Chapter Eight:

Belarus P.O.V.:

The sky is lit with stars as I watch him leave through the front door. My eyes follow him as he marches across the lot, head hung low in despair. I feel tears well up in my eyes as my stomach churns in knots. "I have to let him go." I whisper to myself, trying to put my mind in a better perspective. "A wise man once exclaimed, if you love something you let it go." I remind myself, but this doesn't help as I close the door and fall back against the wall.

I hold myself as I slip down to the floor and let out the pent up emotions. I hate myself, I hate that I've hurt him, I wish he had never loved me as emotion after emotion rolls through me. I look down at my bulging curve and cry harder.

I feel sorry for the child I have inside of me, the child I bare will never know his origins, never know his father. I feel guilt slice through me as I realize I've stolen that away from his child. I look up to the ceiling and think about the higher powers, always believing that someone would know my path and guide me. I wonder to myself how this hell can even survive.

"Natalia," I whisper, trying to capture myself and calm down. "What's done is done. You can never go back. You and Alfred have parted ways. You've hurt him enough, you must get up and move on." This manages to calm me down to where I can force myself to climb the stairs and enter my bedroom. I notice the lamp is on and quickly shut it off, wanting to feel isolated from the world and hoping to feel as lonesome as I can.

I grab my phone, unlock it and being typing a spiteful message to Arthur, whom affirmed my suspicions that Alfred wouldn't survive a war against my brother. I feel so angry, frustrated and empty as I type, hoping to somehow push the blame on him. I throw the phone next to me after I press the send button, mumbling to myself as I curl up and allow the tears to fall without judgement.

I bring my hands to my lips and gently kiss them, remembering that Alfred once held me as though I was the most important person in the world. I close my eyes, hoping I drift off into a peaceful sleep where nothing awaits me but darkness and isolation. Hoping that this pain will be eased by morning.

I toss and turn through the night, waking up from each hellish dream in a drenching sweat and confused setting. I dreamt of a life where I was Alfred's wife, where Ivan fully supported us, and our bickering and hostility was only in our dreams. I was happy, we all were happy. Ivan's wife, Ana, was pregnant and experiencing the dreams and delight of being a mother. It makes a void in my heart, knowing we'll never be able to attain that reality.

I bring my knees to my chest and wrap my arms around them. "I wish you the best, love. I wish you a beautiful wife who can give you the children you've always wanted. The American dream you've always cherished. I cannot change time, I cannot change the fact that I doubted you, and that kills me the most." I rock in the bed, terrified of slipping back into the dream I'd had earlier, merely because I'd never want to wake up.

He wasn't my first love, but he is my last one. I hear my phone ringing softly, the full volume muffled by the pillow. I pick it up and right away know who's calling and I am sure to answer it quickly. "Ana, I can't do this anymore." I sob into the phone and I can hear her sympathetically sigh.

"I know it's tough, I know you can't keep everyone from getting spared, but this is the cost of love and life. Sweetie, Alfred will get past this. It may take time and a good woman, but in due time you'll become a thing of his past that he'll never care to remember." Her harshness pierces my heart and I'm happy that her words are imprinted in my mind, it helps me think I've done the right thing for him, even if it hurts like hell now.

"Why did you call?" I softly ask, whispering into the phone.

"Ivan and Eduard…they've come to an agreement on your engagement." My heart sinks, this isn't what I've wanted to hear and my stomach curls into a nervous bunch.

"They both want you to be married shortly. Ivan…he's ready to give Alfred what he deserves and Eduard fully backs him. Eduard says he wants to be on the ground when they capture Alfred and…" Her words trail and I scream into the phone, knowing exactly what they'll do to him.

"They can't. If they want me to marry Eduard then they can't kill Alfred!" Ana feels my pain and she bites her tongue.

"I'm sorry Natalia, I truly am. You can try to negotiate with them, maybe they'll see reason." She can hear me crying over the phone and she pauses, hoping I'll calm down enough for her to finish her instructing.

"Dear, Ivan…also wants you to come home. He doesn't want you too far away, after all Alfred did invade your country. He wants you home by tomorrow afternoon…or he's coming to get you himself." I feel torn in half by the time I hear her spiel and hang up on her. I lose my concentration and curl into a ball, lost at what to do with myself. I think about my options, or rather my lack of, and clear my mind.

