disclaimer: APH does not belong to me.
Sorry for the late update I've been busy. I hate summer homework. _;; Anyway, thank you for all the reviews and those who are waiting for the updates! I love you all. Please pardon the grammar, and mistakes. _ And I'm not a history major or minor (I think I'll minor in European History)so my history may be off (as I am relying on my 7th grade memory)
Alice sat in the carriage. She was silent. She looked across from her and found a smiling Spaniard.
"Mi Corazon" He said. "What's wrong?" he asked. Alice stared at him. He gave her a smile in return. Alice sigh and looked out the window.
"Invitations have to be sent. I'll send one to Scotland, France...You can send it to anyone you want...even though nations don't get married often, Mary wants us to have a ceremony of our own...dress, court and everything...the vows will be an issue as our religions differ greatly ...bleeding hell this is going to be one huge head ache-"
"Where will our honeymoon be?" he asked. Alice gawked at the Spaniard. Antonio was smiling as he covered Romano's ear.
"Bleeding hell. Can you atleast think about the ceremony before the honeymoon?" she asked. Spain shook his head.
"I'm thinking one of our colonies no?" he asked. Alice sighed and shook her head.
"Get the guest list ready, I want one by to-"
" The whole of Europe will come" Spain said. Alice stiffened.
"All of Europe?" she asked. Spain nodded.
"I want all of Europe to know that you are mine" he said. Alice looked at him. She shook her head and kept talking about the reception.
"French and Italian food will be served...tea and ale... English deserts." Spain kept nodding. "Will you say atleast something you would like?" she said. Spain reached across and grabbed Alice by the waist.
"I want you to wear the most eye pleasing dress-" Alice covered his mouth before he could finish. Alice smiled at him.
"I meant food wise" she smiled and got her hand off the Spaniards mouth.
"Like I was saying... you should dress up in something cute...maybe a little bit revealing too...you know so my eyes can feast on you" he said smiling. Alice fought the urge to punch the Spaniard.
"I meant for the guests" she said. Antonio blinked.
"Well...yeah..I guess French dishes and English sweets would be nice...we need something to represent my country though..." he said. Alice sighed.
"The main dishes will be Spanish, sweets will be English" she said closing her eyes.
Spain dressed Romano up for bed. As soon as Romano put his top on he began questioning the Spaniard.
"Are you and her really getting married?" he asked. Spain nodded.
"Are you against it?" Spain said.
"Yeah" Romano said.
"why?"
"SHE'S HORRIBLE!" Romano yelled. "I mean she can't cook, she hits you all the time...she took you away from me a lot-"
"That's because I was a prisoner-"
"Who probably inflicted you with a lot of pain!" Spain paused and thought about it. 'Pain huh?' he thought. 'Then again...I did the same to her when I caught her..' Spain smirked. Romano flinched and looked at the Spaniard. "And I thought you love Belgium.." he whispered. Spain gave him a smile.
"Well Romano. If you want Belgium to be safe then I have to go through this marriage." he said brushing Romano's hair off his face. "It'll be fine yeah?" he asked. Romano looked at him. He had so many questions, but at the same time he couldn't ask.
"Why are we sleeping in different rooms tonight?" he asked as Spain stood up and sat on the edge of the bed.
"The soon to be bride wants time to herself...and as her husband in waiting... I can grant her that one need" he said as he laid back down. Romano crawled on the bed and laid down next to Spain.
Alice sat outside the doors of the room that Romano and Spain resided in. Her back was on the door, her knees were hugged up to her chest and she listened intently on the whole conversation. Throughout the whole conversation she smiled, trying to clear her mind from anything and everything. Suddenly there were three pairs of feet in front of her. she blinked and looked up. It was her siblings, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. They all looked at her. Before they could talk, Alice stood up and put a single finger over her mouth.
"shh" she said as she motioned them to follow her to the library.
Alice locked the doors as soon as she got to the library. She sat down on the chair in front of a desk while Scotland went through some books, Wales messed with the collection of maps Alice had and Ireland stood against the wall by the window. Everything was silent until Ireland broke the silence.
