A note about the chapter: for a reference of the dress she wears, [[ cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=4657105]. Sorry it's so girly. .w."

Thankfully, Miss Charlotte gave me space to decide what to wear and change. I want to impress him, so something other than my usual green dress is a must. However, what should I pick? Most of it is frilly and heavy, in rich colors such as royal blue and blood red. It's all so unusual to me, probably because I don't wear them much. They're nice quality, intended to charm political visitors and if you wear them you seem ladylike and prim. I, on the other hand, prefer simple dresses (or pants, when I can sneak them) so that I can move efficiently outdoors. I love the feels of the tree bark rubbing my leg through the fabric, and my green dress gives me the freedom. I won't be outside today, I can't be free.

With that thought I sigh and focus harder on picking clothing. How surprised would he be if I came out in pants and an open front shirt? Oh, the look on his face would be hilarious! I bet he would fall over in surprise~... Then storm out and find a better lady. No, mustn't act stranger.

I decide finally on a dark purple one, nearly the same shade as his eyes, and dress quickly. I hope he's still there and the food hasn't gotten cold. Tying the front lacing as I walk, I head to the visitor's hall where breakfast is usually served. You could say my home castle is large, most of it open to the public. We have a few halls for various uses, one for meetings concerning the townspeople, one for hosting feasts and celebrations. I wish I could attend one of the meetings as I'm sure I'd learn more about the land outside the castle grounds, but it is restricted to only males above the age of 16. I bet my visitor, the young man waiting for me, could attend and tell me what goes on, but I doubt he's interested in a wife with her nose in politics.

I reached the breakfasting hall and sat in a chair near the edge so that I'm less detected. My officials like to give me a bit of a glare if I stand out. I don't think they like young girls. Fortunately I sat near him. He scooted to a seat closer to me and smiled. I smiled back and looked down to my plate, suddenly realizing I didn't know who I was sitting by.

Well, I did know what he's like, but I couldn't remember his name entirely. This boy who seemed like his brother always called him Roddy, so I'd done the same, but that would be really odd to be named from birth, right?

Fortunately the food gave me time to plan how to get the information. I could ask him straight out, but that might seem rude. I could ask my father or Miss Charlotte, but he would lecture me on the importance of memorizing names, and she would laugh at me. Hmm... He must have a friend I could ask. That's what I'll do! The solution brought a smile to my face, more sincere than the one I gave him.

" You, uh, look happier than earlier. Are you feeling well?" He asked. I nodded and asked him the same. He was happy too, he expressed, though he looked like he had more to say. Thanks to the few times we played together as children I could read his face relatively easily. He doesn't make it easy though. I was going to leave it off at that, but the face he was making was kinda funny, and I was having trouble eating my breakfast without laughing.

I'd finally decided to ask him what else was on his mind when he breathed out and said, quickly, " If you would not mind, my father is holding a celebratory ball and I'd like you to accompany me. We would not have to dance together if you don't want to, but I would appreciate it if you did.". He looked down as if expecting me to laugh at him and decline loudly. His hands were folded in his lap and they looked like they were shaking a little. It made me feel a bit better knowing I wasn't the only one nervous about our impending romance.

I waited for a few seconds to come up with the best way to tell him, eventually reaching over and holding his hand. He looked up, a falsely calm look on his face and worry in his eyes. I leaned forward and kissed his cheek, causing him to tense up then relax. " I would love to go with you, dancing included." The relieved smile on his face was one of the first genuine smiles I'd seen on him in awhile, and it made him appear boyishly cute.

" Great! Thank you very much, I can't wait to see you there. It begins at around sunset, and ends … late. There isn't anything necessary to bring, though you are expected to look nice. Which-" he paused and gestured at the dress "- seems not to be a problem.". I could feel a rush of blood to my cheeks and rubbed them to get it to fade away. I mumbled a thanks and looked over where my plate was. A servant had removed it, so I couldn't distract myself from the growing awkwardness between him and I.

He seemed to feel it too, because he cleared his throat and stood, saying he had to leave to help prepare for the celebration. I wished him farewell and he left, saying something to Miss Charlotte on the way to the exit. I didn't care much for the gleam in her eyes as she turned to look at me. It was too much like a child who spotted a freshly prepared cake just barely out of reach.

Leaving the hall to return to my room, I noticed my father in one of the private rooms closer to the public region. I entered, not exactly sure what to say to him. It would be a complete and utter lie to say I did not get along with him, as it would be a lie to say I didn't fear him a little. He was in such control of my future, and although he didn't flaunt the power at me, he did occasionally give me a look that clearly stated 'You have no say in your future, whether you like it or not.' . Still, I enjoyed talking to him.

" Father, I have a silly question... Uhm... Are you busy?". I stood with my hands behind my back, hands playing with each other nervously. He turned to face me, his short dark hair giving the impression of youth. In reality, he should have long grey hair, but he cut off his ponytail long ago and hired painters to paint his hair a dark color so he didn't seem old and frail. The things men do out of pride never fail to entertain me.

He had a calm look on his face, with something like sadness mixed in. "What is it, little one?".

"W-well, although I've known him for a long time, I am not exactly certain of my suitor's name. Would you mind enlightening me, father?". My hands clenched to each other tight, as if to ward off his anger somehow.

He had a neutral expression for a few seconds, saying " You don't... Know his name...?". I nodded and frowned, worried for the lecture that would begin any minute.

I flinched when I heard his laugh, not boisterous however loud enough to make me feel even more foolish. It ended quickly, but he was smiling. " His name is Roderich Edelstein, his father is named Werner Edelstein, and if all goes well, you will be Elizabeta Edelstein.". That fact rises a blush back to my face, and I don't bother rubbing it away. I nod and thank him, turning to head out.

"Eliza, wait." I stop and turn halfways to look at him. "Tonight is very important, and will likely be stressful for you. Although I have all my hopes resting on it going well, I would like you to know that I will love you as my blood child even if you fail. You may go now."

I hurried out to hide in my room, the bittersweet tears still flowing. That was the most affection he has shown me since Mother left us. I will do my best to earn Roderich's ring.

Augh this chapter, sorry XD. I meant it to come out better. I'll likely change it when I'm not sneaking on (aka, the weekend). Anyways, the next chapter will be better, a bit longer I think, and will include the intro of a certain Prussian. Thanks to the reviewers! I'm thankful for the advice, hopefully I'll get better in the upcoming chapters. A twist is coming ;3. Have a nice day, see ya'll soon updatewise!