Since I rejected Alfred he'll probably pull his troops and go home, taking Arthur with him, leaving my country in peace, or so I hope. If or rather when I go home to Ivan, him and Eduard will 'persuade' me to open my boarders up and allow free travel, allowing their imports and exports to proceed as normal. I think of every angle and direction I can move, but there truly is only one option open to me: Marry Eduard and live a life in lie.

At some point, I had fallen asleep, because a bright, cheerful sun shines into my bedroom, bringing everything to light. "Ugh…" I groan as the heat warms my body, to the point of overheating. I rub my red and sensitive eyes as I sit up, recalling what Ana had told me yesterday. I grab my phone and call Ivan, against my greatest desires. He instantly picks up and my stomach sinks.

"Good morning, Natalia." He greets with a friendly voice, perhaps he doesn't yet know of my 'condition' I wonder as I listen to him talk.

"G-Good morning, brother. Ana...she had called me last night. She told me that you want me home." I mumble softly and Ivan agrees to the statement.

"Yes, she's correct. I do want you home, I also want to know why you closed off your boarders, after all, that means we cannot trade through you, dear." I sigh, I had hoped I would be able to avoid this topic, but I guess this isn't the case.

"I-I had heard of rumors to invade, I got scared and I feared you'd be angry with me if Al-America had occupied my lands." I can't make it seem like I'm on a friendly basis with Alfred, I'd prefer to keep all suspicions of my child's father as limited as possible, after all, my future husband will have many questions if this child turns out blue-eyed and brown headed. I shake my head, hoping that this won't be the case.

"I would never be mad at you for something as trivial as that, if he invades he plays into our hands easier, after all, we'd be able to execute him easier if he were in Minsk." Ivan's tone is dark and I bite my tongue hard to send any words of innocence for Alfred.

"That's true." I whisper, my tone breaking.

"Natalia," He calls softly, capturing my attention once more.

"I also want you to be home, with Ana and I, you need to be looked after. You're weak and need your family's support." I can feel his manipulating words tug at my heart, as though I believe them. 'This is what Alfred was trying to protect you from!' My conscience speaks loudly, but I suppress it, informing myself that I know best like my arrogance believes.

"Besides, your fiancé is impatient to meet with you." I frown at the mention of a fiancé that I had never agreed to.

"I'll be home, I just need to pack." I inform, my tone sharp.

"Good, we'll be waiting." Ivan's tone hisses with attitude and I hang up, irritated that I let him rile me up.

"Damn it!" I grit my teeth as I grab my bag and load it a few items, hoping that I'll be able to return after the encounter, but I doubt that Ivan and Eduard will allow me.

It's nearly sunset when I pull up to the regal manor I'd hope to never see again. My nerves act up and cause my stomach to knot painfully. I open the door and step out, I smile as I see Ana and my brother, standing side by side. His hand rests on her hip and he seems to be in tune to her mood, since I see her back arching forward as Ivan's free hand trickles up and down her sensitive skin. Ana looks back to Ivan, kisses him on the cheek before pulling away from him. She begins stepping down the stairs, hoping to escort me up, but Eduard beats her as he rushes down and takes my arm.

"Natalia, love, welcome home." He kisses my cheek and I give him a standoffish stare, shaking him off my arm and placing distance between us.

"Thank you, I'd missed it…for the entire day I was gone." I say sarcastically and roll my eyes as I walk ahead. Ivan smiles at Eduard and guides Ana and myself into the house. He looks over me for a second and I sigh softly, pulling my coat tighter across my midsection, hoping he'd think I was just getting pudgy.

"Natalia, are you feeling better? I remember you were under the weather when you left, it actually worried me that you'd left in that condition." His violet eyes watch me as his arm wraps around Ana's waist. I nod, my voice soft as I assure my health.

Eduard finally joins us and I look back at him. Ivan kisses Ana's cheek and smiles at her, it captures my attention. They seem to be on better grounds lately, perhaps she does love him after all, I wonder, feeling happy that my brother seems to adore his darling wife.

"Ana, take Natalia to her rooms. She needs to have a little rest before dinner. She looks pale." He grabs my chin and looks into my eyes, I scoff and pull back, scolding him for treating me as though I were a child. He playfully laughs before he lets go of Ana.

"Ana, you're more than welcomed to rest as well, Eduard and I have business so we'll be busy until dinner is served." He informs both of us before waving Eduard to join him. They walk in sync to his study, the presence of these two men truly terrifies me.

Ana walks ahead of me, explaining that they've decided to redecorate my old rooms so I've been relocated to our guest rooms for the time being.

