Britain sat totally still, his eyes not leaving France's. Her icy blue ones were begging him not to say, pleading for him to keep his mouth shut. He turned to Scotland who had the exact opposite look, giving him a strong thumbs up. The Brit didn't know what to do. France would surely hate him for a while if he told, but he would have to face his father's wrath if he didn't say.

" I uhh... I don't know what you're talking about.." Britain said quietly, eyeing France. He could feel his father's dismay from across the entire room. He fidgeted slightly in his chair, unsure what to do. His father cleared his throat, gaining all the attention back from the crowd.

" He seems to be a bit nervous today, but it is a big announcement for all of us... As of today, both my son and the heir of France will be signing a formal agreement between the nations of France and England, allowing a stronger trading partnership to come to fruition. Because of this, England will be making a formal announcement of their cooperation with France, and my son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law will be next in line to inherit the entire British crown and throne. "

The room went so quiet you could hear a pin drop. France's face went pale. She wanted to curl up and die. Of course, he had to say, of course..

Britain stared back at her with hollow eyes as a gasp wove through the crowd, followed by a few seconds of chatter. It only took a few seconds before were squealing in delight and flooding the table with enthusiasm. Scotland was sitting far enough away that he even got swallowed by the wave of happy onlookers.

Britain was slightly used to the attention and chaos although, he could see France didn't seem like it. She looked confused and upset, trying her best to keep her attention on one person or another while composing her attitude. He reached his hand out to her for some kind of comfort but she quickly smacked it away in a fit of lingering rage. Her eyes burnt with an unseen force that looked strangely familiar, and her jagged motions only seconded his notion that she was in no mood to talk.

" You never told me about this Mr. Fancy. I thought we were buddies! You know getting into an official treaty is a big event, not some little kid's birthday. " someone pat his shoulder from behind. Britain knew that voice. It was a voice he hadn't heard in a long while.

" I dont have time for that kind of stuff anymore, you know that. " he smirked, shaking his head with a sad chuckle. The country from behind seemed to think for a second before half tackling Britain into the table. The Brit let out a groan and fought back, seemingly overpowering the small country in a few seconds.

" Alright, you win. It's nice to see you again my friend " Greece eventually knew he had lost the fight and loosened up from the tussle. Britain helped his friend up, seemingly forgetting about the chaos around him.

" Where have you been! I've sent you letters and dont tell me you didn't get them. I made sure that they traveled all that way. Dont tell me you were ignoring me " he pulled up a spare chair for the friend. Greece shrugged, twirling around on his feet.

" You know I wouldn't ignore you and yes I did get your letters. It's my parents, they keep on trying to get me a girl just like you. It's pretty boring right now, all the princesses are either overly happy in themselves or attached to my feet. Things are going real slow and my mother is getting annoyed at it. I dont know, you can't rush this kind of thing when it comes to girls. And might I add, France isn't a bad pick, probably the cutest out of all the empires " he flicked a few crumbs from the table with a smirk. Britain shook his head. He had no idea what living with France was like.

" Sometimes looks can be deceiving. She has more attitude than all the empires themselves. " the Brit leaned in, whispering quietly.

Greece raised an eyebrow. " I dont know, looks like you might be overreacting my friend. She doesn't look that bad" he glanced back at the princess who was still being surrounded by people.

" You can have her if you want. I'm not sure how much more of a princess I can take... " he shrugged, waving his hands dismissively. It took a few seconds for the other country to realize, but Greece burst out laughing, almost falling from his chair.. Britain looked at him funny.

" What? "

"Can you imagine the headlines if I was caught kissing the French princess?! Your father would start a whole war over it! I dont think the French king would be very happy with me either, but long story short it's not going to happen. France was chosen for you and you were chosen for her. Out of all the empires and princes in the world, the only one allowed to kiss her is you! " he teased.

Britain scowled and smacked the other country playfully. Greece started to laugh and eventually toppled over gasping for air.

" You better stop before I tear your arm off.. " he threatened, laughing as the other country apologized. Britain glanced over his shoulder, making sure that France hadn't heard anything. She didn't seem to realize. The Brit turned back to his friend, giving a death stare in a warning. Greece raised his hands in surrender, calming down.

"My apologies, I didn't mean to incite such a calamity to his highness~ "

Britain put his face in his hands. Greece was starting to cause a scene in front of a whole bunch of people and they were quickly starting to notice.

" Alright, alright, just sit down! You're going to get us both in trouble if you're not careful. " he hissed quietly, trying to downplay the encounter. Greece smirked and stuck his hand out for the Brit to shake.

" It was nice seeing you again my friend. I have to go talk with some foreign officials and I'm sure my dad is prowling around for a girl. If you need anything, just call! " Britain smiled, returning the handshake to his friend than watching as he went on his way.

