Okay so this is it. The moment we've all been waiting for: The 'to be a princess song'. I know, I know. I was over the moon about writing this way before this story existed.

In other news, thanks to the overwhelming support for spamano smut, I must wholeheartedly agree. Stay tuned.

Enjoy!

Deep in the heart of town, Romano was struggling to fall asleep.

True to her word, Bella had finished the work Madame Albetta had piled onto him, and he was free to go to bed early for once in his life. But sleep didn't come.

He kept looking at the dark cross he held in his palm. If he used it, he could escape Madame Albetta's. Feliciano would help him, he was sure of it.

But could he just leave? If what the Madame had said was true, then his parents really did owe her money. It was his responsibility to pay it off, no matter how much he hated it. Not to mention, if he left, what would happen to Bella? Her work load would increase ten-fold.

Romano groaned into his hands. He didn't know what to do. Maybe some fresh air would help.

The front door was locked, which came as no surprise. Instead, Romano resorted to climbing through the window. Vaguely, he wondered if this was what his life would be like from then on. Sneaking through the window like a grounded teenager.

The night air was freezing cold. Romano wished he brought a cloak of some sort to keep himself warm, but he settled for rubbing his arms to keep out the chill.

Standing on a dark street at night should of scared him, but he was used to it. Nothing could scare him, he was a strong, big, buff man and-

Who was that?

A dark figure on the corner of the street stopped, looking straight at Romano. He was tall, he was buff, he sent shivers down Romano's spine. Romano immediately took a defensive position.

"Who's there?"

The figure didn't reply. He just walked faster, intent on approaching. Romano felt his self confidence crumble as he seemed to realize that he wasn't anything more than a small, 17 year old boy who couldn't lift anything heavier than a stack of fabric.

"Stay back!"

Finally, the figure emerged under the street lamp, and Romano's worry edged away.

"Ludwig?" He exclaimed, now more angry than afraid. "What the actual fuck? Why didn't you say something?"

"I was trying to not be discovered" Ludwig explained. "I'm not supposed to be out here at all"

"Oh that really makes up for scaring the crap outta me" Romano sneered. "And where's Feliciano?"

Ludwig took a deep breath, as if the steady himself. "Prince Feliciano is missing"

The world seemed to stop spinning. Romano staggered, trying to compose himself. Feliciano was missing? What had happened? What was he going to do now?

Sensing his distress, Ludwig tried to explain as quickly as possible. "I don't know what happened. He ran off earlier today, and when I got around to looking for him, he was gone"

"Wait" Romano cut in. "If the prince is missing, why aren't there guards looking for him everywhere?"

"No one knows" Ludwig admitted. "I didn't tell them because there was a note on Feliciano's desk claiming that he had run away. But it wasn't in Feliciano's handwriting, nor was it like him to just leave without saying goodbye. Something's wrong"

"So you think he was kidnapped" Romano shook his head. "By who?"

"I think it's the queen's adviser, Arthur Kirkland, but I can't be sure. I need proof, or to find Feliciano, before it's too late. The last time something like this happened, it was the king who was missing. The entire castle was on guard and no one ever found a trace."

"But you think you can do better" Romano said.

"I do. If Arthur suspects anything, it's all over"

Romano scowled. Ludwig's plan sounded long and complicated, with little chance of succeeding. "So why come here? I haven't seen Feliciano."

"That's the thing" Ludwig said. "I need your help"

Romano bristled, but Ludwig was faster. "If you help me, and by extension Feliciano, I swear I will have your debt paid."

Romano watched him skeptically. "What do you need me to do?"

Ludwig shuffled his feet a little, almost like he was nervous to say. Finally, he gave in. "I need you to pretend to be Feliciano"

[=]

Ludwig explained the rest of his plan in the carriage ride to the castle.

"So let me get this straight." Romano asked. "You want me to pose as Feliciano until you actually find him and bring the adviser to justice?"

"I know it sounds crazy" Ludwig said. "But it's the best idea I have.

"I don't know the first thing about being a prince though!" Romano protested.

"Oh" Ludwig said, smiling. "That, you can learn."

The carriage slowed down to a crawl, entering the stables. Ludwig beckoned for Romano to follow him and remain silent.

They snuck into the servants entrance of the palace, just barely making it into the prince's quarters unnoticed. Romano had tried to remain unimpressed by castle he had seen thus far, but he couldn't control himself when he saw the prince's room.