"You seem happy, Ana. Ivan seems to truly care for you." I mutter softly, but like I'd expected she scoffs at the assumption.

"Please, he only cares when it's of importance to him. Right now he wants to seem stable in front of Eduard." Her explanation is curt and sour compared to what I saw earlier.

"Well, I can say even when he faked being happy with me…he never made that face towards me." We slip inside of the rooms. I smile as I take in the decorum, it instantly reminds me of when Ana was younger and Russia was a happier country.

"It looks like the old palace your father lived in!" I beam with happiness and fall into the blue satin bedding and my eyes fall on the saddened expression caressing her exhausted face.

"If Ivan had protected my family like he promised to…my family would still be here with me." I see her bottom lip quiver and I reach out my hand.

"Ana, I don't know all the details, but perhaps Ivan saw saving you as more important." I pull her into me and I hold her tightly, trying to suppress her sadness.

"Natalia, why are you here? You're supposed to be home, in your country, where no one will know the father of the child you carry." Ana pulls back from me and caresses my cheek.

"If Ivan and Eduard found out you were pregnant, Alfred being the father would be the worst of your concerns." Her tone is softer when she mentions Alfred's name, perhaps because she knows the pain is still raw. I hold the curve of my stomach and sigh.

"I'm pregnant, Ana. It wasn't supposed to be this hard." I mutter softly before I hear the door click open and I sit up.

"Natalia, I thought you were a little…er…bigger than last time." Eduard mentions as he ruffles his hair, standing in my doorway. My heart races as I wonder how much he heard of our conversation.

America's POV:

My damp sleeping bag keeps me awake as my mind replays tonight. I sigh as I think about everything, keeping my mind calm as I play through each event.

"I had her…but then again I never truly did. There was always some fear, some part of her she would never give up." I think, running my fingers through my rough and tangled hair. I curse at myself, but I'm not mad, or sad, I'm not even truly upset.

I roll over on my side, looking at the men dancing and laughing outside of the tent. I find myself constantly wondering what this mood is as I dive deeper into thinking about us, how exactly we manage to work this thing we had into this massive, complicated mess.

"Ten years of my life, wasted." I chuckle to myself before I randomly burst out laughing. "…Damn it," I whisper into the soft, chilling air. "We'll always have our child, I guess." I let my mind wander to the unborn child Natalia is having.

I wonder if it's a boy or girl first, if Natalia will even extend me the privilege of picking a name or if I'm going to find out through the grape vine. I shake my head as I think of the both of them, my eyes fluttering as they fight off the sleep I desperately need. I yawn widely, yet before I know it…I'm waking up once again.

The men outside are up and marching in the early morning light. I yawn and rub my blue orbs, removing the crust that's manage to build up over the past four hours. I groan at the thought of joining them, of storming Ivan's borders and fighting him. I see Arthur poke his head through the tent to check on me. I wrinkle my nose and he laughs at me.

"Ugh, why you and not some little German babe?" I mutter jokingly as I roll over and scramble out of the tent.

"I want to know what your next move is, Alfred. I mean do you retreat and create a more solid plan or do you just storm Ivan's borders and hope for the best?" Arthur seems unsure of our situation if we continue forward, meanwhile I weigh out the outcomes.

If we retreat home and create a battle plan, perhaps this could all end without any bloodshed, which would be better for everyone, especially between Ivan and I. If I storm the borders and lose, there's no telling how many lives would be needlessly lost in the action.

"Alfred, do we even know why Ivan's pissed with you?" Arthur places his hand on my shoulder, which makes me think about why he declared war.

"…I dunno, it seems to me that every six or so weeks Ivan gets a stick up his ass about something and we all pay…" I sigh and ruffle my hair.

"Arthur, can I be honest here?" I shake my head, trying to clear my mind of the thousands of ideas I currently have.

"Please," Arthur smiles at me as he pats my back. "I just need to go home and think, where I can be secluded and think of every possible outcome." I see Arthur nod and turn around to look at the men.

"That's what I would've gone with. It's not worth it to lose good men over a stupid conflict. I'll tell them to pack up and we'll be leaving by noon." I nod and watch him walk off, ordering each platoon to pack up and get ready to head home.

I turn on my heel and do the same, yanking out my pack before I break down the tent and stuff it in the bag it came from. Once I pack my things on the plane I go to help the platoons, ensuring the cargo plane is loaded with all the gear before we take off. Arthur approaches me from behind and taps me on the shoulder before waving his hand over.

