This chapter is super long BECAUSE THINGS HAPPEN. I added a few side plot things but if you watched the movie, you could probably guess what is going to happen.

But no matter, read on fellow readers. And enjoy!

Almost three days into being a prince and Romano was doing fine. So fine, in fact, that he might have been a little okay with the fact Feliciano was still gone.

It's not like he didn't like the guy, as annoying as he might be. It's just, well, this kind of life was what he was made for. Being loved, pampered, everything fit like the gloves that had made their way into his everyday attire.

The only thing that bothered him about the deception was that he was lying to Antonio. The man never showed anything but care for his well being, and it pained Romano to think that all he saw when he looked at him was Feliciano.

He would have to tell him sometime.

Romano looked to where Antonio was sitting at the lunch table. He was scarfing down the roast beef, eating enough for the both of them. Francis sat beside him, flecking away the occasional piece of food that landed on him. He didn't say anything, and while Antonio was absorbed in eating, he was just picking at his plate, mixed in with staring at Romano.

The faux prince glared at him, trying to make him look away. What was that guy's problem?

When Francis looked down at the table, Romano decided to ignore him and concentrate on how he was going to tell Antonio. He was sure Antonio would understand. Maybe he'd start with how awfuk his life was back at Madame Albetta's and even if he did hate him, he'd at least feel sorry-

"Excuse me, your majesty"

Both Romano and Antonio looked up. Francis smiled at his friend and shook his head. "I was referring to Feliciano, mon ami"

Antonio smiled a goofy smile and went back to eating, but kept an ear open. He was curious.

Francis turned to Romano. "So, Feli, how has the castle life been treating you?"

"Fine" Romano responded, keeping his head high and his hands in his lap. Ludwig's voice played on repeat in his head to ensure he remembered his conversation lessons. "And how do you enjoy serving King Antonio?"

"It is quite the challenge-" Francis started to say, but shut up just as quickly. "You told him you were king?" He asked, speaking to Antonio.

"He deserved to know" Antonio said whilst shrugging his shoulders. Francis sighed before turning once again to Romano. It seemed that his advice would always go unheeded.

"No matter. I've been meaning to ask you, Feli, but whatever happened to that young boy you used to hang around with?"

"Who?" The words were out before Romano could stop them. He had no idea who Francis was talking about. If it was something important, than surely Ludwig would of said something!

"The blond one... Horem, was it? You used to be inseparable"

Francis was staring at him intently. It was like this was some sort of test that Romano had to pass to prove himself as Feliciano. He didn't understand why the Queen and the whole rest of the castle could easily believe the lie but this visiting noble man could see the truth. This was too much pressure!

Maybe it was all in his mind. Maybe Francis didn't actually know it was Romano, and was genuinely curious. Romano's head was spinning when he answered. "I, I don't really know. We fell apart, and I never saw him again."

The blond nodded. "That is terribly sad. True love works in such odd ways, no?"

"It truly does" Romano let out a sigh of relief. He was in the clear.

[=]

Francis, despite Romano's utter conviction, was not convinced.

He had used to Horem card as a last resort. When Feliciano visited Antonio and him all those years ago, he had been head over heels for a visiting monarch who was both his age and under the impression Feliciano was a girl.

Francis had watched them for months, and was shocked to hear the news that Horem's country was in a civil war. He received news three months after Horem and his knight in training Gilbert returned home, that the entire royal family was killed. The assassins spared no royal blood- not a pregnant mother or a five year old in love.

Gilbert had hated himself and Antonio was the one to convince him to join his royal court. He stayed with them for two years before he went off to become a full fledged knight. Francis knew it was his way of coping with feeling helpless.

Francis thought for sure that would provoke some reaction. But the prince's response- that was unbelievable. If he needed any further evidence that the boy in Feliciano's clothes was not Feliciano, that was it.

He wondered what he should do about it. He needed to tell Antonio, for one. He didn't want to see his friend get hurt like this. The queen, too, perhaps. After all that happened with the King! She didn't need another burden.

