I looked out the window as we stopped. I toppled into Fritz's lap and looked up at him. "Why did we stop? This isn't home." Fritz's smile widened.

"I know, we're going on our honeymoon. Remember?"

"Am I invited?"

"Of course my child." He lifted me as he got out of the carriage. He set me on my feet as he turned to the woman. I pulled on his coat.

"Fritz! Pay attention to me!"

"One moment Gilbert." He gave the girl his hand and helped her out. Wow. She's weak. At least I'm a child. She's an adult.

"Thank you Frederick." Fritz turned to me.

"Yes Gilbert?" I frowned at him then sighed, my temper deflating.

"Nothing." He put his hand on my head. That cheered me up soon but the next thing he did ruined it. He locked arms with the girl and called to me over his shoulder.

"Please stay near Gilbert." With that his attention was gone. They were talking together. I felt tears well up and a pout form, all against my will. I quickly ran to them and started following.

I think I got used to being the only person Fritz paid attention to when I was near. Now it's changing. I don't like it. I wiped at my eyes with my hands as I decided that I wouldn't cry about it. I mean it might just be for now, we're on their honeymoon for goodness sake! I'm much too awesome to let something like that bother me!

Those thoughts cheered me up quickly and I happily followed the married couple. Until I spotted a toy seller. I ran up to them and looked at their supplies before grabbing hold of a stuffed bunny. It felt like silk. I hugged it to me, and jumped when I heard Fritz. "How much for the toy?"

So he is paying attention to me! I beamed and hugged the silky bunny tighter. I remember petting a real bunny before. It was nice. "Here Gilbert." I turned and ran back to Fritz.

I followed them in and out of stores as they browsed around. Fritz ended up buying a whole new set of Prussian blue jewels for the girl to wear and for himself he bought a new fancy belt. We then entered a place to eat, having taken the stuff back to the carriage. Fritz looked at the menu with me and helped me pick something out.

"So Gilbert, are you having a fun time?" The girl asked. I stared at my lap, refusing to answer her. "It's okay. You don't have to be shy. I won't bite."

"I'm ok." I replied.

"What do you think you're going to call the bunny?" I didn't answer her this time and they started talking instead.

I ate my food quietly when it arrived and then we went back to the carriage where I clung to the bunny as Fritz talked to the girl or just watched the scenery. She tried to talk to me a few more times but I refused to answer. I instead leaned into Fritz, who eventually set me on his lap facing him. I smirked. Point one for me!

We came to another stop. Still not home. We must still be on their honeymoon. Fritz held me as he got out and set me down to help the lady. They don't need me on their honeymoon. I knew that. Just look at them. Well if they don't need me, maybe they won't mind if I explore. Even with that thought I still followed Fritz silently, hugging the bunny to me. I really do need to name it.

I walked faster and tugged on Fritz's coat. He smiled down at me. "Yes Gilbert?" I lifted the bunny to face him.

"Father Christmas. Christmas for short."

"What a wonderful name for our new friend." I beamed and looked at my feet. He put his free hand on my head. I feel way better now.

"So it's a he? How wonderful." The girl said. I deliberated on whether or not to answer. After a few minutes I replied.

"Thank you." She beamed and looked at Fritz who sent her his usual smile. Point two for me. Fritz may be treating her better at the moment but he loves me more.

We bought a Prussian blue dress for the girl, a cup for Fritz, and I got a new toy - a big bouncy ball and a small one. We got snacks and headed for the carriage again.

We made another stop. I didn't mind. I was getting new toys every time. So I asked Fritz a question. "Fritz, are we stopping at every city between that place and home?" I asked, trying to gauge how many toys I could get out of this.

"Actually this is our last one. Then we'll stop in the city then ride into the palace and we'll be home. Are you tired of walking?" I shook my head vigorously.

"I'm not weak and I'm not a girl."

"Excuse me?" The girl asked.

"It's fine Elisabeth. Gilbert doesn't mean anything by it." He said to her before turning to me. "You are neither, correct. I was only asking if you were getting bored of walking."

"I'm fine, really Fritz. Thank you for asking. I love you."

"I love you too Gilbert."

We got three more things and more snacks before heading to the carriage. She has to step up her game or I'll win for sure. The next stop we were close to home.

I followed behind them until I spotted a group of kids, a familiar group that tried to bully me, was bullying a child younger than me. I slowed down further and further until they were out of sight. I turned and ran back to protect the child.

"Hey, you losers! Why not pick on someone your own size!" I snapped. They stopped and turned to me.

"Like... you?" I glared at them.

"Bring it!" I snapped. They left the kid and ran at me. I spun and ran, leading them away from the other kid. They started laughing. I smirked. They thought I was scared. Of course I somehow managed to find a dead end, a fence blocking the way. I ran right into it and fell down. I jumped to my feet and spun, ready to fight now.

"Well if it isn't Gilbert. Ready for round two? This time we'll win. Daddy's not here to save you."

"I don't need saving." I snapped before pouncing on the tallest one. I started fighting just like last time. I wanted to take down my targets from toughest to weakest. Just like last time they ran away one by one… and just like last time Fritz interrupted.

"Gilbert!" The kid turned and ran. "Gilbert, come here." I remember what happened afterwards… after we got home.

"Fritz, I'm not the culprit this time! They were bullying another kid. I saved him. I led them away so they wouldn't hurt him anymore."

"Is this true?" He stared at me but I didn't back down. "Very well. I believe you. This time I'll let you off with a warning. I'll have to get in contact with their parents, it seems." I ran to him and lifted my arms. He lifted me and held me to his chest.

"Where's the girl?"

"I left her back at the bookstore. She's not just a girl anymore. She's my wife." I frowned.

"Do you like her?"

"That is neither my concern nor yours."

"Nooo. I didn't pick her. I only picked you."

"I know, but you still have to give her her due respect. So please attempt to be nice." He tried to soothe.

"What are you going to tell her?"

"The truth. That you ran off. That is all she needs to know." We reached the bookstore and Fritz continued to hold me. We browsed books and I was set on my feet eventually. I looked around and picked out a picture book. Or a book with lots of pictures. I could read a bit but mostly the written words were scribbles to me. I took it to Fritz and he put it with theirs and picked me up again.

He payed for the books and we made our way back to the castle. There he dismissed us and left her in Henry's care. He took me to his office. "Okay Gilbert, describe to me what you saw. I think I know who was present but I need to make sure I am not making the mistake of assuming." I sighed and began to explain everything to him.

He was satisfied and took paper, quill, and ink before writing out the same looking message several times but addressed each to different people. Then he carried me and the letters. He stopped a servant and ordered them to get the messages delivered.

"What's happening Fritz?"

"I'm orchestrating a meeting with their parents."

"What?!"

"This delinquent behaviour needs to stop."

"That's essentially me tattling on them! They're going to hate me even more. The only solution is to beat them into submission."

"No Gilbert. That is not at all a solution."

"How's this? We'll try it your way first. If it doesn't work, as I suspect, then I'll proceed with my way."

"Then I will have to put a stop to all of you, won't I?"