"I can't believe you" she said. Alice looked up and gave eye contact to her elder sister. "I can't believe that you are letting me and you get ruled by some Spaniard-"
"I have no choice now do I?" she asked. "Mary is madly in love with him and I can't change her mind" Alice said. Ireland stared at her.
"It's not fair for you Albion" Wales said.
"then tell me Cymru, what is fair?" she asked Wales using his old name. He smiled at her in return.
"Whatever, I say marry who ever you want to marry-" Scotland began.
"Coming from the imbecile who stole the man she loves!" Ireland yelled. "Let's not forget who you are married to" she said. Alice sighed and shook her head.
"I've already pardoned him for that Irene" she said. "Please stop arguing. all of you" she said. Wales looked at her.
"Is there anything we can do for you at this time of misery? he asked. Alice shook her head.
"I'm getting married and that is final." she said. "I can't get myself out of this... I can't believe her" she said. That's when they heard something hit the door. Alice eyed the door and walked towards it. She opened it and found Romano.
"What are you doing up?" she asked. Romano just stared at her and then his stomach grumbled. Alice sighed and looked back at her siblings.
"You all know where your rooms are..you all should retire...Wales light that candle will you?" she ask. William nodded and lighted a candle, he then lit three more for him the rest. Alice carried Romano on one arm and went towards the kitchen. same thing happened last night, Romano ate, asked questions then Alice brought him back to the bedroom he was sleeping in. As Alice placed the candle on a candle holder by the bed she looked at Antonio. she sighed. Only if their marriage was filled with love and other what nots Francis had told her about then maybe she's fall for his cute face. His green eyes... the way his hair is tied by a ribbon that matched the Spaniard's eyes...and his sunkissed skin. Alice stopped her thoughts.
'this is an idiot who is binding you by marriage. Don't fall for looks' She said in her mind. Alice sat on the edge of the bed as she placed Romano by Spain's side. Alice sighed in irritation when she found the Italian had a firm grip on her dress. She sighed, closed her eyes. pinched the bridge of her nose as she tried to calm down. She pried Romano's hands off her dress and placed him next to Spain. out of nowhere, she curses her maternal instincts, she kissed Romano's forehead. She blinked and looked at the child. She then shook her head. Just as soon as she was about to stand up someone grabbed her wrist. She curse inside as she looked at candle. 'It's not going to last long' she thought. The person who held her wrist tugged on it. She looked back and saw Spain looking at her intently. She yanked her hand, but his grip was tight on her. She looked at him.
"the candle does not have much longer I need to go to my room" Alice whispered. Antonio looked at the candle then back at her. Her hair, as light colored as it was, was glowing and her pale skin glowed with the moon's light.
"Then just stay here and sleep" he said. Alice looked at him and shook her head.
"What's so important in your room?" he whispered. Alice rolled her eyes and looked at Antonio.
"My bed-"
"You're sitting on one right now aren't you?" he asked. Alice looked at him.
"Let me go" Alice said. Spain shook his head he leaned towards England. Spain sighed and pulled Alice into a kiss. Alice tried to push him away and escape him hold, but she was too weak. Spain pushed her down onto the bed, his hands on her hips. He crawled over Romano and hovered over Alice. His right hand moved from Alice's hips to her face, caressing it and encouraging her to respond to him. Alice on the other hand refused to respond and tried to pry the Spaniard off of her. Spain stopped and looked down at her. Alice glared in return.
"get off of me" she hissed. Antonio shook his head.
"no"
"bloody hell. why not?" she asked.
"Do you know how much Romano has clawed this side of the bed?" Antonio asked. "It's like something is missing and well.." Alice rolled her eyes. 'It always has to be about somebody else, never you, me or us' she thought to herself. That's when she felt Spain lift himself up and blow the candle light out. Alice looked at him. She could see the green eyes the Spaniard owned. Alice sighed and gave up.
"It's useless arguing with you" she hissed. She swore Antonio smirked when he heard that.
"Hey I also miss the presence of someone" he said as he lowered himself and kissed Alice.