" What a pal... " he snorted grabbing a glass of water from the table. The cold liquid felt great, giving him a second to even out his already frayed nerves.

Engaged.

The words floated back into his mind. He had known France for but a week and he was to be engaged so quickly. It was evident that the two despised each other, and Britain's mind struggled to manage the image of them getting married. It would be a royal mess no doubt.

He found the whole situation quite ironic. His mother would tell him and his siblings stories of princesses and royals loving each other and being torn apart by some evil force.

It was like the complete opposite. He was being snatched from a future. Even at this very moment, he was reminded of what he didn't have. It was taking every last bit of his reason not to just be on stage and start playing with the small orchestra. The sweet hollow sound of the strings, the feel of his callused fingers brushing against the wood, the empty and sad sounds of the cello and bass behind him. It was so close yet so far.

He raised the glass to his lips, slowly sipping the liquid. He was supposed to find purpose at this party, come to love France somehow. For someone who was supposed to be someone's future, he really wasn't having any fun at all. France hadn't even lifted a finger to show any interest in him or anyone else at the entire party. It seemed the only thing she was vaguely enjoying was the glass of champagne that had been poured for her. With a tired sigh, the Brit cursed under his breath as he saw his father wander around, eyeing him from the back. It was obvious by the look on his face he was doing something wrong.

The Brit rubbed the sweat off his palms and braced for the worst. " What are you doing? "

" I'm having something to drink."

" We came all this way for you to sit here and do nothing. It's very clear to everyone here that there is something between you and this princess and you're making me look like an utter fool. You're supposed to entertain her, not let her sit in silence all night. I didn't arrange all of this just so you can be quiet. Get up, go dance with her. " the king tapped his foot on the ground. The prince stood up straight as his face paled.

" There is no way she would want to do that. I'll lose my arm before she even dares to talk to me! "

" I'm not interested in your opinion. Force her if you must, she's nothing but a pitiful girl and will quickly learn to listen to you in time. Make it clear that your in charge and she will not disobey you." his voice resembled an angry serpent. Britain nodded quietly.

" Al-alright " his voice faltered at the thought. He wasn't someone to intimidate a person into obedience. Heck, he wasn't one to intimidate a person at all. The only one capable of doing that was his father. The king pointed to the princess behind him and stomped away. Britain gulped as the orchestra started with a new tune, and the scent of wine lingered in the air. He straightened his back and ran a hand through his messy hair as he approached the girl. She looked up at him with a questioning look.

" Would you share a dance with me... " his voice sounded nervous as he placed a hand out for her to take. She regarded him for a moment, her crystal lavender eyes looked into his blue ones as she tried to figure out what he wanted. The princess finally let out a stifled chuckle.

"I don't dance," she said firmly. Britain gaped at her for a moment.

" Well, u-um... " he trailed off. His mind suddenly racked with thoughts of how he could get her to accept him.

" Then I'll teach you " he shook his hand in the air. France scoffed smacking it to the side. " I..." she smirked trying to tell him to go away, but suddenly words left her. "I haven't had good experiences when dancing."

The prince felt himself start to sweat again. It was a perfectly good argument, and he was going to leave it alone but the thought of his father resurfaced in his mind. He had to do this. He had to.

" I asked if you wanted to dance. " he did his best to sound scary, grabbing her wrist tightly. France flinched and glared up at him, but didn't move.

Closing his eyes tightly, Britain jerked France forward in one solid movement, feeling her stumble up from where she sat. He opened one of his sky blue eyes and stared at a face of shock and surprise. The prince's stomach churned.

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" They are engaged ?!" A voice yelled out, in shock from the darkroom.

" Yes sir " Two other voices responded in unison piercing the deathly silence that choked the room. Reich rubbed his temples and leaned back in his chair. He knew it would happen sooner or later, but hoped it would wait. That damned French Monarchy. He had sold his love away. And not just to anyone, but to the United Kingdom of all the princes in the world.

Words could not begin to describe his hatred for the UK and words could never describe his love for France.

That girl was something else. He hadn't the faintest idea of what it was, but something about her just made him lose all control over himself. She had managed to wrap her way around his heart and had done so without even trying. Of all the girls in all the world, she was the only one who had managed to captivate him. 

" This is new information for us all, but I'm afraid you can't marry her... " His minister interrupted his thoughts quietly standing in the back of the room. It took a few seconds for the words to sink in before the German banged his hand on the desk, the impact echoing around the room for a few seconds.

"They aren't married so I still have a chance..." He gritted his teeth in agony. His minister looked slightly frightened as he stood straight in the back of the room.

"Your majesty, the Monarchy of France is very keen on marrying his daughter to hi-"

"From what I know, It's going to be easy, They've hated each other for so long and he's only getting her engaged to that peasant for peace." he pointed out.

