Chapter 1: Games of sins

The young boy stared at the crowd of people around him. From a stranger's point of view, he looked like the son of a rich royal. He looked around 7 years old, with a slender and slim body, slightly golden tanned skin, chocolate coloured hair and eyes, a stray hair curl sticking out of his neatly combed hair on his right side and wearing fine quality clothing in the making of a clean white, priest-like robe and a golden cross hung around his slender neck. From a stranger's point of view, the boy seemed innocent and curious as he kept glancing around the room with shifting eyes. The slight pout on his cute face made most people awe and giggle in adoration. That is … until he opens his mouth.

From a stranger's point of view, the boy was an unknown. His name, if he had one, was never spoken. All knew he was important since they would always see him whenever Señor Carriedo was around. And all knew that Señor Carriedo was highly influential at the court and was the closest you get to the royal family. He wasn't a tutor, too young for that, but was in fact the personal adviser of the Spanish crown. Whenever the sake of Spain was involved, Carriedo was there. Listening quietly to the meetings without ever speaking a single word until he is left alone with the King. And nobody knew what they talk about together. Nobody knew and nobody dared to ask.

Whenever Señor Carriedo was having a private conversation with the King, the small boy would roam freely around the palace. He'd look around with a dull stare or would just sit in a corner and watch the people pass him by. He always wore an annoyed expression and was cautious, almost frightful when addressed to.

From a stranger's point of view, the boy had bad manners and a foul mouth. He sounded arrogant and indifferent to others. He insulted everyone that dared to even so slightly tease him. And his moody personality and bad temper got on the nerves of every personnel and court attendant of the palace at least once. He would shout at both men and women alike and so, people decided it best to ignore the young brat. They couldn't punish him for he was under Señor Carriedo's protection but that didn't mean they had to be nice and pay attention to him.

The one thing that seemed to scare the boy, or at least keep him under control, was Señor Carriedo's presence. He would always turn quiet when Señor Carriedo was around and always spoke in a more polite manner. But the frown on his face was ever present and he would often send dark glares to his care-taker behind the man's back.

For such a boy, there is however one thing that he seems to show respect for. Just one thing. He was a fervent follower of God. Religion was the one thing he seemed serious about and he hated sins. Especially heretic sins. He would openly challenge people on their belief and how much they respected God and it often ended with a disdainful look from the boy as he walked away. It was clear to everyone that the boy was a pain and would be better off in a monastery. But Señor Carriedo kept him and nobody can do anything but accept his decision.

That is from a stranger's point of view.

To those who know the boy, he was no ordinary boy.

He may look barely 7 years old but is in fact much older than any people present in Court today. He doesn't age, and the reason of his presence in Spain is due to his nature. He is the personification of South Italy, otherwise known as Romano and currently under Spanish ruling.

His behaviour towards other countries is the same as with normal humans and that is the reason why most countries refused to make him their property. All except Spain. All except Antonio Fernandez Carriedo. But that wasn't because he was kind. He was simply ignorant. He assumed Romano would be like his younger brother North Italy, otherwise named Veneziano. He expected an obedient, adorable, cheerful Italian. But was deeply disappointed by what he got. He even tried to give Romano back to Austria but the aristocratic nation had refused plain and simple. France wasn't overly inclined to take him either and Prussia simply didn't care for others. That left Spain no choice but to keep the young, uncivilised, disrespectful nation.

Romano knew all this. And he knew that he would never be appreciated for who he was. He would never be as loved as his lovable brother. And that is why he had given up on being nice. He just did what he pleased without a care for others. They didn't care for him so why should he care for them? Even his grandfather, the Roman Empire had left him to take care of his brother exclusively. He never was loved. And still isn't. Spain merely considered him as his property. He took care of him, fed him, clothed him (sort of although he has gender misunderstandings) and lodged him. The boy was given everything he wanted. Everything except love. Spain would simply wave him off and go off to battle or to take care of his lower countries or even to go and see Veneziano and Austria. And that, that made Romano lose all hope for recognition.

The one thing that saved him was his faith. God loved all men equal. He had love for everyone and maybe even for the unwanted Romano. That is why Romano is very sensitive when it comes to matters of religion. He won't let anyone disrespect his God. Not even Spain.