"Alfred, I didn't want you to be surprised about this." He holds a Belarusian newspaper and on the cover is Natalia. It's an older picture, perhaps they don't have a current picture because she's been a shut in. I'm able to translate the cover and I start laughing my ass off, thinking it's some sick joke.

"She's getting married…that's awesome." I say sarcastically as I shake my head. I punch the side of the plane hard, almost breaking my fist against it's metal frame.

"Alfred, calm down." Arthur whispers, his hand on my back as I lean into the plane.

"She could have at least told me, Arthur." I mumble under my breath and bite my lip, terrified of letting the wrong thing slip past my lips.

"They'll probably lie and say that child is his, too." Arthur can only nod. "It'd be wise for them to." He whispers and takes a step back from me.

"We'll be leaving shortly, so please get on the plane." He steps away and goes to order the troops and brief them with what they need to do next. I feel nothing but anger and hurt once more as I go to board the plane, sitting in the far back so no one can find me to disturb me on the plane ride home.

I hear the men board moments later and they settle before the doors seal and the plane takes off from the froze wasteland. I look out the window and close my eyes, ensuring the desire I have for Natalia and her unborn child lay to rest here and don't follow me home.

The flight is rough as we fly in and out of wind storms that mercilessly shake the plane, causing the soldiers with us to sit with cautiousness in their guts. Arthur manages to keep their minds busy so they can't openly freak out and cause a ruckus. They begin to get to know each other better, going around and talking about the women they left behind so they could serve the country they love.

"I left behind my wife and child," One man says and another opens this mouth saying he left behind his first love and never looked back. I laugh as they talk, wondering if they'd be supportive if I told them I left my love in Belarus, never to see them again, but I'm quickly force to recall that we never were anything, technically, and that means I can't dwell on it. I hear story after story and it feels more depressing to be stuck in here with them, I pick up a beer can and begin to chug it, hoping it'll pass the time faster. Before I know it, I've polished off a six-pack and I'm feeling the effects.

"Women are bitches!" I shout out and all the men around me start laughing, agreeing with me.

"They're heartless, and the biggest bitch of them all is-!" A hand clamps over my mouth and Arthur smiles at the group.

"He doesn't handle alcohol well. Please ignore him." He pulls me into the corner and slaps me, glaring harshly.

"Let me guess, the biggest bitch is Natalia?" His hands rest on his hips as he stares down at me. I hiccup and nod, too drunk to even form words.

"Such wonderful words for the mother of your child…" Arthur rubs his forehead and sits me down on a cot. "Keep your mouth shut about her, you're still at war with the family and the last thing you need is to piss off Natalia, after all she's scarier than Ivan." He mutters softly.

"It's been rumored that she has all those weapons under Minsk," He pats me on the shoulder and I start laughing.

"That's old news!" I shout before rolling back and banging my head against the plane and groaning in pain. Arthur can't handle my drunkenness and leaves me in the corner, bleeding from a small cut and resting on my cot. I close my eyes and allow the alcohol to put me to bed, the rest does me well, but doesn't prepare me for the hangover that's bound to come when I wake.

The plane lands smoothly on the paved terminal and I groan as the pounding, disabling hangover comes over me.

"Damn it…" I mutter softly and I see Arthur hanging over me.

"Wonderful to see you up." He smiles at me and helps me up, noting the cut on my head has stopped bleeding and looks fine otherwise. He holds onto me at my waist and I lean on him.

"You're terrible for letting me drink that rot-gut crap." I mutter softly and he only laughs loudly, which causes him great joy and me agonizing pain.

"It was easier to manage you that way, besides, you got the rest you needed." He arrogantly smiles as we step off the plane and pile into a small sedan that was waiting for us.

"Alfred, is there anything you need?" Arthur asks and I shake my head, the only thing I want is to go home and nurse this hangover.

The drive of the small sedan pulls up outside of the house, it looks as empty as I had left it. I sigh and step out, grabbing my back from the trunk and walking up to the house.

"Sometimes this house feels too big, I should have married early…had kids, maybe it wouldn't feel so lonesome." I whisper, sighing at the situation I've caused for myself. I open the door and flick on a light, Illuminating the dust and dirt that lies around the house. I walk into the living room and my foot kicks an empty beer can.

"Maybe…I need a housekeeper. I mean it was better when I had one, things were more organized and clean." I chuckle as I put the can in the trash and place my bag on the couch. I look around and notice all the dirty dishes that lie in the sink.