Alice woke up when she felt someone hugging her tight. She looked up and saw that the sun was already up, she then realized who was hugging her. Spain. She looked up and stared at him. What the hell is he smiling for?
"Good morning Sunshine" he said as he kissed her forehead. Alice looked at him in disbelief.
"Where is Romano?" she asked as she nothing between them.
"Oh Belgium took him to go out shopping today" He said smiling. Alice raise a brow.
"You mean to say that Belgium was here, in this room..."
"At least two hours ago" Alice gawked at the Spaniard. she scratched her eyes and sat up.
"You have got to be messing with me" she muttered as she stood up. Spain followed her and wrapped his arms around her waist, he then began to pull her back to the bed. Alice sigh and looked back at him.
"Our Wedding is tomorrow" she said.
"hm" Spain said as he buried his face onto the top of her head.
"We need to get a lot of things done" she muttered as she pried Spain off of her. "You need to be fitted for a suitable suit and Irene is taking me to get a dress" she muttered.
The whole afternoon was busy. Alice was here, she was there, pratically she was everywhere. She was done picking out an outfit, she finished talking to her Queen and most importantly, she consulted France about the food. He assured her that his top chefs are already making the food that the Nations will eat. Michael took care of the deserts and drinks. Spain on the other hand had a pretty lax day. He was walking through the streets of London with his friends, Gilbert (Prussia) and Francis. He then asked questions about his wife to be.
"Hey Francis" he began.
"hm?"
"Is Alice a virgin?" he asked. France looked at him in odd fashion. He then shook his head. Antonio looked at him.
"She won't let me touch her" Spain pouted. Francis began to laugh and Gilbert sigh.
"Ma chere," Francis began. "Alice won't make love with you if you don't truly love her" he said. Gilbert then began to laugh.
"I feel so bad for your honeymoon" he said. Spain shook his head.
"She won't give in to temptation?" he asked. France shook his head.
"She has better control mon cher" he said. Gilbert laughed and shook his head.
"enough about her sex life" he said. "you do have a ring for the girl right?" he asked. Spain nodded and took a ring out of his pocket.
"Mein Gott" Gilbert said. "Spain your marrying this girl to protect the real girl you love.. you needn't give her such a ring" he said. Spain smiled and looked down on the ring. It had a rose on it, the petals were red and in the middle was a round cut diamond.
"He'll need that ring" France mused. "If he wants to bed her" he said laughing. With that the day ended, the bride and groom slept in different rooms and Romano shared a room with Belgium.
Alice woke up when Ireland came into her room.
"get up" she said as soft as she can. Alice cringed.
"I'm too tired."
"YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED TODAY" she exclaimed. Alice jumped as if she just got slapped.
"you've got to be kidding me" she said as she buried her head into her hands.
"I am not" she said. "now get up! you want to look good for your husband don't you?" she asked.
"We are not tied romantically dammit." Alice said as she got up. suddenly Belgium enters the room. Alice stared.
"good morning!" she beamed. Alice froze. What the hell is she doing here? She turned around and gave Belgium a smile.
"Good morning" she said.
"I'm one of your bridesmaid..remember?" she asked. Alice opened her eyes and looked at Ireland. Ireland frowned, closed her eyes, pinched the bridge of her nose and signed. She then shrugged and gave Alice a message through their eyes. 'bear with it' Alice nodded. through out the day, Alice was ushered through the schedule. Breakfast with her family and her future family, kissing Spain in front of everybody to show how much they 'love' each other. Finally Alice was pushed into a room where her two bridesmaid were. Ireland mercilessly tightened Alice's corset, Belgium took care of the flower garland and made little bouquets for the guests. Alice sat down and Belgium and Ireland preceded to style Alice's short locks of hair.
"You really had to cut it before your wedding?" Ireland ask as she did a small butterfly braid on Alice.