The details on the king's kidnapping was fuzzy to Francis, considering he got all his news from Antonio, who had both a terrible attention span and memory, but he knew the story well enough. It was after the queen had given birth the Feliciano and his twin brother, who died from complications. The king was on travel. He was due to arrive the very next day, but as the time passed, he never showed. His carriage and its horses were found abandoned, with no king or entourage. The queen was devastated.

With all her loss, a dead son and a missing husband, Francis was shocked with how fast she recovered. That lady was something.

Francis sighed as he wandered the caste halls. He had three options. He could talk to Antonio, the Queen, or the imposter himself. All weren't very pleasant. Antonio would be crushed, for one, and if the imposter was found out it would end in a death sentence. Could he really deal with having the death of a mere boy on his conscious?

He was so lost in thought as he walked that he didn't notice he was about to bump into the faux-prince until it happened. The boy bounced harmlessly off him and onto the floor.

"Fuck! Watch where you're going!" Romano yelled, rubbing his head. "This castle sucks ass"

Francis towered over him, staring down. What a turn of events. Quick as lightning, he drew his sword that always hung off his side and pointed it at his throat. "Who are you and where is Feliciano?"

The boy looked up. There was something flickering in his eyes that Francis couldn't place. "Wh, what do you mean?"

"I know you're not Feliciano, so save it."

"I am!" He voice was shaky and angry, and Francis wondered how he could of ever thought this boy was a prince. "I am" He finished lamely.

"I don't know who you are or why you're here, but I'm not going to let you hurt the royal family. Or Antonio"

There was a sharp intake of breath and Romano snapped, "I'm not trying to hurt him"

Francis rolled his eyes, but he kept his sword steady. He looked harmless enough but one could never be too safe. "Lying about who you are is hurt enough. Do you realize the consequence for treason at this level? Do you realize how much Feliciano means to everyone?"

"You don't think I do?" Romano yelled. "I'm here for Feliciano. I'm doing this for him. And Antonio will understand. I was going to tell him right now, in fact."

A delicate eyebrow was raised. "I'm not sure how well you think you know Antonio, but I've been with him his whole life. This is not the kind of thing he will just forgive." The same emotion flashed in his hazel eyes and suddenly Francis recognized it. It was fear. The boy was shaking now too, but he held his ground. Finally, he caved.

"Feliciano is missing" Romano muttered to the floor, trying to look away from the blade. "Ludwig wanted to catch the culprit, so he had me take Feliciano's place. It was only temporary but neither have returned for three days and I don't know what to do. Please don't kill me"

Francis kept still. After beat passed, he sheathed his sword in one smooth motion and let the boy get to his feet. It wasn't the story that had sold him. It was the raw conviction in his tone. The brunette was looking at him wildly now, like he was the one who was crazy. Perhaps he was.

"I believe you" He said. "I won't help you, but I won't sell you out. On one condition."

Romano looked at him in bewilderment once more and Francis shook his head. "Don't tell Antonio." He looked his dead in the eye, and as blue met hazel, he added "for your own safety."

[=]

That was terrifying. Romano could hardly stomach the thought of how close he was to dying. He never thought the job would come with danger. It had been an hour since then and all Romano could bare to ask was why didn't Francis rat him out? He had nothing to gain from keeping Romano's secret.

Maybe he was truly terrified of what might happen if he was caught by someone not so forgiving.

"Like Antonio" The little voice in his head whispered, but he promptly told it to shut up. Antonio would never do anything to hurt him. Romano jutted his lower lip in a pout. Francis was just trying to pych him out.

Romano stopped from where he was walking. He took a deep breath the calm down. He didn't care what Francis said. Antonio deserved to know. Turning around, Romano began the opposite way he came, headed toward Antonio's quarters.

"Antonio?" He asked tentatively, knocking on the wooden door.

Silence, then the sound of the heavy bolt installed in all castle rooms for safety was turned. Antonio popped his head out and looked around. "Lovino?"