"Surely the king wouldn't be willing to give his daughter away to another man because of pride..." The minister shriveled up, his leg shaking slightly.

 The German tapped his finger on the dark oak desk, staring at the people in front of him. Idiots. Absolute idiots. A part of him believed that they were opposed to him, trying to tear away the last chance he had at a happy life. He could have them all killed, all of them, but held onto his temper for the second. Now wasnt the time. He was going to need help to get this done. 

He knew exactly what he needed to do, but just needed a plan on how to do it.

" We need to gain the trust of the Monarchy. He is the key to all relations and anything regarding the princess. There will be no way to get through to her without the approval of the old man. Now, is there any way we can do that?" he asked quietly. The minister gulped.

"We can organize meetings with his father and if that doesn't work we'll...take matters into our own hands..." Another smaller minister snickered, an evil grin on his face as he eyed the Governor. The German raised a sly eyebrow.

"Good... " Reich smiled, turning away and dismissing them with nothing more than a change in tone.

Reich had a growing love for France. He had first met her at a ball and had come to know how passionate she was about politics whenever her father wasn't around. He had never truly felt something for a girl as he had done with her. She cared. His own father would just dismiss him for his work, ignore his enlightenment and intelligence and forget he ever existed...

He remembered one father's day, he attended an academy for countries and everyone was with their fathers but his father had gotten drunk and was too lazy to even talk to him that day...He had cried too many tears to let the one person who ever asked about his feelings to go.

He wouldn't.

He couldn't. He can't. He brushed off his emotions, knowing if he let them take over he would realize what he was doing is bad but he can't do that. He would be weak. He couldn't help but cry tears of joy, disappointment, guilt, and sadness. He grew those emotions and just let them pour out. He just needed a moment to himself. Britain had never experienced such emotional abuse and neglect and he somehow gets everything better. He didn't deserve it. He suffered.

He should at least be allowed one good thing.

But... Love doesn't discriminate.

Everyone who had suffered or not, who was rich or poor had a chance to love...

He hated himself for thinking like this but wiped his tears away. He was the son of the German Empire and the heir to one of the most powerful and influential countries of the world.

He didn't have time to feel.

He didn't have time to sympathize.

He was strong.

And wasn't going to let anything stop him from getting the future he wanted.

The little British prince was just an obstacle to his objective.

He was willing to do anything for her. Anything for her hand in marriage...

Yes, he had done some...cruel things but was it really a problem? Everyone is cruel during these ages, it didn't matter. When he had first talked to France, he questioned why he loved her. Was it because she had the same passion, love, and hope as his mother? Was it because she actually asked if he was okay?

Why?

‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊ ♡ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ♡ ‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊

Britain placed a hand on his bruised cheek as he chased France through the gates of his home. France was mad at him, real mad. He knew it was a bad idea but did it anyway. The second after they had left the party she made sure to rightfully smack some sense into him and make it clear she wasnt going to be forced into anything, especially not in public. He had tried to apologize, feeling guilty for doing it, but she wasnt interested in listening to his antics.

" France, I said I was sorry! My father told me to make an impression, to do something " he shuffled behind the fuming princess. France trampled a few roses that lay on the ground without a care in the world.

" Just because he says that doesn't mean you have to listen. You did it, and you got what you deserved " her accent was thick and heavy with every world breathed. The prince rolled his eyes, if only she understood.

" But it does! Do you know what he would do to me if I didn't do anything? I doubt you would ever see me again after that. " he shouted. France came to a halt and turned around, her burning lavender eyes meeting his.

" Maybe that's a good thing. I never wanted to get married to you in the first place. Keep in mind that I would rather be anywhere else. You need to realize I'm not in love with you, I'm not interested in you, I dont even like being around you! You think I show up for a week or so and we fall in love, hah! I suggest you pull your head out of the clouds and work on making things better for both of us. Good night " the sarcasm was practically dripping from her voice.

Britain stood still for a few seconds, watching the princess walk away before kicking up the gravel under his feet.

" Damn it.. " he swore quietly. The cold air bit at his face as he trudged back inside, slamming the door behind him. Nobody appreciated his efforts, no one even noticed. A few servants stopped what they were doing and stared at him. A new rage welled up inside of him as he unexpectedly snapped at the people before him.

" What are you looking at, don't you have something to clean?! " Britain yelled, his voice echoing inside the stone building. The servents immediately backed up with their baskets and various tools, still staring at the enraged price. He glared at them for a moment before growling and storming off. He wasn't good enough for anyone. All he wanted was his lost freedom, he deserved to be alone in the world. The princess was just a reminder of what he could never have.