He doesn't fight. Romano is too much of a coward to fight. He'd rather flee and hide. He was after all a small, weak country surrounded by big, strong ones. He stood no chance and therefore simply retreated whenever things got out of hand. He's always careful not to push his disobedience too far from fear of being punished by Spain. But his rebellious attitude was his way of being strong. He showed a façade and hoped others would leave him be. He's noisy and cries a lot but that's not because he's sad. It's because he's angry. He's angry of being so weak. But there is nothing he can do about it and so he prays. All he can do is pray. He prays God to offer him love and protection. That is the one thing he hopes for. He's willing to wait as long as it takes just to get a little bit of recognition and appreciation. Just to hear someone say to him once: "I'm thankful you exist."

Romano keeps peering through the crowd in search of the familiar crimson clothing of his care-taker. He spots Belgium and Netherlands discussing with each other, standing slightly away from the buzzing mass of humans. Belgium glanced towards his direction and their eyes meet for a brief second and she smiles at him before turning back to her brother. Then Netherlands turned his head, following his sister's lead and gave a curtly nod to the boy before plainly ignoring him. It was to be expected. All three of them belonged to Spain but Romano barely knew the other two. They stayed together most of the time. As siblings they are very close to each other which is surprisingly unusual for nations. Romano himself hardly knew his brother due to the fact they never really got to spend time with each other. Not that he wanted to anyway. He hated his brother. He hated him for being so overly loved while he was left with only hate and disdain.

When Spain had introduced Romano to the other two countries, the boy had secretly been hoping that they would befriend him. He didn't expect them to be adults already while he was still in the form of a child. Netherland was scary and hardly socialized with others. So that didn't go so well. Belgium was more like Spain: cheery and doting. But she acted like a big sister and her smiles were hesitant, as if she didn't know how to deal with Romano. She obviously didn't hate him but she didn't know how to love him or even like him. She often gives him chocolate in hopes of pleasing him. It doesn't. Romano only feels like he's being bribed. He knows that Spain had warned her of his behaviours and his attitude. And just because of that, she was always a bit wary of how to handle him. She tried to keep him pleased as much as possible, scared of making him angry as he is prone to that. But that's not what Romano wants. He accepts her attempts to socialize but with deep reluctance. He can't blame her however. At least, she's trying to be nice. Netherlands plainly ignores him (and Spain for that matters) and all other countries just put up fake smiles in front of him. He hates it. He hates this dishonesty and hypocrisy. If they hate him that much, why don't they just tell him to his face! Spain does. He's the only one who openly shows his dissatisfaction with Romano and the tension between them is … quite awkward. Spain had tried being nice and acting like the others. He was hoping Romano would open up to him. Oh! How wrong he was! It only made Romano angrier and more irritated. After a few attempts, Spain gave up pretending to be nice and simply acted according to his true feelings. He didn't like the boy and he didn't care showing it. Yet he takes care of him as he is after all one of his properties. Spain is a really possessive person. Romano just accepted his fate.

He sighed as he swung his legs in an irritated manner. They were in a church for God's sake! Show some respect! He hated how all those rich people were simply acting like they owned the place. This is the house of God! They should be sitting quietly and respectfully! Instead they were wandering around, chatting and gossiping about who slept with whom and for fuck knows what dark, political reason! It's a disgrace! But that's not the worst. Romano was not angry beyond belief because of some disrespectful bastards. He deals with them all the time. No. What really angers him is the reason why all those people are gathered here today.

A wedding.

Most people would consider this a blessing. The highest act of love between two people praised by God himself. But today's wedding is nothing like that. It's a sick offense to this sacred act that is about to be committed today, in this Holly place and in the presence of the Holly One himself.

Romano glared darkly at the careless people around him. They all knew. And they all went along with this as if it were an everyday occurrence. He hated it.

This wedding … is fake, empty and without love. That is unacceptable and Romano hates it. Yet, he can only watch in defeat and cannot do anything to stop this sinful act. Why's that? Because Spain was the one committing this act and Romano was never a threat to him. He was too weak and his voice unheard. He just had to swallow his rage and endure this.

Sick of even thinking about it Romano walked outside to get some fresh air. This was the first time in his life that he felt uncomfortable in a church. He clenched his golden cross and walked towards the back of the building. It was quiet and Romano felt an overwhelming feeling of peace invade him but it soon got interrupted by the sight of the womanly figure before him.