"The one and only" Romano said a little dryly. He really was the only one he knew of with that name. Antonio opened the door all the way and walked out, looking inquisitive. "I kinda want to talk with you."

Romano didn't know what it was, but Antonio's whole physic brightened at the words. "Really?"

"Yeah, really"

Antonio grinned before leaning toward him. "Let's go into the gardens again" He said, whispering in his ear. "I want to ask you something very important."

As soon as he said it, Romano's face reddened. He wondered what it could be. He didn't dare hope, but if it was a marriage proposal, he was doomed. The thought made his heart constrict. Antonio would be proposing to Feliciano, not Romano.

The truth had to come out tonight, Romano decided, or he would let down the only person he had ever loved; Francis be damned

"Okay" Romano said. "Let's go"

Antonio didn't let them stop until they were in the deepest part of the gardens, away from the guards and lady's in waiting sharing tea and castle gossip. The sun shone brightly, and Romano thought vaguely that it brought out the happiness in Antonio's eyes.

Not like he spent his time staring into his eyes.

Antonio himself was running his hands over his pockets, looking for something. It looked like it would take a while. How lame. That was alright though, because Romano had decided he was going to go first.

"I need to tell you something" He started. Antonio didn't look up, still fiddling with his pockets. "When I told you to call me Lovino yesterday, it wasn't just because that is my real name. I mean, it is, but there's another reason. I'm not really-"

"Got it!" Antonio cried out triumphantly, pulling out a small jewelry box.

Romano felt his throat go dry. That couldn't be-

Antonio was already ahead of him. He opened it and revealed a gold ring with a ruby encrusted on the top. "It was my mother's" He explained.

"Oh my fuck. Antonio, wait-"

"And I want you to have it" The taller man reached out to hold Romano's hand, before slipping the ring out of the box and onto his finger. "Because I choose you, Lovino Feliciano Vargas. I love you, and I want you to become my husband."

Romano's heart slammed in his chest. His mouth struggled with the words to say no. "I-"

"Please" Antonio cut in, for the third time. "Will you marry me?"

'Say no' his mind whispered desperately. 'He isn't asking you. You're in too deep. Say no'

"Yes" His voice was small and unsure and he could actually hear his heart slamming in his chest. All bitterness at the name and reason that this was a bad bad bad idea and guilt on the fact that he was lying to Antonio died as he found himself lost in happiness. "Yes! Fuck yes! Yes Yes-"

All doubts were silenced when Antonio pulled him close, kissing him so soundly Romano thought he might die. Pure bliss enveloped him, and it would take hours for the guilt to catch up to what he had just done. To what he had just agreed to. To who he was lying to.

[=]

Romano had wanted to wait to announce the engagement. He needed time to formulate what he was going to do. Oh what was he going to do?

Antonio however had begged to tell everyone right away. "They need to know! It's a long time to plan a wedding and I want you to be mine as soon as possible. Oh come on, Lovi. Let's do it right away!"

In the end Romano had caved. He hated how easily he gave in but he could never stay strong around Antonio. He was fucked anyway so what's the harm in one more thing?

The Queen would be the first to know. Antonio pulled on Romano's hand as they ran through the halls to the throne room like giddy children, eager to share the good news. When as they neared the hall, Romano noticed with some shock that Francis and Arthur were already there, arguing.

"I am King Antonio's adviser and I have decided enough is enough. Almost a week has gone by since we've arrived and your prince has not met the standards of my king."

"Why I never!" Arthur shot back. "Your king does not deserve anything on the circumstances that he lied to the royal family and the kingdom of Italy! That is high level treason-"

"Treason? How has Antonio betrayed his country?" Francis snapped. Arthur's face was slowly turning purple with rage. He opened his mouth the retort, but just then Antonio himself burst into the room with Romano in hand.

"It's decided!" He announced.

Francis and Arthur turned as one. "What's decided?"

"We're engaged!" Antonio sang.

