{Chapter III "A Prince in New Orleans"}

Lovnio's bedroom door burst open as a haggard looking Lovino slumped in. He opened the top draw of his dresser, pulled out a couple of coins from his apron pocket, and put them into an old coffee tin that was next to an ad for a sugar mill for sale. "Well Mister Lovino, a rough night for tips but every penny counts," he muttered to himself as he shoved the coffee tin back with the others. After kicking off his shoes, Lovino fell face first onto his bed to sleep for thirty seconds before his alarm clock went off ringing obnoxiously. Turning off the alarm, Lovino grudgingly got up and opened his wardrobe doors. "Goodnight Cal's," he said taking off his Cal's uniform. "Good morning Duke's," he finished as he put on his Duke's uniform.

The trolley was always packed early in the morning, filled to the brim with people going to all of their different types of occupations. As per usual, Lovino's eyes were glued to a cookbook he was borrowing from the library instead of paying attention to the pretty woman giggling and eyeing his every move. As one tried to make a move, Lovino jumped out of his seat and nearly ran her over because it was his stop. Walking to Duke's Cafe was always an adventure. Just like the days before, a small band of jazz players were waltzing across the sidewalk right in Lovino's way. He waited annoyed and was nearly trampled by the trombone player when he thought everything was clear.

Finally in the safe vicinity of the cafe, Lovino was quickly put to work by Buford who instantly handed him trays piled with food the moment he saw him walk in the door. Lovino was used to this by now, and gave out the food almost as fast as he was given it.

"Lovino!" his friend Matthew called.

Lovino walked over and smiled at his two friends. "Hi everyone. What's going on?"

Matthew smiled. "We're going dancing tonight. Care to join us?"

"Yeah live a little, Lovino! It's Mardi Gras!" Gilbert, Matthew's boyfriend told him.

Lovino sighed and started moving around the tables close by theirs. "I can't guy's I'm working a double shift tonight-need a napkin sweetheart?" he interrupted himself to hand a little girl a napkin. "A double shift, you know-here are your hotcakes-to save-"

"To save for your restaurant, I know. I know," Matthew finished.

"You're always working, Lovino," Gilbert told him. "You need a break."

Lovino sighed. "I can't tonight guys. Maybe next week, okay?" As he walked away he heard Matthew telling Gilbert that he knew Lovino wouldn't come because he never does.

"You talking about your restaurant again?" Buford asked teasingly.

"I almost have enough," Lovino replied.

"Yeah? How much?"

"Well I uh-where are my flap jacks?!"

Buford laughed. "I knew it! You have as much chance of getting your restaurant as I do marrying a millionaire's heir and moving to New York City!"

Lovino just ignored him and continued serving food. "Good morning, Mr. Vargas," he said as Remus entered the café.

"Good morning, Lovino," Remus replied as he sat down at his usual table.

"Congratulations on being voted king of the Mardi Gras parade."

"Thank you Lovi! Not that I'm surprised since now it will be five years in a row!" Remus laughed. "You know what would be wonderful to celebrate with?"

Lovino laughed and set down a plate of beignets in front of him. "Some freshly made beignets, just for you Mr. Vargas."

"Lovi! Oh Lovi, did you hear the news!" Feliciano exclaimed as he burst into the café and sat next to his father.

"What news?" Lovino asked.

"Prince Antonio of Spain is coming to New Orleans!"

"Why would the prince of Spain be coming to New Orleans?"

"Who knows, but he's also coming to our masquerade ball! And-"

"I invited him to stay at our home as my personal guest," Remus boasted.

"Oh that's real swell Feli," Lovino replied and gave Remus another plate of beignets. "Just so you know, my Nonno always said the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach."

"Oh that's genius Lovi!" Feliciano squealed.

"What is?" Lovino asked confused.

"I'll need about five hundred of your man luring beignets for my ball." Feliciano handed Lovino a huge bunch of cash from his father's wallet. "Will this cover it?"

Lovino stared at the money in shock. "Yes, this will cover everything! I'm getting my restaurant!"

Feliciano dragged Remus out of his chair, probably to go shopping for a new costume for tonight. "Well I better go! My prince is coming and there's no way I'm letting him go!"

Antonio had been there for five minutes and he already saw many beautiful women and men. He gladly grabbed his guitar and started playing and walking down the steps connecting the boat to the shore.

"Sire!" Daan called after him, but Antonio ignored him for the wonderful jazz band waltzing around the road. Daan groaned and tried to run down after him, but ended up slipping on his thrown crown and fell the rest of the way down, and the luggage he was carrying fell on top of him.

As Antonio waltzed around with the band, they passed by Duke's Café. Lovino glared at them and scoffed when Antonio offered him a tip of his hat and a flirtatious wink. Antonio shrugged but kept the image of the cute waiter in his mind. Maybe he should stop by later.

Daan shoved his way through the people on the sidewalk trying to find Antonio. When he finally did, Antonio was playing jazz on his guitar along with the jazz band, surrounded by an adoring crowd mainly filled with women. "Sire!" Daan exclaimed. I have been looking for you everywhere!"

"What a coincidence, Daan, because I have been avoiding you everywhere!"

"We're going to be late arriving at the Vargas estate."

Antonio sighed and grudgingly followed through the beautiful streets of New Orleans until they ran into a sketchy looking short, blond man with massive eyebrows. "Excuse me," Antonio apologized. Hopefully the man would be nice rather than rude about the situation. Unfortunately for Antonio, the man seemed to be neither as he smirked down at him in the most evil way Antonio had ever seen. Daan sighed, what had Antonio gotten himself into this time?

A/N: Don't you just love how casually Lovino is able to blow off Antonio without even knowing who his is? Because I love it! Fiesty Lovino is the best XD

Just for reference, Daan is Netherlands. It was the one name I found and actually liked.

Who can guess who the kind of creepy blond is that Antonio ran into? I bet everyone can ^-^

One last thing before I sign off, be prepared because next chapter includes our first song!~ Yay!~

Ciao, Athineath