"…It's becoming a better idea as I walk through…" I mutter to myself and am horrified at what I've let myself stoop to. I shuffle over to the counter and grab the new phone book. Looking up housekeepers and maids, hopefully one that will show desire to work hard. I pick up my phone after I think I've found the right one and dial the number. I look at the name and make a note of it, hoping I pronounce it correctly.

"Hi, thank you for calling Xaoi Mei. I'm sorry I'm not available right now, please leave a message and I'll get back to you shortly." I hear a long beep and I sigh, contemplating on leaving a message.

"Hey, so uh, this is Alfred F. Jones, I was looking to employ your services. So please give me a call back. Bye." I hang up and toss the phone onto the counter before picking up some more of the light stuff off the floor and tossing it into the trashcan. I hear the phone vibrate and I pick up, noting the number as the maid service.

"Hello?" I ask, my voice soft.

"Is this Mr. Jones?" The voice is feminine and I smile a bit.

"yeah, how can I help you?"

"Oh, wonderful! This is Mei, I'm a housekeeper and you called me, so how can I assist you today?" Her voice is cute and I feel a little giddy as I talk to her.

"Do you mind coming by to clean the house every now and again?" I ask and she agrees. She says she works on a contractual agreement and that she'll bring the paperwork when she comes to clean. We set up an appointment for three in the afternoon and I hang up. Setting my phone on the table I go to freshen up before she arrives, knowing body odor is one of the worst ways to make a first impression.

***
Natalia's POV:

My eyes go wide as I see Eduard standing in the doorway, my heart races as I wonder what and how much he heard of Ana's conversation with me.

"Natalia, we need to discuss our engagement and how this arrangement is going to work." He walks into the room and takes a seat on the small oval ottoman in the middle of the room. I stand in front of him, not trusting him. Ana slips around me and walks towards the door, casting a glare over her shoulder as she thinks twice about leaving me.

"Natalia, call me if you need anything, dear." I smile softly towards her and nod before she slips from the room, the door shutting softly and breaking the silence between Eduard and I.

"Let's get to the point, I want to know how far along you are." He smiles softly, his emerald eyes glowing as he looks over my tiny frame.

"And before you play defense, I heard about all that I need to. It's evident you had a lover before our engagement, I mean the best of us do." His tone is snarky as he crosses his legs and look up at me.

"I'm four months," I mutter softly, knocking off a month so it falls in the frame of Ivan's wedding. I see him nod, putting the dates together and he nibbles his lower lip.

"Alright, I can work with this." He pats the seat next to him and motions for me to take the spot. I am reluctant at first, but he grabs my hand and yanks me down.

"Please listen, I do not like being forceful." He whispers against my ear and grabs my hand.

"We can work this angle. We can say how we passionately discussed political matters at Ivan's wedding and we fell in love that night as we drowned ourselves in champagne and we consummated our love early." I can't help but roll my eyes at the idea, but I'm quickly reminded that he's the man I'm supposed to be married to and it helps me greatly if we act like this child is his and not Alfred's. I sigh softly, letting the idea sink in.

"Ivan will know we didn't fall in love, he will be suspicious of that, after all I loved him for a long time." I inform, and I see the gears in Eduard's mind processing everything.

"Alright, you were depressed that Ivan was marrying Ana, whom you couldn't help but hate and you got drunk and ended up whoring it up and got pregnant. I'm merely one of the guys you slept with that night!" I slap my hand over his mouth and sigh, shaking my head.

"…Fell in love over political matters it is." I get up and rub my forehead.

"We'll be married before the end of the year, Natalia. Ivan's truly pushing for this, so he probably won't be too concerned about your child." He reaches out for my curve and I quickly pull back, grabbing his wrist in the meanwhile.

"Don't touch me." I give a cold glare and he smiles warmly. "Natalia, there are a few terms expected if I'm to act like this child's father." I nod, expecting such.

"What do you want? Money, land, a whore on the side?" This isn't the first time I've been told there are terms and conditions to follow and I lean against the bedpost, preparing myself for the regulations.

"I need you to be the perfect wife and mother. I expect us to have three children in total, two of my own and then your bastard. I need you to be caring, compassionate, and wonderful. I want mothers to envy you and wish they were you." He reaches out to me and grabs my hand.

"You're beautiful, but far too cold." He kisses my hand and I look away, laughing inwardly.