Under any other circumstances, Romano would of smirked at the two's shocked, then horrified expressions. However now was not to time to gloat. He could feel their cool gazes on him and he moved to take cover behind Antonio.

"That's perfect!" A new voice said, elation dripping from her tone. "I always new this arrangement would work out."

Romano turned to see the Queen enter the throne room, her long, eloquent robes sweeping the floor. He didn't know why, but suddenly she seemed much more menacing. Like a cat that was only pretending to sleep.

"Feliciano, dear, stop covering and stand up straight!" Queen Katerina stopped at his side and pulled him toward her, jostling him until he reflected the man she wanted to see. "Your husband to be only wants the best"

Antonio beamed at her, beyond pleased to be addressed as such. "I am so glad you're glad, Queen Katerina. And I must apologize again for hiding my status as king. I do hope this won't bother the wedding process."

"Oh no, never darling." Despite her words, Romano felt her fingers dig into his shoulder like needles. Her grip was strong and her smile forced. He tried to get away. "Please don't struggle, dear."

Across the room, something inside Arthur broke. The King had chosen the prince, the imposter! This had gone to far. It had to end now.

"Your majesty!" Arthur yelled. Three startled gazes fell on his but he remained strong. He strode across the room with purpose. Francis did nothing but watch. "Do not soil your hands with this commoner!"

"What ever do you mean, Arthur?" The Queen asked, keeping her vice like grip on Romano's shoulder. Romano's eyes were wide and desperate, praying that this wasn't the end he had been waiting for.

"This boy, this imposter, has been posing as your son, the prince!"

The Queen released Romano in an instant. Romano stumbled away and ended up in the middle of the room, being watched from all sides. "No!" He cried. "He lies"

"I do not lie" Arthur snapped. "Look at his curl. It's a fake!"

"It is not a fake!" Romano screamed, angry now. It was as real at it could be. He pulled on the end just to prove his point.

Arthur faltered at the display, but not for long. "It's on the wrong side then. Try it!"

The Queen stepped forward but Antonio cut her off. "Leave him alone." He stood in front of Romano protectively. "He did nothing wrong. I won't let you touch him"

"Move" The Queen said. Her voice held command, but Antonio did not back down. Romano's heart was in his stomach as he watched him. Antonio would protect him. Antonio would keep him safe. "Move" She said again.

When Antonio did nothing of the sort, the Queen marched forward and forcefully yanked him aside. Romano say something in her eyes that scared him worse than Arthur did. He was alone. Time moved slow as she reached down and freed his curl from its confines.

His secret sprung free, bouncing like it always did ontop of his head. The room gasped, and the Queen's eyes narrowed. "Imposter"

She stood up, gesturing wildly as she did. "Imposter! Guards, seize him! Guards!"

Armed palace guards swarmed the room and yanked Romano to his feet. He struggled desperately, pleading for help to anyone who could hear him. "It isn't like that! I'm here to help Feliciano! Please, please let me go. You're hurting me!"

The arms that held his were not kind and against his will, Romano felt tears spring to his eyes. They deposited him in front of the queen. "What should we do with him, your majesty?"

Both monarchs stared down at him, one in anger, the other shocked and confused. Antonio said nothing as the queen snarled. "I imagine a few year to rot in the dungeon would do him good. What do you think, King Antonio?"

Antonio stared at him in silence. Romano looked up, his eyes desperate. "Please, Antonio! Listen to me. I had to, I had to! Feliciano is in trouble and-"

"Execution"

Romano meet Antonio's eyes, hard and cold and so unfamiliar that he looked like the stranger he once was. His lips moved wordlessly. "Execution?" He chocked out.

"Si. That is the punishment for treason, is it not?" Antonio turned so that Romano's pleading eyes could not meet his. "Guards, take him away."

There was no struggle as Romano was dragged to his feet and away from the room. His body felt numb and he trembled. Antonio just, just looked away. He didn't listen to him. It was just like Francis said. It was just like he feared.