Archive of Our Own ^beta

What had started with a normal, dull day for Norman had unexpectedly changed to him as he had needed to delay one of his meetings with a high noble from the neighboring kingdom after one of the maids of the castle reported to him for his sister's absence.

Anna was always a silent type of girl, never causing any ruckus or confusion and just staying in her place so it was to his grand surprise to have known she had escaped the walls of the castle and wandered off somewhere by herself.

Yet, instead of letting the maids warn about his sister's missing to their parents, Norman also took the chance to explore the outside world within his quest of looking out for the princess.

Norman dismissed the guards as they would bring a lot of unnecessary attention and so he smiled under the thought of all of that crowd that surrounded him had no idea that a prince hid himself under his long snow-white cloak.

It was good to see how his people acted daily, watching the common market where people sold and bought stuff fresh, everyone greeted each other and there was just a pleasant welcoming feeling surrounding his kingdom.

The moment his eyes spotted a small group where small children played around with a young lady, the inner peace that he felt was broken by a sudden change of his heartbeat, that seemed to be wanting to get away from his body and jump to the ginger-haired.

Since very young Norman had been disciplined on how to act and within five seconds that it took for him to view her in that crowd he had forgotten all that had been his education as he could only stare at the woman, his mouth open slightly as he felt a knot on his throat that enabled him from saying a word.

Probably feeling his stare on her, she looked up, her emerald eyes meeting his under the ginger locks and her smile just widened, causing Norman to turn his head to try to calm himself down and the unusual heat that crawled into his cheeks.

For that reason, he failed to notice the steps that came closer to him, until he heard a sweet yet energetic voice next to him "Hello! Are you lost?" It was with a big surprise that Norman turned to face her, seeing how the girl didn't seem to know the definition of personal space, he could see how her eyebrows twitched when seeing him, probably recognizing him and that was when Norman thought that maybe he had made a mistake by showing up without a plan "You... Look familiar. Have we met before?"

The prince could only gulp as he saw how intensively she observed him. The green irises moving their gaze from his white-blonde hair, to his pale skin until boldly staring straight into his eyes "I- I don't think so. My sister... I'm just looking for my sister, have you seen her? Really light blonde hair and blue eyes, she's probably a bit shorter than you and..."

"Oh? Are you talking about Anna?" The girl backed away a little and Norman could finally breathe again "I think she's with Ray right now, I can take you to them."

What a luck he seemed to be with today, Norman couldn't help but think, not only he had been able to go to town by himself, he had also met one of the most beautiful creatures he had ever laid his eyes on and he would find his sister sooner than expected (and as a bonus he would spend some time with this woman he already found simply mesmerizing).

"That would be splendid, if it's no bother, that is."

"It's no problem at all, just let me warn my sister." She quickly excused herself, her wild hair floating behind her as she ran to another girl with green hair that was keeping the small children in line.

He saw how the second woman threw him a nasty glance quickly before focusing on the ginger-haired once again, who kept smiling and shaking her head until the green-haired gave up on their argument with a sigh.

"Sorry for taking a while. Gilda was just concerned about me being all alone with a guy I just met." The woman explained once they were already alone, being guided by her to where Norman's sister should be.

"That only shows she cares about you, and she's right, it can be quite dangerous to be alone with a man you just met, aren't you scared?"

"Nope. You seem like a nice guy, one that doesn't come out much but still a nice guy." Feeling her stare on him, Norman couldn't help but look to his side, actually finding her staring at him with a smile on her rosy lips "You actually give the vibes of a prince charming."

Norman wanted to chuckle at the statement. If only she realized it...

"Maybe you also give the vibes of a princess." He tried to think of the possibility of such kind girl being a royal by his side and his cheeks instantly heated up again but he saw how her lips changed into a frown for the first time he had set his eyes on her.

"I wish I could be one. Or at least one noble. Anything that would allow me to have a little bit more money."

"Oh." It was only what came to Norman's mind as he did not expect such motivation "You would like to buy more dresses?"

