Authors Note: Hello everyone! I'm glad you've made it this far and now things will start to move at a faster pace! Enjoy!

There was chatter amongst the table. This news of a bride to be was shocking to all, everyone wondering what lucky woman he had his eyes on. Surely it was one of the women in this very room? With everyone excited over this news, it was easy to notice Feliciana was not one of those that were excited. In fact, she was rather silent after this toast, head pounding.

"Feliciana?" A voice called out. It caused the young woman to look over; spotting the blond haired man she was so fond over.

"Si?" Her voice was soft, cheeks pink, and eyes focused on the soldier; ready to hang on to his every word.

"Is something wrong?" He looked concerned.

"No." Her reply was rather quick and Ludwig did not look so convinced.

Rather than dragging on the conversation, Ludwig turned to his food and began to eat, leaving the woman to her silence.

After the first course, the second was brought out, followed by the third. Everyone had finished their meal, many standing to socialize once again. Feliciana took this opportunity to wander off through the house. She wanted to get away from all of this gossip but she was stopped by Lord Kirkland. He looked rather amused by all of the news circulating the estate.

"You seemed a tad ruffled." He would comment.

"Oh, si, I'm a little shocked is all." Feliciana never really expected Lovino the type to marry off right away.

"Is that so?" A thick brow rose.

"Si. Lovino never showed interest in marriage before."

"And it is not strange that you are not married?" The man still looked amused.

Feliciana did not respond.

"Isn't it curious how he invited you to a dinner party and announced that he is looking for a bride?"

Still, Feliciana was silent.

"Furthermore, I find it amusing that he wanted, of all people, you to sit next to him. Then again, I believe you are the only single woman here."

It only took a second for the woman to process what had been said to her. Did Lovino intend to ask her hand in marriage? This made the young Italian's head throb.

"Will you excuse me?" She spoke silently.

"Of course." Arthur grinned.

Felicnana would quickly walk off, going to the entrance. She needed some fresh air. Before she could reach the exit, however, she spotted Lovino at the door and decided that it was best she didn't talk to him now. Turning to leave, Feliciana would hurry off to the bathroom. At least she could have some privacy there.

Shutting the door behind her, the woman would stand there, letting the frown sink across her face. She never had feelings of romance for Lovino. Then again, people of wealth did not marry for love. This only made her heart sink. Surely Lord Kirkland was putting these thoughts into her head? Lovino must have his eyes on someone else… Right? Her heart and head were pounding and she kept replaying the whole night in her head. She remembered being excited to come to this dinner party but now she wanted to go home. Could things get any worse?

After calming herself down and regaining her poise, Feliciana would leave the bathroom. She rejoined all who were socializing, steering clear of Lovino for now. She would talk to old friends and let time slip by. Eventually, she wound up bumping into Antonio. Where had he been all this time? She could not recall seeing him at the dinner table and with an event such as this, why would he not be there? The young Italian hurried over to speak with him, wondering if he had any idea who Lovino had his eyes on.

"Ciao." Her voice rang like bells, striking up conversation with the tanned male.

"Hola!" Antonio's voice was cheerful as it had always been.

"Have you heard the news?" She casually spoke, eyes eagerly watching the man's face.

"News? What news?" He grinned, wondering if this was some kind of game.

"That Lovino is looking to marry." Again, she spoke casually.

"Oh. Si. Si. I was the one that suggested it to him. After all, he needs the company. He's been going through some… changes." He smiled, but it wasn't his usual bright smile. It also wasn't menacing.

"Changes?" This was odd news to the Italian.

"Si. So I suggested he marry!" Antonio smiled, changing the subject back to marriage.

The woman was silent for a moment. Rather than lingering on the thought, however, she would smile and ask, "Do you know who he is considering as a bride?"

"Oh. I cannot say who but they are a lucky woman indeed."

There was a crashing noise, the whole hall growing silent. Everyone was looking around to see where the noise originated from and eyes lay upon Lovino and Ludwig, both in a heated discussion, a broken vase now resting by their feet.

Just as quick as the rumble had begun, the two men regained their poise and dismissed everyone by stating they were 'simply discussing politics'. Everyone would then turn and continue to their conversations.

Feliciana turned to talk to Antonio, but he had wandered off and was no longer in sight. Sighing, Feliciana would take a seat and watch everyone talk to one another. As she sat there, Ludwig walked up to her, face as serious as it always was.

"Feliciana, can we talk?" He offered an arm out to the woman, suggesting they walk as they discussed whatever it was Ludwig wanted to discuss.

"Si." She reached out to take his arm, standing in the process, but before she could grasp on, Lovino appeared.

"Feliciana," He paused, shooting the faintest glare at Ludwig, "I need to speak with you."

The woman looked at the two men, flustered. She didn't know who to speak to first but they both seemed eager and both seemed to want to speak to her first. On one hand, Ludwig was the man she desired to be with. On the other, this was Lovino's dinner party and she was his guest.

She turned to Ludwig. He had asked her first so it was fair that she spoke to him first. She gave an apologetic look to her friend and took the strong blonde's arm. He would lead her off, Lovino looking grim.

Ludwig would escort Feliciana out to the gardens, walking slowly. It wasn't until they were at the edge that Ludwig turned and spoke to her.

"I don't trust him." His cool blue eyes rested upon the Italian's face. She wasn't sure what to say.

'What was there not to trust about?' She wanted to ask but she stayed silent.

"He is up to something, Feliciana."

"Ludwig, he is my friend."

"That doesn't mean that he is not planning something." He spoke in a serious manner. "Why, all of a sudden, does he take interest in marriage? Last year, Lovino had no interest in the subject, did he not?"

Feliciana blinked, remembering back to when she had invited her friends to a small gathering. This was the same day Ludwig had rejected her and the memory made Feliciana frown. "Si. He said he did not understand why I was so fascinated with the idea of marriage. He said that he thought it was a waste of time. But, Ludwig, people change over the years." Her hand reached out to rest on the man's chest, hoping that maybe he had changed. He did not move but he did not acknowledge her touch.

"That is true." The man sighed. "Just… Promise me you will be careful?" He had an earnest look in his eyes.

"I promise." She spoke softly, removing her hand.

The two would return to the large house and Feliciana noticed that many of the people must have left already. There was only Lovino and Lord Kirkland. Both were standing there, watching the two with eager eyes. Before Feliciana could say anything, Lovino dropped to one knee a ring in hand, eyes locked onto hers.

"Feliciana, will you marry me?"

Authors Note: Thank you for reading this chapter! Feel free to leave your thoughts, comments, and reviews! I always read them and they motivate me to write more chapters! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I hope you're all excited for the next one! R&R F&F and have a nice day!