"Blame Spain and his Ana Maria" she muttered. Belgium giggled and handed Alice her flower garland. Alice held onto her flower garland as she was pushed into the carriage. Their destination was Winchester Cathedral. Instead of being inside, the nations had their ceremony outside. Everything was prepared. Tapestries of both kingdoms were present, linen on the floor. Chibitalia and Holy Rome being the flower girls (boys), Romano being the ring bearer, France and Prussia being best men. Spain stood by the two, he was in the innermost, nearly the middle. When the carriage arrived, the harp, lyre, recorder, and instrument players began to play a soft tune.
Alice peered through the window as she watched Ireland step out of the carriage, and then Belgium. Alice wanted to run away the moment she saw Spain's face light up when he saw Belgium walked out of the carriage. She sat against the wall of the carriage when it was her turn to walk out of the carriage. She could not do it. She couldn't walk out knowing that the man she was going to get tied down to was in love with another woman. She began to hear murmurs.
"she's only 15 physically...she must be confused." one said. Alice shook her head. she peered through the window again. She saw all of them looking at the carriage. she hid in the carriage refusing to walk out, that is until Scotland talked to her.
"Albion" he began. Alice stiffened. "It's time don't you think?" he asked. Alice stayed seated. "Albion" Scotland began. "If you don't ever walk out of that carriage then you won't be able to show the world your beauty...they do say that the wedding day is the day of the bride..when the woman looks absolutely stunning and shows radiance and her full beauty... a potential image of what her husband is to have for the rest of his lucky life" he said. "Albion...make this man guilty for choosing you to tie down just for the true woman he loves" he said. "your beauty will send him all the guilt he needs" he said. at this Alice took a step out of the carriage and gave her hand to Scotland. Everyone sighed in relief and the music resumed. Everyone was amazed on how Alice looked. the dress, the way it held her shape made her look stunning. the ivory dress against Alice's skin gave her a creamy tone. The gold gave her poise and courage. She held onto the her wedding garland, a small veil covering her face. she looked at Spain. he had a soft smile.
As the ceremony inside preceded, Alice and Antonio followed the speed. they said their vows (death do them part meant their monarchs) and Alice gasp at what the ring was. silver band, red rose and a diamond in the middle. She looked up at Spain and kissed him before he could finish putting the ring on her finger fully. Everyone cheered, everyone but Alice, who knew that this was just another day for another nation to live. As they walk down the aisle, Alice put her flower garland on her head, wearing it as a beautiful crown. She and Spain smiled at the guests and got into the carriage.
Alice sat across from Spain when they got into the carriage. The reception was amazing, everyone liked the food, and they saw the couple do their first dance. It was a nice small dance, Spain leading, Alice following. the couple looked like they were in bliss, a lie that Alice was feeding and upholding...that is until they got into their carriage for their honeymoon trip. she sat across from Spain, arms folded and glared at him. He smiled at her and reached out to her.
"Was this day horrible for you?" he asked. Alice just gave him a cold stare. Spain
smiled.
"Worst day of my life thus far" she said smiling. Spain sighed.
"Mi rosa" he said as he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him. "We're suppose to be having fun." he said. Alice didn't move from her seat. Spain closed his eyes as he sighed. He didn't want to use full force on her when they're not at war, but she leaves him no choice.
Alice landed on the Spaniard when he pulled her by her hand. She looked up and saw a mad Spain.
"I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want me mad tonight" he said. Alice looked at him and blinked.
"Are you trying to scare me?" she asked. Spain smirked. Alice pushed herself off of him and gave him a stare. The rest of the ride to the unknown destination was silent. Alice ignored the Spaniard as she got out off the carriage. The sound of the waves were familiar to her.
"Where are we?" she asked as she looked around. Spain sigh.
"Were in your country and you don't know?" he asked. Alice stared at him.
"Dover?" she asked as she looked back. Spain nodded.
"I've got the whole thing planned out" he said. Alice raised a brow.
"And you didn't consult me because?"
"didn't need to." Spain said. "It's a surprise for you" he said. Alice raised a brow. As she walked out of the carriage she found a newly built house. She looked at it and her mouth dropped. She could see the driver take their luggage into the house and leave it just beyond the door.
"What in the world.." Alice said as her knees gave. Spain hugged her from behind and kissed her cheek.