"Not only dresses. Everyone in the orphanage needs new clothes as they're too old and used, everyone says they're fine but you can still see them shivering on the coldest of nights... I would buy everyone warm clothes and lots and lots of food and medicine so nobody would get sick so often."

His heart tightened in his chest at the determination that she carried in her eyes. This woman in front of him was saying she would sacrifice herself for others without having the minor of hidden intentions behind those emerald eyes so pure.

"So you live in an orphanage?"

She hummed, nodding her head "Yup, the Grace Field Orphanage. Ray's also from there and so Anna also visited us once or twice, they're usually at the stables where Ray works and that's where we're heading to."

"How is it like? Living in an orphanage."

"Well... We're poor but we're a huge family and we always rely on each other. Me, Ray, Gilda and Don are the oldest so we try to get some jobs but so far only Ray managed to keep his job for more than one month."

"Those kids you were with... Were they your siblings?" Norman asked, remembering the large group of kids earlier, a newly found feeling of pity overtaking him.

"Yup. Oh but don't feel bad for us." She warned, by now being used to knowing that pity look "Our situation isn't bad, we're all still alive so it could always be worst." She said with a smile, that was probably more to fool herself than Norman.

They made their way to the stables, where as planned the blonde princess was there, petting the head of a horse while a black-haired man brushed the mane of the animal.

"Anna, what are you doing here?" Norman called out, accidentally making the girl jump a little in shock, her eyes widening as she noticed her brother there.

"I-I can explain."

"You can explain later, we need to get back home and fast before someone notices we're both gone." He warned giving no time for explanations, the reason why he had left the castle now fully returning to his brain.

Anna gave one brief look at Ray before backing away from the animal she was petting, walking towards the door and past her brother and the ginger-haired. Norman was about to follow her when suddenly "Wait a moment Anna."

He said before turning around to see the ginger-haired girl again "In one week, there will be a ball in the royal castle. As thanks for helping me find my sister would you please do me the honor of meeting me there?"

"Heh? But I-" He saw how she tried to refuse but he was feeling selfish enough to try to not let her escape.

"Please, I insist. One of the guards will come to the orphanage and deliver you the invitation. If it makes you feel more comfortable you can bring how many you feel like."

"Alright, I'll meet you there." She gave him a smile and Norman smiled brighter than he ever thought he could smile.

"Until next week then."

"Until then."

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"Do you really think you should go, Emma?" Ray asked her once she told what happened to Gilda and Isabella, who were purely excited over the news.

"Heh? Why not? It sounds fun! Plus... I want to see him again." Emma confessed, her cheeks burning lightly after saying such and it even made Ray feel bad about being so blunt with the need of bringing Emma back to reality.

"Just look at yourself. This is a ball for the Prince to choose his bride, that means only the most good-looking riches will be there, do you really think that is your place?"

Ray immediately regretted his words when seeing how the cheerful grin that Emma always wore faded for a brief moment but it quickly was back on her face again "Don't worry, I'm not even going to try to see the prince, I just want to see that man again."

Seeing the dark brows arched in disbelief, Emma tried to persuade him again "Please Ray, I'll be back at midnight."

"That's not..." The issue, he wanted to say, People will mock you, he wanted to say but he knew that such fact wouldn't destroy her plans, to which he could only let out a sigh from her stubbornness "Fine, you can go. But I'll go with you and we'll leave at exactly midnight, no more, no less."

Taken by overjoy, Emma tackled the taller figure in a hug "Thank you, Ray!"

"Yeah yeah..." He muttered, petting her head in a brotherly matter "Now go see if Gilda can help you with the dress. We only have one week."

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One week passed far too quickly and Norman found himself staring at his reflection in the mirror, adjusting the glove on his hand and daydreaming that the ginger-haired that had stolen his heart and thoughts found herself behind the castle gates.

That was the night of his eighteen birthday, which meant it was the night where he had to find his queen. How lovely would it be if she agreed with his proposal?

It was ridiculous, he had only seen her once, he had barely spoken to her, hell, he didn't even know her name but he knew that he had a puppy-love crush on this mysterious and kind woman. Maybe it was fate, or maybe he was just going crazy, all that he knew was that tonight he would get all the answers he needed.