"Yeah, well, we'll see." I mutter softly, knowing there wasn't a chance in hell of this perfect mother bullshit to be something I could agree to. "Natalia, please think about it. After all, we need each other right now." He reminds me and I look down.

"If I agree to try, would you accept that?" I am quickly brought off my high-horse and am reminded he isn't Alfred, isn't someone who would openly accept me for my flaws or a lacking personality. He smiles and cups my face.

"Of course, but remember, do not try, simply do!" I feel a desire to punch him in the balls, but I restrain and instead send him from my rooms, making up excuses of how I wish to sleep until dinner. He nods and kisses my cheek before leaving. Once I see the door close, I fall back into my bed and release a large exhale.

"Who the hell does he even think he is? Expecting the perfect damn mother? I'm not Martha Fucking Stewart!" I groan in frustration as I pick at the bedding beneath me. "Alfred would have never said one thing about my personality." I whisper softly under my breath before I bite my lip, wondering how he was after I had sent him away that night. I close my eyes and succumb to a slumber where I dream once more about a life I am never allowed to have.

I feel cold hands shake me as I sleep on the bed, they wrap around my shoulder and rock me back and forth, upsetting my stomach.

"Natalia," My name is softly whispered into my ear and I feel a kiss on my cheek. I think it's Alfred, but his voice is typically rougher. I turn my face up and look into piercing green eyes, terrified by the sigh and I jump back. "

"Natalia?" I hear Ivan's voice and I turn my face, seeing him in the doorway. He laughs softly as he enters.

"Ivan?" I question when I see Ana's at his side, locking arms as they enter together.

"You were late for dinner, we were worried." Ana says as she slips from Ivan's side and caresses my face. "You're a little warm, are you feeling under the weather?" She grabs my chin and observes both sides of my face, worried about me since I'm pregnant. I shake my head, smiling softly.

"Just tired from traveling." I mention and look to Eduard, who puts his hand on my stomach and I turn my face, hair covering my face so Ivan cannot see the soul-penetrating glare I give Eduard for touching my curve. I mouth the word off and Eduard nods softly.

"Ivan, Natalia and I were going to tell you over dinner, but I believe now is about as good as any time, since we're all here." He grabs my hand and I stifle any objections, knowing that we're supposed to be perfectly in love with each other.

"Natalia's expecting my child after unexpected relations the night of your wedding." I see Ivan contemplating this idea, his head nodding as he holds up a finger and leaves the room for a second.

"Did you just break my husband?" Ana looks around the room confused as anything as she tries to understand Ivan's unusual mood.

I shrug and I see Eduard smiling arrogantly as he thinks he's won Ivan's favoritism. I see Ivan come back, his hands behind his back as he walks into the room. "Natalia, love, get up." He orders me and I feel a dark aura float around his person. I quickly get up and he reaches out to caress the bump.

"Natalia, are you happy with the father of this child?" He asks me, peering into my eyes. I push back the idea of Eduard being the father and take a breath, knowing Ivan will know that I'm lying if I think about Eduard. I smile softly, even blushing a little and nod.

"Yes, I'm very happy. I want to marry him even, I want this family with him. He's always made me happy and he's the only person I'm able to be myself with." Ivan's taken aback and he stares at me, wiping away the stray tear from my eye as he looks over me.

"Natalia, I've never seen you this way…" He turns to Eduard and bites his lip, his free hand instructing me to stand next to Ana, who grabs me and gives me the tightest hug I've ever hand. I see Ivan smile, which terrifies us all.

"So, you love my little sister, hmm?" Ivan smirks and rubs his chin with his free hand before he pulls out an ax from behind his back and holds it to Eduard's neck.

"Give me one wonderful reason why I shouldn't cut off your head and feed your body to the wolves." He beams with glee as I see Eduard squirm beneath the blade. It makes tiny scratches against his neck and I'm left smirking as I watch him.

"CAUSE I LOVE NATALIA!" Eduard screams and Ivan rolls his eyes up, thinking about whether this reason is good enough.

"…You love her?" He questions and I can tell he's enjoying this as he nods. "So, you're saying I shouldn't kill you because you love my baby sister?" He questions him, Eduard's voice quivers as he confirms, I see Ivan shrug and turn to me.

"Okay, he lives another day." He walks over to Ana and kisses her cheek. "Now let's eat!" I see Ana look around the room in amazement of what happens. I walk over to Eduard and stifle a laugh as I help him up, enjoying the raw embarrassment that still oozes from him. He stumbles as we all walk out of the bedroom and go sit for dinner.