It wasn't a room. It was suite. Giant windows let moonlight filter in as it please, illuminating the lavish furniture. A huge bed took up most of the space, inviting Romano in with comfy pillows and soft blankets. A side door let to a private closet. Romano spent his time inspecting the numerous suits and incredible outfits tailored for the prince himself.

He let his fingers trail down a rich blue tailcoat, wondering what it would feel like to wear it. After working with beautiful clothes for a living, being allowed to be so close to some without being yelled at was a luxury.

Across the room, Ludwig sighed. Romano looked up to see him inspecting a painting of the prince and his mother.

"You look almost exactly like him" Ludwig said. He looked just on the side of wistful, and Romano realized that maybe he was more worried than he let on. The way he stared at the painting was the way Romano had hoped someone would look at him one day.

And yet, the idea made Romano just a little uncomfortable, and he couldn't resist criticizing him and little and pointing out, "Except his eyes are brown. Mine are almost green. Not to mention my curl is on the wrong side"

Ludwig stopped for a second, contemplating the problem. "I think I have a solution. Stay here"

Romano watched him rush out of the room. He looked around, unsure of what to do with himself. Slowly, his eyes fell on the closet.

He grinned to himself. Time for some fun.

When Ludwig arrived back, with a small package in hand, he was surprised to find a mess of clothes stacked on the floor, with Romano in the midst of it all, dressed in the finest fashions Feliciano's closet could offer.

Romano turned red when he noticed Ludwig staring. "What?" He demanded. "It's not like I can do this at home. What's in the box?"

"Contacts" Ludwig handed over the package. "They're a little... off. But if no one looks closely, you should be good."

Romano stopped mid-change, fumbling open the box and popping in the contacts. "They make my eyes look hazel" He commented. He moved toward the vanity in the corner of the room. "But not bad"

"And as for your curl, try tucking it behind your left ear" Ludwig said.

Romano reached up, toying with the strand of hair that stood proud off the side of his head. He tried to control his reaction having touched it. It wasn't his fault he loved having his hair toyed with.

When he was done, he stared into the mirror. Feliciano stared back.

Ludwig nodded. "Now that that problem is solved, there is one more thing to address."

"What?" Romano asked. He moved back to the mound of clothing before starting to strip down, intent on trying on a new outfit.

"You are very obviously... not a prince"

Romano stopped, his pants pooled around his ankles and an oversized blouse hung around his neck. "I don't see what you mean"

Ludwig stared for a moment, perhaps contemplating what a terrible idea this was, before continuing. "Thankfully people like you can learn. My cousin, Roderich, would be the most qualified for this but it seems I will have to do. The first thing we must do, is consult to manual."

Reaching over to Feliciano's (small) bookshelf, Ludwig removed the 'Prince's Guide to Being Princely'. "First lesson" He announced. "Is how to properly address a letter"

Romano rolled his eyes. "Hey, genius. How about we skip to something more practical? This is going to take for-fucking-ever and we have maybe six hours"

"Alright then." Ludwig agreed. "Let's skip to chapter ten: The do's and don'ts. No nagging, bragging, slipping, tripping, slurping, burping, twittering, or flittering allowed. Stay pleasant, stay present, stay proud"

And thus, the training session commenced.

Romano realized as he was forced to 'properly' sit at a table, and forced to use 'manners' to eat Feliciano's life might have been a lot harder than he originally anticipated. He couldn't get anything right.

"Wrong!"

Romano tried again, and Ludwig shook his head. He tried again, and this time Ludwig slapped his hand away. Romano quickly felt his patience disappear.

"Alright" Ludwig said. "Let's move on, as this clearing isn't working. Conversation is an important to save face and keep pleasant appearances, and you must learn how to control your tongue. To start: I will start a topic and you will try to please me, your humble guest."

"Great" Romano said, scowling.

"It is lovely to meet you, your majesty. I hope you enjoyed the meal"

"Uh, yeah the food was great. The veal was actually really-"

"Wrong"

Romano looked at Ludwig in exasperation. "What?"

"You must always direct the conversation back to the guest. Now, again. How was the meal-"

"It was fine, thanks."

"Wrong" Ludwig snapped. "Do not interrupt. How was the meal, your majesty?"

"I really fucking enjoyed the-"

"Wrong!"

