A/N: Thank you for reading. I think this story will have anywhere from 3 to 7 chapters. It's likely that it will probably be closer to 4 or 5, though. I'm writing my chapters shorter than I normally would. My reply to shipwrecked souls: *wink wink* Maaaaybe. Here's the start of you finding out.

Almost immediately after knocking, Ludwig and I were greeted by the beautifulsight of Arthur Kirkland in baggy pajama pants and a tee-shirt. He yawned and greeted us, "Sorry. It's late enough that all of my maids are asleep or out." He scratched his head looking embarrassed, "Do you gentlemen need anything?" Those eyes sparkled even more in person. Knowing that at this point, I was surely blushing, I turned away from him and spoke loudly. "Yes, sir. If it's okay with you," I paused for a moment, noticing that Feliciano was in the far back of the hallway, "May we stay for a night?"

"Of course. I'm not that unhospitable. You poor travelers look like a mess," I felt a problem start to form in my pants when he leaned forward and dabbed my face with a handkerchief that he pulled out of his pocket. "Really?" I asked him, glancing over his shoulder to make sure that Italy was out of view. I felt a little bit nervous because our plan was to keep Arthur distracted, then leave, and he just agreed to us staying. "Why not? I've been kind of," he looked into my eyes and blushed, "lonely since my father went on his business trip. I could use some company." "Isn't that unsafe?" Ludwig butted in. "No, I'm sure it'll be fine. Even if you are assassins, I'm the future king. I've had years of training," Arthur said, shaking his hand as though it was no big deal. "Thank you… very much, Crown Prince Arthur," I said nervously, bringing his hand to my mouth for a kiss, as it was customary to do. "But if you're staying, I want to at least know your names. I'll also need to check your carriage, if that's not a problem," Arthur said, giving me a shy smile that made everything worth it. "It's really not, Crown Prince," I said, attempting to sound flirty. "Oh, just call me Arthur," he said, letting out a light laugh that was sweeter than any candy.

He checked the carriage. First looking at the people inside, then inviting us all in for tea. "I wouldn't want to make you do that. You're already letting us stay," I said, laughing. "Don't worry, love," he insisted, leading me by the hand towards the kitchen, "It's really not a problem." Little did he know, it was a huge problem. The kitchen was the room between the vault and the exit that Feliciano's group would be using to escape.