Anime: Pandora Hearts
Requested by: @MUSLIADINM

(Y/n)'s POV

A royal ball fit for a queen...but I was not a queen, just a mere princess. Unfortunately, my title was just a facade that hid the true form of my identity. A servant...or perhaps the more correct term for my position would be a slave.

The maids had finished dressing me in my royal gown, with the final touch being the tiara placed upon my head. A nervous breath escaped my lips as I was led to the ballroom.

All the guests turned their heads to look at me atop the grand staircase. I slowly made my way down, careful not to trip over my own feet. The ballroom was decorated in such a way that it overwhelmed even me, who had the pleasure to indulge in great luxuries.

Tonight, I would have to pick a suitor...let me rephrase that: the queen would pick my suitor for me. I had no say in such decisions. Indeed, I was only a puppet with no emotions.

"Please, do not stop for my sake. Continue with your conversations and dances for I am just an average girl that does not deserve such attention."

My mother came up to me with a pretentious smile on her face. I forced a smile as I greeted her with practiced respect. She paid no mind to my hidden anger as she eyed the men in the room.

"Who do you think, (Y/n)?" she asked only to keep up her act.
"I'm not sure, your majesty. It is a difficult decision."
"Yes, it is."

A blonde-haired boy walked towards me before taking a bow. He introduced himself as Oz Bezarius and asked for a dance. I didn't bother looking at mother for her nod of approval as I placed my hand in his, letting him lead me away.

He suddenly pulled me in closer and whispered in my ear. I could only hope that a blush didn't appear on my cheeks from the close proximity in which he stood.

"I'm sorry, princess but I have to kidnap you," he whispered as we danced.
"Kidnap? You cannot be serious...right?"
"I'm afraid I am. Please don't be frightened. I won't hurt you. I just...need you for a mission."

He looked into my eyes for some kind of reaction. I could only hint at a sign of excitement and determination, which took him by surprise.

As soon as the danced ended, he led me to the balcony. A tall, black-haired man was waiting there, seemingly for Oz to bring me. I gasped in surprise as the man lifted me up.

"Don't worry, (Y/n). He's my best friend, Gilbert. We're getting you out of here," Oz exclaimed as he began climbing down.
"If you drop me-"
"I won't. Who do you take me for?" Gilbert asked.
"A peculiar stranger who shows up to kidnap princesses?"

He ignored my statement and jumped. I covered my mouth for fear that my muffled scream might attract unwanted attention. Without warning, I felt myself slipping from his grasp.

This time, I couldn't help but scream. However, my fright was short-lived. Oz caught me in his arms, a cheeky grin visible on his face. My irritation was starting to show.

"I thought I was going to die!"
"But you didn't, princess."
"But I almost did..."
"I caught you, didn't I?"

I looked at him before bursting into tears. He simply laughed at my reaction, which just added fuel to my burning fire. I felt his arms tighten around me, as if trying to comfort me.

"Don't do that again."
"I can't promise you that. If you come with me, it'll change your life," he replied.
"...that's hardly a challenge considering how I've always wanted to change my life."
"Watch out!"

We turned at hearing Gilbert's voice before Oz pushed me down to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. Were they not the royal guards tasked with protecting the royal bloodline? Under what reason did they have to shoot at me?

"(Y/n), we have to go-"
"No, we'll die like this. I'll buy us some time."

The commander came forward, a solemn expression on his face. I felt Oz grab my hand as if he was ready to run at any given time.

"Princess (Y/n)," the commander greeted.
"Peter, let me go."
"I have orders from the queen."
"Do her orders mean more than our childhood?"
"You know it doesn't, but this is different-"
"If it's so different, why don't we change our perspectives?"
"Princess...I'm sorry."
"I...see..."
"For testing you. Go, before the queen comes."

I looked up in surprise but he had already turned around and began walking back. Oz tugged at my hand, making me reluctantly turn around.

"I'll make sure you never have to suffer through the same pain you endured at the palace," exclaimed Oz.
"What makes you so sure that I suffered?"
"The melancholic look in your eyes. I may be an incompetent brat but even I know what sadness feels like."

~Some time later~

Gilbert had apparently gone to inform 'the others' of the successful kidnapping. Oz and I had run out of breath, having to resort to lying on the soft grass in the middle of a meadow.

The stars shone like diamonds in the sky; a sight that I had never had the chance to view. With my strict restraints gone, I was now free to carry out my desired wishes...

"Hey (Y/n), what...happened at the palace?" Oz asked.
"I was a slave to my mother's cruel commands. In other words, I was nothing but a mere puppet."
"Why didn't you rebel or escape?"
"...I wanted to but I couldn't. She threatened to kill my younger brother..."
"You have a brother?!"
"Yes, he was kept hidden from the world because of his incurable sickness. He...passed away last week..."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"No, I'm the one that should be sorry. I'm just using you for my own benefits..."
"Princess, you're kind."
"Kind?"
"Yeah. I don't know much about the world but you're too kind to hurt others. I can see through your wall of defence so from now on, tell me whatever you're thinking. No one will judge what you have to say."
"*smiles* Thank you."

This boy had made me smile for the first time in years. I had forgotten the feelings of joy that came with such a simple smile. Tears brimmed my eyes.

"Are you crying again?"
"I-I'm sorry."
"Don't hold back. Cry as much as you want."
"...you're not lying, are you?"
"*laughs* You're so cute. I didn't want to say that before but now, I can't help it."
"So you two are out here...get up, Break's looking for you," Gilbert exclaimed while bending down to look at us.

Both Oz and I yelled out in fright. He had crept up on us after all.