Romano was seconds away from losing his temper. He could feel smoke blowing out of his ears he was so pissed off. "You know what? The meal was terrible! I fucking hated it, and I hate this whole shitty party!"

Ludwig regarded him with straight irritation and this time Romano really did lose it. "This is so damned stupid! I'm talking perfectly fucking fine, they understand my point, so what's the deal?! Your fucking face is pissing me off, leave me alone!"

"The deal is," Ludwig said coolly. "that you aren't understanding the most important lesson"

"Oh really? And are you going to actually fucking teach it or am I going to be beating around until you-"

"See, this is what I'm talking about. This isn't working, you're not like Feliciano" Ludwig scowled at him. "Try to remember this: Don't show what you're really feeling. Smile like nothing ever bothers you. Everyone else's needs are more important than your own"

Romano stared at him. "I can't do that"

"You have to" Ludwig explained. "Feliciano always did. And if this has to work, you need to stop cursing and control your temper."

Romano wanted to scream, but he stopped himself. His anger slowly receded, and he tried to coach himself. 'Just pretend he's a gorgeous lady.' Romano tried to ignore the fact that Ludwig was obviously... not.

"The meal was exquisite, thank you. How did you enjoy your share, sir?"

Ludwig stared at him. Romano waited to be snapped at, but was pleasantly surprised when he got a thumbs up. "Perfect."

[=]

Exactly six hours later, Romano was the first graduate of Ludwig's Princely Academy. Ludwig had requested a break from him, which Romano could understand.

He wished he could have a break from himself too.

When Ludwig had left, he had given strict instructions to not leave.

"There are way too many people you're not ready to meet without my help, so please stay in the room." He had said. "But if you absolutely must, avoid the queen at all costs. Arthur, too, if you can help it. But the most pressing problem is the foreign prince, Antonio. He's not too bright, but he can be perceptive. Try to win him over. But if you happen to scare him off... well that wouldn't be so bad"

And yet, despite Ludwig's warnings, Romano figured a little fresh air wouldn't be so bad.

He had seen a garden on his way here. If he conducted himself just right, he should be able to explore a little bit and be back before anyone noticed.

Shimming down the rose vines leaning against Feliciano's window, Romano let his feet drop onto fresh soil. He had thought he had done well until a voice scared him out of his wits.

"Couldn't sleep either?"

Whirling around, Romano found himself face to face with a boy about a foot taller than him, with sparkling green eyes and a mess of brown hair. Prince Antonio.

Romano tried to conceal his panic. "Uh, yeah. The bed's not as comfy as I was promised"

Antonio gave him a quirked smile. Something told Romano he smiled a lot.

"I understand your feelings. My bed back at home is a lot nicer"

And despite everything, Romano felt the need to be pissed off. "Oh so the bed I provide isn't good enough for you, huh?"

"What? No! I didn't mean that-" Antonio stuttered, looking just on the side of embarrassed.

"No need to backtrack. It seems like you put your foot in your mouth a lot" Romano glowered at him. "For your information, this just happens to be the best bed I've ever slept in"

Antonio looked at him helplessly. "But you just said that you-"

"Well I changed my mind."

"Oh" Antonio sighed before dropping to the ground in defeat. Romano looked down at him in shock. He was going to get his nightclothes dirty. "Sorry for offending you, uh, again" Antonio muttered.

"When did you offend me before?" Romano asked, knowingly trending on unsafe waters.

Antonio looked up at him. "Um, do you mean when I brought up your missing father or when I kissed you and you ran away crying?"

"Wow" Romano couldn't help himself. "You're kinda a fucking loser"

Antonio quirked an eyebrow, and Romano realized that he had broken one of Ludwig's gold rules; never curse. "I mean-"

"No" Antonio cut him off. "You're right. Francis tells me that a lot. I'm just not cut out for this whole charismatic thing." He laughed a little. "I think my mother just rolled over in her grave."

Romano nodded his head. He could relate.

"I'm sorry for keeping you up" Antonio said. "You can go back to bed now"

"I came down here on my own accord" Romano snapped. But even having said that, Romano felt his eyelids droop. It had been a long night. "But yeah, you should be sorry."

Antonio laughed, and Romano felt a smile touch his lips. "Goodnight" He whispered, before turning on his heels and climbing back up to Feliciano's room.