Already with the gates open, Norman had greeted every single guest that entered, as it was his duty but his aquamarine eyes were always focused on the door, waiting to see that ginger-haired woman walking in.

It was only when the ball officially started with the pairs invading the ballroom to dance and after the queen asking Norman if he wouldn't want to go ask for anyone to dance as it was his night, to what he could only mutter he would dance later; that something seemed to happen.

It was to nobody's indifference the new pair in the room and Norman's interest and hopes peaked up as he finally got up from his chair throne for the first time since greeting the guests and it was, to everyone's surprise, to see him walking towards the two figures that entered the room.

He gulped as he moved closer to the door, the air getting heavier each time Norman shifted to not bump with someone and then his heart went wild when he saw the woman's smile grow even bigger as soon as their eyes met.

"Remember our deal." The prince heard the raven-haired mutter to her before directing a warning glance at Norman before processing to abandon the two, mixing within the crowd.

But Norman could only focus on the woman that was walking to him, the tail of her salmon puffy dress being dragged on the floor as the ruffles of the skirt made her steps look so elegant, so flawless. The corset hugged her figure so perfectly, revealing all the delicate curves of the female body, ending in a modest sweetheart neckline, decorated with rose pattern all around the bodice.

She moved the pieces of her curly ginger locks away from her eyes and tugged them to behind her ear, the rest of her hair was tied in a low updo braid with a moon, star and sun lined up hairpin keeping it all together, being so messy yet elegant at the same time. Could this woman stop trying to make him pass out every second?

"Hello, so we meet again heh?"

Norman smiled, lifting his hand and she quickly caught on the clue to place her hand on top of his, the olive-color of her cheeks dusting with a tinge of pink when the prince directed her hand to his lips, pressing them softly against her skin.

"I'm glad to see you here." He whispered, just loud enough for her to hear yet he could still hear the murmurs around them as the prince allowed his lips to linger a little more than just for etiquette reasons before lowering her hand, still holding it in his "Would you give me the honor of this dance?"

"I-" Norman immediately saw the panic in her eyes and she quickly averted her gaze from him "I'd love to, really but... I'm really not a good dancer."

"You'll just have to trust me. I promise you'll be dancing like a professional after one dance." He still tried to persuade her and by the small smile that was being formed at the corner of her lips, he knew he had won.

"Just don't say I didn't warn you when I step on your feet." He returned her smile as the grip on his hand tightened, allowing him to lead her to the center of the ballroom.

"That's not a no..." He muttered, a disguised smirk on his face as the woman placed her free hand on his shoulder, waiting for the music to start, and not bothering to hide her one grin.

"Just one dance."

Unfortunately for Emma, the first dance was none other than a fast-paced waltz yet, even having little-to-no-experience, the man leads her effortlessly, sliding on the floor like they were walking on clouds.

Her dress floated with their movements along with the dances that followed one another, making the woman laugh when he twirled her, yet that was the only moment when Emma noticed the stares on them, but that wasn't surprising.

"Everyone's looking..." She muttered yet Norman didn't take his eyes away from her.

"Aren't you used to people staring at you?" The prince asked, his arms pulling the woman closer to him and trying to keep his cool when feeling her doing the same.

"Not really, I'm not one to get the stares unlike you..." Her hand softly met his cheek, rubbing his cheek to see if it was as cold as the pale skin seemed to make it look like and finding out that it was actually so warm "I wasn't kidding when I said you gave prince vibes... You're so kind and confident and... Well, breathtakingly charming."

She saw those crystal eyes darken and couldn't help but gulp when his hand was placed on her chin, bringing their faces so close to each other that they could feel each other's breaths.

"The high society will land their eyes one everything that catches their narcissistic attention and you, my dear, are the only rose in this sea of thorns, you're bound to be the focus of tonight."

Emma could only listen to that melodic voice, eating his words like they were honey and growing bolder with a need of his attention she leaned in, whispering in his ear "Yet I only want to be your focus."

Norman had to find the most strength he could get to push her away gently, trying his hardest to stay in character but hell, was this woman making him lose his mind "Should we go to a more private place?"