The cold reflection of reality shot up inside him once more as he turned the corner into the kitchen. The smell of food hit him immediately, as he enjoyed the feeling of the warm hair on his face. Looking at the counter covered with food he felt the heaviness in his chest lift a little.

He couldn't get France to love him, but he could sit down and enjoy a good meal. Scanning through the mountain he finally decided on a bit of Shepherd's Pie and settled in the corner of the room. He always preferred eating alone, just enjoying his meal and time in his own mind. It felt good to be left alone with nothing but himself and the occasional chef that would walk in and out of the room. They didn't pay any mind to him anyways.

He sat there in silence, eating slowly for a while before a similar face slammed through the door on the other side of the room.

" There's the little prince!! " Scotland bounded through the small opening, snatching a small loaf of bread from the table. Britain watched him for a few seconds but grumbled to himself, taking another bite of his dinner. Scotland's bright smile slowly faded as he watched from the other side of the room.

" You alright? " he ruffled the prince's hair, sitting down on the floor next to him. Britain swat his older brother's hand away with an unhappy grunt. Scotland raised an eyebrow, taking a bite of his food choice.

" Something tells me your lass is giving you a hard time huh " he continued to nibble on the bread. Britain rolled his eyes with a weak groan.

" What would you know?" he slumped against the wall.

.Scotland shrugged.

" Well, I'll tell you one thing, little brother. She's a pain for us both. It's pretty clear she's going out of the way to make it a big situation" he said half-heartedly, brushing a few crumbs off his lap. Britain couldn't help but let out a dry chuckle. There wasnt a person stupid enough in the world to see that she hated him.

" Tell me about it, " he said glaring at the marble floor. Scotland sat down to the prince's left side, draping a comforting arm around him.

Scotland sat down to the prince's left side, draping a comforting arm around him.

The older brother sympathetically, " You really want to get out of this, don't you? "

The prince shook his head with no hesitation, " I can't do it, I just can't. France hates me. She hates me so much. To be honest, I hate her back. But we both know her father won't let me go without her and the whole kingdom will have my head if I don't go through with this. "

Scotland found himself nodding along with him, realizing that much of the prince's drive was driven by a deep need to make France happy. Or maybe it wasn't for her, but rather his family and kingdom, he couldn't tell. "Why don't you do what you want?"

"Didn't you hear me?!" Britain snaps at him. "The kingdom, France, the Monarchy, and probably Father will kill me for it!" Britain moved his hand wildly then they covered his face. He was very frustrated. He felt stuck. His brain kept telling him about what would happen to him if he left and if he continued with France.

If he left, he'd be cast out. Left to die!

If he stayed, he'd be unhappy. Continuing to just smile through things and see the kids run around with no love from their father because he didn't love their mother and couldn't find himself to love them.

Britain tears up at the thought. He sometimes felt unloved, but being unloved by a father was terrible! He would be a terrible father!

Scotland looks at him. "Britain... brother... What is it now?"

"If I... If I stay with France... I'll never be happy... I'll have kids but they... there'll be no love for them... I'll be empty..." Britain looks down, his eyes were wide. He felt so aware of the reality of this.

Scotland looks at Britain confused. "Britain. Seriously?!"

Britain perks up and looks at his brother.

"You're thinking about kids now?! I came to get something to eat, not talk about your future life is 'you impending doom'! You're... How old are you?"

"17-"

"Exactly! I know it's young to get married, but it's happening! Now are you going to man up and corporate with France or are you going to sit here and eat bread and mope around like a sad teenager?!" Scotland takes another piece of bread and leaves.

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" I dont understand it Mina! That-that- thing thinks he's a savior, some kind of a knight in shining armor! Can you believe that? " France ran a brush through her damp hair, staring into a small mirror on the wall. Mina was barely listening from the other side of the room too busy folding clothes to notice.

" Sure, France whatever you say... But being realistic for a second, you really should give him a try, at least a chance to prove himself to you. You're so stubborn that the poor man hasn't even had time to lift a finger for you! It's just like all the other princes that had tried to love you, all the princes that you tossed right away just because of your stubborn mind. That was except for you know who....." the servant placed a hand on her hip but softened as she seemed to be in thought.

" Oh come on Mina, we both know that he could walk out into the open and have princesses kissing his feet. I mean, he does have the money, the colonies, the looks, the background, and everything else that it takes to be royal. I understand I was born into royal blood, but why does it have to be me of all people! All I want in life is to be a leader for my people, why does that require me to love a man! " she flopped down on the large crimson red bedsheets with annoyance.

" France, please calm down. Perhaps if you told him of your feelings, then you both could make a go out of this. Please try a little harder not to hit the prince. I don't need us both getting in trouble...." the servent made a sympathetic noise, nudging France with her elbow gently.

France crossed her arms and sat up, looking back into the mirror.

" I'm trying Mina. I really am... "