She was beautiful. Very beautiful. Her slender, feline figure had allure and stood with a strong feral pride. Her golden, hip-length mane was blown gently by the wind, completely free of any form of restrain or accessory unlike most women in Court. It was loose and floated gently like a vale. Her pearly white skin was smooth and gave her the beauty of a porcelain doll along with her gently featured face where shone big, ever changing emerald eyes. Not green like Spain's eyes. His were of a hard, laughing, spring green. While hers were deeper, more subtle and almost enchanting as they seemed to never show the same shade of green. They swirled like a hurricane but with a gaze as calm and composed as the sea. Her long fingers and elegant hands were covered by white, silk gloves. And she wore a pure white, simple dress. Quite plain, the dress seemed to simply follow the line of her body and fell on her like a second skin. At her feet, she wore simple, white ballerinas but they were mostly covered by her long dress. Overall plain and simple … but so beautiful. The only spark of luxury on her was the golden necklace at her neck: a simple golden chain with two pendants hanging from it. One is a standing golden lion, roaring in pride, with a ruby as his eye that seemed to burn like fire. The second is a simple golden cross much like Romano's.

The woman was staring upwards at the sky with a somewhat nostalgic and hoping expression. Like she hadn't given up completely yet. She seemed so sad … it was beautiful. Tragically beautiful.

Romano stared in awe at the scene. This blond woman was standing at the border of the graveyard, behind the church and the thick trees surrounding her seemed to fit perfectly and emphasised on her beauty. She looked like an angel. A suffering angel, still praying and still hoping. Romano may not be as highly praised as his brother in the matters of art but he knew beauty when he saw it. And that scene was begging to be painted.

She closed her gorgeous eyes, long, dark eyelashes batted softly, and she sighed. Her face grew strong. It changed from a relaxed and sad expression to a cold and maybe even resigned one. She seemed to have taken a decision and when she opened her eyes again, the nostalgia and silent prayer in them were gone, replaced by determination and pride.

As she turned to walk back to the front of the church, her eyes fell on the small boy gazing at her. Romano tensed up and immediately put up his frowning façade. The woman looked him gently before chuckling. Her voice sounded as clear as crystal. She patted his head as she walked passed him. Romano blushed and held his breath. He didn't understand. Why hadn't she spoken? Why had she just laughed innocently? Why … had she patted his head with indulgence like that?

He turned around a watched this angelic figure walk toward the church's front doors. She walked with pride and elegance. Ignoring the outraged stares of the people around her, she walked towards the very familiar figure Romano had been looking for earlier.

Spain smiled mockingly when he saw her approach and his eyes fell on her quite attractive chest before he snapped his head up to face the indifferent and cold expression of his … fiancée.

Romano watched as Spain held out his hand and bowed elegantly. He was wearing red and golden themed clothing. His crimson cape fell elegantly on his shoulders and the ornaments on his clothes and jewelleries were overwhelming in comparison to the simple dressing of his partner. He was flashy and elegant and held himself with an arrogant pride and a self-satisfied smirk showed off his seductive smile. His good-looks made most women fall in love at first sight. He was tall, with a darkly tanned skin that seemed out of place in Court where paleness of skin was fashion favoured. His long, curly dark hair was tied in a ponytail and rested loosely on his shoulder. With a strong and sexy body, he made even the male population grow hot with desire and his face was a work of art, sculpted with care. His laughing green eyes stood out like sparkles. In fact, his entire being stood out and shadowed the more discreet and subtle beauty of his fiancée.

She took his hand graciously and walked alongside him. She strolled calmly like a graceful swan while he paraded proudly like a peacock. Again, Romano felt the urge to immortalise this scene. He imprinted every detail of it and was planning on working on this as soon as he got back home. He followed the couple inside the church who had now grown silent.