We discuss details over dinner, Ivan ensuring that we both know the shame we've brought on the family as we dine together. Ana looks at both of us, more me than Eduard and nudges Ivan, ensuring he listens.

"At least we know we'll have future leaders should anything happen to either of you." Ivan mumbles something that's supposed to be reassuring, but I can still tell he's disappointed.

"I want a marriage license forged. We'll hold a ceremony for the people as an apology and allow them to gawk at something." I nod, knowing Ivan was worried and Ana nods, knowing she'll be the one to carry out the paperwork.

"Natalia, much of the planning will be on you. You need to have the child before you have the ceremony. I am not dealing with a dress that you can't squeeze into because you're too fat." Ivan's words are rough as he speaks to me and Ana stands up and slaps him for his curtness.

"Ow, damn it woman!" He shouts and she drops her silverware, pushes her chair back before leaving the table.

"Ana?" He turns and watches her leave, it takes him a moment before he realizes she's not coming back and he pushes back the chair to run after her, calling her name with every step. I look at Eduard and sigh before pushing back my chair.

"I'm not feeling well. I'm going to sleep." He scoots back and nods. "Allow me to help you." I only manage to stare at him and sigh.

"Do as you wish, but I'm able to take care of myself." I mutter softly as I walk off, going towards the east wing where my new bedroom is. I walk faster than I typically do, hoping that I'll have enough room between him and me when I get to my bedroom door, hoping I'll be able to lock him out.

Six Weeks Later:

I walk down corridors, rushing to find Ivan and Eduard since they weren't where we were meeting this morning. My heels click softly against the marble floors as I see Ana walking towards me. "Ana!" I call and she looks up, smiling at me.

"Natalia, you're supposed to be with Ivan and Eduard!" She scolds me, but can only laugh when she sees me struggle with a growing curve.

"I'm aware! They weren't in their meeting place this morning." Ana pats my shoulder and smiles sympathetically at me.

"They're in Ivan's office. They just finished discussing what they'll do with the war between Alfred…it's good news though." She kisses my cheek as she rushes on. "I need to get this filed before the afternoon, but we'll talk later!" She shouts and turns the corner. I sigh, wishing she were the pregnant one and I was the wife without a child.

I turn left and move down the corridor towards Ivan's office. I see them talking away like they have no cares in the world when I barge into the room.

"Natalia, you're late." Eduard mentions as he kisses my cheek and pulls out a chair for me to sit in. I roll my eyes and look to Ivan.

"Is it all men or just you two who can't manage to sit still and meet where designated?" I'm moodier since I'm edging into my final trimester. They both laugh at me and I feel the irk rising within.

"Natalia, we both apologize. We received a peace treaty from Alfred this morning, you may know him as Mister America." I'm shocked as I look at Eduard and Ivan.

"You're no longer fighting with Alfred?" I lean forward in my chair and Ivan nods, happy about the situation.

"Yes, we have meetings later to discuss details, but we're all happy. Eduard will be with me today, so please finish planning everything on your own. I'm sorry but your ceremony date is coming closer and closer." I nod, kind of expecting this since planning and ceremonial things aren't exactly something you brag about if you're a man.

I get up and feel a large thump knock into my stomach. I rest my hands on the edge of Ivan's desk and both of them surround me. Eduard's hand is on the small of my back and I look up at Ivan, laughing softly.

"My son is a jerk." I whisper and straighten myself up and rub my bump gently. Eduard laughs and pecks me on the cheek. Ivan walks me out of his office and tells me to call if I need anything. I nod and walks away from them. Smiling softly as I walk down the corridor. I turn right and I bump into someone, I grab onto their arms as I try to steady myself.

"I'm sorry." A rough voice whispers in my ear as I push back from them. I look up and I'm shocked as I lock eyes with them. My voice catches in my throat as I push past them and try to run away.

"Nat!" The rough voice calls me, but I keep tracking down the hall. He runs his fingers through his hand and I hear him groan in the hallway. My heart races as my body burns from their touch. I rush into my bedroom and lock the door before I lean against it and slide down to the floor.

"Alfred…" I whisper into the room before I start crying into my hands.

