
"Gilbert, why do you refuse to dance?" I turned to see Fritz. His smile wasn't as big as it usually was. It was indeed almost a frown. Abelard was standing behind him. I glared at him.
"Really? Just because I-"
"Gilbert, I want an answer." Fritz demanded. I looked at Fritz with a comforting smile.
"I'm in a gentlemanly conversation with my friend."
"Where is your cravat?"
"I've lost it. Seriously, I lost it. I don't want to be unseemly so I decided to not dance that way I don't put a bad reflection on you. I'm attending the ball and trying to hide from the women because I know women are mouthy and it will spread, giving you a tainted reputation. Your reputation is sacred and must be kept that way."
"Amigo, that is one long answer for one short question."
"Well it was an open ended question."
"Then you may borrow one of mine." Fritz turned around and ordered Abelard. "Go retrieve one of mine and take it to Gilbert who will be waiting in the dining room." He turned to me, telling me to go to the dining room. I turned and headed to do as I was told. Spain followed.
"Hey at least you'll be able to dance with the Princess."
"If she even accepts me."
"Of course she will! You're awesome! Remember?" I nodded.
"Nobody could forget that."
I sat down and a few minutes later, Abelard came in holding a cravat. I quickly looked away from him. "Here you are Gilbert."
"Spain, what's it like at your place? Are you trying to find suitors for your princes and princesses?" Abelard quickly put the cravat on me.
"Don't be childish Gilbert." I ignored him. I stood up and followed Spain to the ballroom again. "Honestly? You're going to refuse talking to me?"
"Not my problem." I called over my shoulder. It was the only way I could try to keep him in line. I can't get him fired! I've already tried that as I've said before.
"I'll go get Princess Maria." Spain said and hurried off. I stood there, waiting. Spain was back in a few minutes and he had Princess Maria. "Maria, you know Gilbert?" She nodded.
"Yes Antonio, I know Gilbert. I've met him twice before, counting today."
"Would you like to dance with him?"
"I am regret to say that it is his choice if he wants a dance, but if he does, I will be very delighted to join him in a dance." I was about to decline but I decided I would, if only to make Fritz happy.
"I would be pleased to dance with you, Princess Maria." I took her hand and led her to the dance floor. I watched Spain quickly run off to meet some girls to dance himself. Clearly he was entertaining me while he really wanted to dance. Remind me to tell him if he wants to dance, he can. "So how do you like it here?" I asked.
"I find it very enchanting." She replied. "I'm sorry about the show Antonio gave. That bull is his friend. He couldn't just leave him like that."
"Don't worry. I don't care. I'm actually glad that he was able to help the bull. I know all about being friends with animals." I smiled at her. She looked up at me, quizzically. "I have a friend named Gilbird, and he's a bird. He does many things to help me."
"What type of bird is he?"
"A yellow one. He's special."
"I wish I could see him." I released her hand and showed her Gilbird, who was waking up finally. He opened his eyes and tweeted. "He's beautiful."
"Thank you." I grabbed her hand again as Gilbird flew up onto my shoulder.
"So… what's going on?" Gilbird asked.