"It's a wedding present… from Belgium, Ireland, France, Scotland and Prussia" he said. "they said it's our new home" Alice looked at Antonio he smiled and carried her bridal style. He walked into their new home, shut the door by kicking, Locked it while cradling Alice in on arm and went straight to the bedroom.
"No" Alice protested. "We won't do this" she said as Antonio put her on the bed gently. She could feel him untying the ribbons on the back of her dress. Antonio looked at her and his eyebrows furrowed.
"Why not?" he asked. Alice looked at him and shook her head. "It's not right" she said. "It's not right" she said. She covered her face with her hands.
"You love someone else….I can't…We can't…" Alice was trailing off. She could feel her corset getting looser.
"We're married…don't worry-"
"that doesn't count!" she yelled, she could feel Spain's hand on her back, pushing her up to him. " our rulers are married yes, but… ours is strictly political." she said as she sobbed. "I'm not going to-" Alice was cut off when Antonio pried her hands off her face. He kissed her gently and buried his face on the crook of her neck. He could feel her shiver. Spain couldn't help but smirk. The Queen of the Seas is shivering and crying to his touch. Doesn't he feel powerful. He did though, felt bad. This was the girl he watched roam the lands of Rome when Rome took her away. This was the 'barbarian' who was picked on constantly by him, France and Denmark. Even her own siblings picked on her… It's a no brainer why she would be cold hearted. Antonio closed his eyes and kissed Alice's forehead. He turned to his side while he held Alice close. He wiped the tears off her eyes and hugged her close.
When Spain woke up, he smelled tea. He looked at his side and saw that Alice was sitting on the edge of the bed with a tea cup on her lap. He scratched his eyes and hugged her around the waist. Alice let out a small gasp as she looked down as Spain.
"Careful… you nearly made me spill my tea" Alice said. Spain watched her as she put the tea cup onto the table my the bed.
"What are you looking at?" he asked.
"The sunrise" she said. Spain looked out the terrace windows and saw the beautiful sunrise. His jaw dropped.
"So this is what I've been missing" he said. Alice sank into his embrace.
"I told you that they are beautiful." she said. Spain smiled and kissed her neck.
"I never doubted you" he said.
Alice and Antonio went on with the day by just chatting, getting to know each other more. Antonio found out that Alice likes to do embroidery, loves kids and that she doesn't go on the pirate ship for the war, but for the sea. Antonio also realized that Alice's guard was up during the whole conversation, then again he was doing the same. A day blazed by, then a week. By the end of the week, Alice and Antonio were headed to Spain. By this time, Antonio was accustomed to having tea early in the morning, having Alice by his side doing embroidery, reading, and just something. As they arrive, Romano clung onto the Spaniard and glared at Alice. Alice would sigh and just walk. They were to stay in Spain for two weeks. Alice is to have a tour around the country and at the same time get to know Antonio himself. Antonio would carry Romano on one arm and hold Alice's hand. Throughout the touring Romano would get Antonio's attention and point things out. Alice wouldn't utter a word. At his house Antonio would be busy taking care of the house, Alice on the other hand would be cleaning up the mess that Romano made. At night Spain would try to get her but at the same time Alice would resist and cry. Antonio found it that he could not stand watching the girl cry. That or France will beat the shit out of him. Spain would stop with his ministration when Alice would bring up her tears. Sometimes he would move on saying that they are crocodile tears, until Alice would wail and scream. Over all it was a pain to Spain. He was getting frustrated.
On the last day of the two weeks, Spain took Alice to Barcelona. Romano decided to tag along, knowing that this is the last time Alice will be in Spain, for a long time. Antonio bought a red carnation and gave it to Alice. Alice stared at it.
"Red is the most stunning color on you" he said, as he turned around, he saw a glimpse of Francis. "Romano, stay here with Alice. Don't let go of her hand okay?"
"Just where are you going?" she asked.
"Stay here, I have something to ask" he said as he walked away. Romano let Alice's hand go, Alice tried to grab it, but the small boy just wouldn't hold her hand.
"FRANCIS" Antonio yelled as he went through the crowd. Francis turned around greeted his friend with a smile.