Everyone present was staring at the approaching couple. The women were gossiping about Señor Carriedo's wife to be. Obviously, they were not impressed. But the blond didn't seem to care. She walked proudly next to her future husband, not showing any lack of confidence or any weakness. The men were eying her attractive figure, as her dress seemed to melt with each movement she made, revealing interesting curves and a fine body. Antonio was undisturbed as he casually walked among the shocked stares. Everyone was outraged by the strange girl at his arm. And yet, he didn't care. In fact, he seemed happy. Romano noticed the teasing glint in his eyes each time Spain looked at his fiancée. He saw no love in those eyes. Just arrogance and pure enjoyment like it was all just a game to him. On the other hand, there wasn't much love in his partner's eyes either. Her eyes were determined and unwavering but showed no other emotion. Romano watched the ceremony go underway. He hated it.

When came the time of the vows, Romano watched closely the reaction of the two committed. He heard a name being spoken.

"… will you take Alice Kirkland as your …"

Alice Kirkland. That was her name. Romano, of course knew her real name. The one that was kept secret. He had known all along who Spain would marry, he just didn't know what she looked like until now. But he knew that this woman, supposedly called Alice, was in fact the personification of England. And he knew why Spain was marrying her. It was all business and politics. And that is why Romano hated it. He hated the use of a sacred act to be thrown away for political reasons and greed. He didn't know, however, why England had agreed to marry Spain. She obviously didn't love him but he knew that there wasn't much gain for her as a country if she married him either. So why?

Spain swore his loyalty in a solemn manner and kissed his fiancée's hand with a charming smile. She remain completely unfazed and swore her own loyalty, her voice never failed but had a dull, monotonous tone to it as if it were just a formality she was undergoing. Her eyes were blazing with wild anger and Spain's were just staring back teasingly. A silent battle was going on but only Romano seemed to notice it. He prayed God to forgive this sinful alliance and then watched as Spain brought his new wife into a passionate kiss. Her body stiffened but she let him kiss her without a complaint. And Spain thoroughly took hold of the opportunity as he made this kiss last longer than one would expect. When they broke apart, he was smirking triumphantly and she was glaring murderously but her face remained straight and composed. They were oblivious to the few congratulations and the rising discussions around them. Their green eyes locked in each other, the battle still on-going with neither of them backing down.

Silence fell once more as the King Phillip II of Spain rose from his seat and congratulated his 'advisor' and gave him his blessing. That broke apart the glaring battle of the married couple and Spain turned a bright grin to his King before bowing and thanking him accordingly. His wife remained disinterested and didn't even spare a glance to her new King. This caused dissatisfaction and offended anger to spread across the people in the church. But she didn't seem bothered by the glares or the back-stabbing remarks.

The newlyweds exited the building, one wearing a cheerful grin while the other kept up a cold façade to hide her rage. Romano followed after them.

He saw Belgium and Netherlands congratulate the two, along with Austria, Hungary, Holly Rome and Romano's stupid brother. Why was that idiot in a white dress anyway? He even saw France smirking maliciously at the two and Spain returned the smirk wholeheartedly while his wife glared murderously at the Frenchman. Prussia was the only one to seem unhappy. Standing aside slightly he was whispering to two other men.

One was as tall as Prussia, with bright, ginger hair and freckles on his pale face. Thick eyebrows that seemed untrimmed and their sizes were quite surprising above the same emerald eyes as Alice only with a darker glare to them. With broad shoulders and a bulky body, he looked strong and the scar on the left side of his face, next to his eye was quite intimidating.

The other, shorter, about as short as Alice, had dark brown hair with curls but not like Spain. His hair was shorter and fluffier and reminded Romano of a sheep's wool. With the same thick eyebrows and emerald eyes as the other, he had a broader body with sturdy arms and a few scars and burning marks on them. Both wore plain clothes just like Alice and in less flashy colours than the entire Court around them. The ginger haired wore shades of pastel green while the brown one went with dark, navy blue. Both of them showed the same poker face as Alice only their glares seemed more dangerous and murderous than her own.

They were whispering and grunting with the albino Prussian until the dark haired one took notice of Romano's gaze on them. The man seemed to hesitate on how to react and opted for a shy smile before averting his eyes back to the couple. He kept staring at Alice and his eyes showed sadness and regret. He seemed powerless and in the same position Romano felt. Only, Romano doubted it was for the same reason. The other was glaring at Spain as if trying to burn a hole in him. Eventually, Prussia walked towards the couple and grabbed Spain away from the others and his wife. He muttered something to him to which the Spaniard only smirked back and glanced over at the two thick eyebrowed men.