I hear his shoes clicking down the hallway, he stops at my door and leans down. I hold my breath and try to ignore his presence. I see a slip of white paper slip under my door, I also see the tips of his finger. I yearn to touch him, but he retreats too quickly and I hear him scurry down the hall, perhaps he is late for his meeting with Ivan. I look at the piece of white paper and open it, on the paper, in his handwriting I hold a detailed letter:

Nat, Natalia, Belarus, whatever you want me to call you,

I loved you. I think I've always loved you, but you knew that already. The last night in Belarus ended that love. It made me realize that I needed to move on. I kept wondering how I was going to stop seeing your face whenever I closed my eyes, or stopped smelling lavender, since you used it on your hair so often. I've met someone, I think I love them, I'm not sure and it's not been long since we ended, but I think I'm going after her. I'm asking her to marry me at the end of the month. I just didn't want it to be a surprise for you, but then again you probably hate me like normal. You're probably reading this and thinking this loser didn't get a clue when I dumped him six weeks ago, why the hell won't he get it now, but…I want you to know after this I have no words for you. Your child is yours. It's your decision to include me in the name process, but I'm not too sure you'll even care to share the sex or the name of our child, I'm sorry. Your child.

Good bye Natalia,

Alfred F. Jones.

I turn it over and see something on the back:

"Nat, I'm sorry I scared you."

It's freshly written with a fountain point pen and I hold it tightly to my chest. "Damn it, Alfred." I curse into the letter and get up, slipping it into the small white desk by the window, into a box where I keep everything I've cherished away from prying eyes.

America's POV:

*Six Weeks Earlier*

I open my front door, sighing softly as I feel water droplets caress my nose and slide down my face. I see a tiny Asian woman standing before me. She looks beautiful with a pink flower wrapped in her bun; it matches the kimono wonderfully. I step aside and she smiles at me as she walks by.

"Good afternoon," She says through gently parted lips and I lead her to the kitchen. I see the paper work on the counter and she grabs the pen that held the papers together.

"I'm Mei, I talked to you earlier." She holds out her hand and we shake.

"I'm Alfred, it's a pleasure." I smile at her, admiring her natural beauty as she goes over the paperwork, I manage to catch every other word, but couldn't tell you what she said. I watch her lips as she forms words, mesmerized as I drag my bottom lip under my teeth and gently nibble it.

"I just need a signature." She offers me the pen and I grab it from her. I try to sign my name, but her pen is out of ink. She gasps and tries to find another pen, but notices she only brought the one.

"I'll grab one from my office." I mention and I walk off, heading down the hall and going to the office. I come back and I see her looking at old photos, the one of Natalia and I is on a shelf and I can tell she's looking right at it.

"Oh, is this your wife?" She asks and I sigh, knowing I don't have to answer, but I don't want to hurt her feelings. She's only trying to know me better as a client.

"Sister." I lie, and she doesn't seem to pick up on it.

"She's pretty," Mei comments and I nod.

"Yeah, her husband adores her…" My voice trails, and I can only hope he'll adore her like I do.

"Marriage seems difficult." She mumbles softly and I laugh, patting her shoulder.

"With the right person…it's a breeze. You just have to find the right person." Mei giggles softly, nodding. I sign her paper and hand her the paper work. She smiles softly before handing the pen back. I shake my head.

"Keep it, you may need it." I walk into the kitchen and offer her a drink, she shakes her head and watches me.

"Are you married?" I reached for a glass and looked over my shoulder.

"Never in my life." I laugh and she bites her lower lip. "I'm not one to truly mix business and pleasure, however…" Her voice trails as she turns on her heel and looks back at me

. "Would you like to have dinner with me next Monday?" I am taken aback at her forwardness and walk over to her, smirking.

"I-," I'm about to reject her before I realize that Natalia and I are no more, that I'm free to date, love, and do whatever without any consequences.

"I normally would've said no, but for you…" I open the door and she walks through, turning on her heel and staring up at my face.

"For me?" She questions, soft brown orbs peering into my soul.

"Sure." I shrug and she smiles before she walks down the walkway backwards, shouting that I have her number and she has mine, and that she'll give me an idea about where we'll go Monday night.

(Thanks for reading this chapter. I do want to say that this story won't have much for sexual themes, or at least not yet. I don't feel like I'm at a place where characters will be randomly hooking up. I look for a chemistry and I'm not really feeling anything between anyone at this point, but that could change in the next chapter, if it goes right. Please continue reading this epilogue and leaving feedback, I adore hearing what you guys think. If you have any requests or suggestions you're more than welcomed to PM me and we can discuss it. *May take a bit for me to reply since I'm in the ending section of my semester and finals should be coming up in the next month or so.)