"Ma chere" Francis said. "How did you know I'm here"
"I didn't" Antonio said as he tried to catch his breath. "I just saw you" he said. "France… may I ask you something?" France raised a brow.
"Ask away ma Chere"
Alice looked at the child next to her. How irritating, the brattiest child in the universe. If only she could smack the child to it's senses. "Romano you shouldn't-" Someone covered Alice mouth and restrained her. She overpowered the man and ran, she couldn't hurt Spain's people. Suddenly there was a shot. Then another, then another. Alice found herself falling, and fast. She was caught before she hit the ground, they turned her around and she saw her pursuer. A Spanish guard. "so this is the English women they want for heresy" he muttered. Alice's eyes widened, she tried to scream, but the person covered her mouth. 'Can't the people see her? Can't they help her? Alice then remembered something. This man is part of the royal guard, if they saw him shoot a person, then it's probably for the sake of the king. The king.
When Spain got back to Romano, he saw the small child crying. Alice was nowhere in sight.
"Romano, where did Alice go?"
"I don't know" he said. He jumped onto Spain and cried.
"Well she wouldn't walk away.." Spain said. "Did you see something?"
"I just saw someone… take her..then I saw her run…then I heard gun shots and then a carriage" Romano buries his face into Spain's chest. "I'm so scared and confused! I don't know…I don't know"
"shh.." Spain said. "It's okay… she's got to be here somewhere" Spain said as he walked around.
It had been two weeks since Alice's disappearance. Spain paced around his room. "I've sent the militia, informed the King…"
"Have you told her siblings?" Belgium asked. Spain shook his head.
"do you want me dead?" He asked. Belgium shook her head. "I can't… I just hope she isn't taking part of the inquisition…they are taking Protestants now…." Spain stopped himself.
"Belgium take care of Romano, I have to go see the priest" he said.
Everytime someone mentions the Spanish Inquisition I think of Monthy Python. I'm sorry, I know that the Spanish Inquisition is a serious time.
Historical Notes:
1. Back in the those days wedding were similar yet different. Brides were not required to wear a white dress, I'm not sure about their bridesmaid. The engagement and wedding ring also doesn't have to be a diamond, It was just 'wear your best dress' and 'give the best ring you can give', so wedding rings with sapphire, ruby and emerald were okay. The bridesmaid were also usually virgins to ward off 'demons'. The bride also didn't have a flower bouquet, but a flower garland ( a ring of flowers). They hold onto the flower garland for the whole ceremony, and when the ceremony is done, the bride takes the flower garland and places it on her head, wearing it as a crown. This is to represent that they are now married.
3. The weddings we often see today became the 'traditional' way after Queen Victoria got married. She had a 'white wedding' of course, she was wearing a white gown. After her marriage, White Weddings became the preferred way. Also the diamond ring came much later (I think). there are many factors for this. a. A diamond is hard to obtain, it is carbon that went through intense heat and pressure. b. It is highly expensive. and c. a company (I forgot which) came up with the slogan "A diamond lasts forever". With that slogan, many people began to associate the diamond to marriage because marriage is suppose to last "till death do them part (forever)".
3. The Spanish inquisition. From what I remember, It was a time in Spain in which the Monarch and the Church joined and began to punish those they deemed a 'heretic' that is someone who has wronged or changed or...well it's kinda difficult to explain since you can be accused of heresy for a lot of things. The ones prosecuted are put on trial, and if found guilty they pay with death. So either way, if you admit or don't you die. Around the 1500s, The Inquisition extended to Protestants.
4. Around this time Alice would always have random pains as her people are getting killed for not switching to Roman Catholicism. Spain is also usually having random pains from the Inquisition.
5. Alice claims that she and Spain have different religions so their vows will be difficult. Around this time, Mary I of England reestablished Roman Catholicism in England. Many detested this as most of them were Protestant. In this fic I have Alice claim herself to be a Protestant because her late King was a Protestant. Thus Alice was forced to say Catholic vows, as her Queen is Catholic.
I'm sorry for writing so much. Thankyou for reading and please leave a review.