Alice then spotted Romano and smiled to him. The boy felt a blush grow on his face and he pouted. Anyone else he would have screamed at but … he really didn't feel like screaming at the honest smile Alice was giving him. She actually acknowledged his presence and not in doubt or disdain. Her eyes then averted to the two grumpy men watching Spain with glaring eyes.

Alice was quick to walk over to them under the watchful eye of Antonio and talked to them with a calming tone. The two grunted before leaving and she smiled sadly at their turned backs. Prussia went to Alice next and whispered in her ear before leaving as well. She seemed even sadder watching the Prussian.

Antonio was eyeing her thoughtfully but got distracted by Austria and an overly excited Veneziano. Romano frowned at his brother. He really had no idea what was going on and thought all this was genuine. How naïve! Romano turned away and didn't even bother acknowledging his brother's presence. Instead, he walked up to England.

Alice looked down as she felt someone tug on her dress. She smiled at the small boy with the pouting face. Romano wanted to show her. He wanted to make it clear that he didn't like her. She had no right to be wearing that cross around her neck after her actions today. About to shout and scold her he was mildly surprised when she kneeled down so that her face was now at the same level as Romano's. Nobody ever did that before. People usually looked down on him while he tried to look tough and shout at them. Even people trying to be nice to him never bothered to lower themselves and the furthest they get is bending a bit over. Romano is always towered by others. It was an unusual change for him to speak to someone at his own height level. He felt his cheeks blush nervously at the woman's soft and honest smile. She wasn't embarrassed, nervous or faking. She was honestly smiling at him like she would to an innocent child.

"You're Romano, aren't you?" her voice was crystal-like and with a melodic sound to it but her unusual accent sounded wrong with the Spanish she spoke.

Romano crossed his arms and looked away with a frowning face.

"Yeah, so what if I am?"

The girl chuckled. From up close, Romano noticed that she looked younger than Spain. Antonio looked in his early twenties when this girl still looked barely 18 years old. She was a country so Romano knew that human appearance was deceiving but it made him feel safer knowing she was still younger looking than he had expected. She looked about the same age as Belgium but she acted towards him in a complete different manner. Romano thought at first that it was because she didn't know who he was but apparently she did and it didn't bother her that much.

"Why are you so angry, Romano? Do I really look that scary?"

Romano shrugged dismissively and pointed at the church.

"It's not your looks. You're actually very pretty. I'm fucking angry because of what happened in there! You and Stupid Spain just made a disgrace of a sacred vow under the eye of God! It's sinful! That's why I'm fucking pissed! You shouldn't even be wearing that cross!"

His voice was harsh and leaking of anger but Alice looked at him with surprise before smiling happily. Romano stared in shock at her thanking smile. She was … she seemed truly happy and grateful by what he said.

"Thank you! No one has told me that I was pretty for a very long time! I'm so used to getting looked down upon and criticised, I had almost forgotten what it was like to be praised."

"I wasn't fucking praising you! I was telling you that you were a heretic whore and you should be begging forgiveness to God for that sinful act you did!"

She smiled sadly and patted the boy's head.

"I know. I was praying the entire time of the ceremony. I'm glad you actually told me that. Up until now, all I've heard are fake blessings and pitiful encouragements or apologies. I really needed someone to actually scold me. It all felt so wrong … thank you, Romano. I'm so glad I met you."

Romano's jaw dropped as Spain walked over to them. Apparently Alice had noticed him earlier since she was already standing up and waiting for him as he approached. Spain looked from Romano to his wife with curiosity.

"I hope my henchman isn't causing you too much trouble, my dear."

"Not at all. I find him most pleasant and am looking forward to getting to know him better."

At that Spain's eyes widened. He hardly expected anyone to actually like Romano let alone wanting to get to know him better! But Alice smiled sweetly at her husband and followed him to the awaiting carriage. Romano was left in the care of Belgium for the rest of the day. As Alice was climbing inside the carriage she winked at the boy with a small grin on her face. Romano blushed and pouted back at her making her chuckled lightly. Once the carriage was out of view, a small, shy smiled grew on the Italian's lips.

He wasn't clenching his cross anymore but instead was caressing it thoughtfully.

Maybe God hadn't ignored his prayers. Maybe this marriage wasn't a complete failure. Maybe … just maybe … Alice wasn't so bad after all.