"Please." Her eyes darkened like his and eagerly accepted his offer, locking her arm with his as he leads her once again, moving to the doors that lead to the outdoors garden.

"The night is just so lovely tonight." Emma sighed happily, her body leaning against their interlocked arms as they sat in a bench near a small lake, all hidden from those that weren't familiar with the place "I was about to not come tonight... Ray was right, this place was full of people so nicely dressed... Not the world I should be mixing in. Well, at least I did my part and didn't even saw the prince."

"You didn't come here to see the prince?" Norman asked, still amused by the clueless of the girl of still not finding out his identity.

"Not really... I'm only here because that would make me able to see you again."

The sincerity in her eyes made his heart skip a beat. How was it possible for such jewel like her to exist?

"I'm glad you accepted my invitation."

"I'm glad I did it too." She confessed, laying her head on his shoulder and looking up to admire the moon, enjoying the feeling that she felt while holding Norman's hand and the mood of that lovely moment.

"Hey, I just remembered... We never introduced ourselves right?" Norman broke the comfortable silence that had been settled between them as they saw the swans elegantly swimming on the lake and shifted to be able to look at her, her emerald eyes already mesmerizing him as soon as he looked at her "I'm Norman."

The woman smiled "Em-"

The midnight ballad rand throughout the castle, making her freeze and Norman extremely concerned as she quickly got up, freeing herself from his hold and staring at the large clock of the main tower "It's midnight..."

"Indeed it is, is everything ok?" The albino asked concerned, trying to reach out for her hand but she quickly moved away, her eyes showing such sadness that it broke his heart.

"I'm sorry. I really want to stay with you a little more but I don't break promises. Let's meet someday..."

With a sad smile, she quickly ran away, holding the folders of her dress to not stumble and fall. For when Norman could react, she was already out of sight, even so, he still tried to run after her, cursing at the lack of stamina to run that his weak body never developed resistance.

He could only find the gates already open and a carriage moving away.

His fingers interlocked themselves on his hair, feeling the despair of having lost her again, yet his future literally shone in front of him as he moved to pick up the moon, star and sun hairpin that had been left on the ground.

For ridiculous as that sound, it was his clue to not give up.

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It was to Isabella's huge surprise to see the royal guard in front of her orphanage the day after the ball. The first thing that she had thought was that Emma and Ray had made some mess but by the happiness look that they both carried when they arrived last night she doubted anything of the sorts.

That was when the prince himself got out of the carriage too, asking for directions that would make him meet the ginger-haired woman, even showing the hairpin to Isabella as a proof that he was looking for Emma.

He was directed to a room at the end of the hallway, his guards staying outside the orphanage as it was too small for all of them to fit in, either way, Norman also preferred to be alone with her.

The door opened in front of him before two children run past him, a concerned "Be careful" from a familiar voice coming from inside the room and making his heart skip a beat.

True to Isabella's words, there stood Emma, watching her reflection as she fixed her shirt, lifting her eyes to meet his in the reflection and turning around faster that he could blink "Norman...?"

"Pardon my intrusion... Miss Isabella told you me you should be here."

She quickly hid the pajama clothes from the kids that were on top of the bed so she could make some room for him to sit "Ah yeah, sorry for the mess, I wasn't expecting guests... Especially you... What brings you here?"

He smiled but didn't take the offer to sit, instead, he took one box from his pocket and gently placed on her hand "I dislike leaving business unsolved so I took the chance to come to talk to you as well as return this to you, you lost it last night. "

With a confused expression, the woman opened the box, just to find the hairpin that only now she seemed to notice it's missing "My hairpin! Thank you, mama would kill me when she found out I lost it. And what do you mean with business unsolved? I don't remember talking about any business..."

Norman chuckled and shook his head "Our introduction was cut short last night so allow me to try again. I'm Norman Minerva, the prince heir of the Minerva crown. I would really like to know my hopefully next-to-be wife's name."

Emma's eyes widened at the reveal, until her smile showed up in her face, her hand coming to rest on top of his as their fingers interlocked.

"Emma. Emma soon-to-be Minerva."