Well, howdy folks. So this is my first time testing out my writing skills for the publics eye and I hope it is satisfying enough for you all and, if not, I am deeply sorry. ^^;

Disclaimer: I do not own Princess Debut in any way, shape, or form. Although, I believe I would have had a blast if I did. XD

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Chapter One: Secrets

My head pounded once again as I felt myself being swung around by my instructor for the third time that day. My legs were tired, my feet ached and my arms were growing weary from all these pulling and maneuvering that they were being put through. However, throughout this whole ordeal, my mind had yet to stop racing, hence why I had my current headache. Over all of the other discomforts, my head was bothering me the worst, and Kip's loud chirps - of what he claimed to be encouragement - were not helping with its current state. As we separated once more for the finishing pose to our Carmen, I could practically feel the disappointment radiating off of my companion beside me. Kip, not having the eye for dancing at all, applauded loudly for us both, which only made the situation worse.

"Honestly, Ven," Tony stated as he slide a gloved hand over his brow, his large rabbit ears twitching in - what I could only assume to be - annoyance. "If you are not going to take this seriously then I do not believe I should be wasting my time teaching you any longer." Never being the type to shout, Tony had a way with words, and vocal tones, that could either make you feel like the greatest thing to ever walk on the Earth, or like you were the lowest scum to ever crawl out of a trash can. And, unfortunately, this tone was not one used for praising.

Instead of replying to his statement, I kept my head down, hands clasped together at the hem of my dress as I chewed on my bottom lip. Being scolded by Tony was never pleasant but today just made everything worse. It was already the 23rd day of my stay here in the Flower Kingdom and I was running out of time. I had to find a dancing partner, and fast but…I didn't like any of the other Princes here. The only one I had considered was Klaus, but he had made it perfectly clear that he wasn't interested in me as a dancing partner. I know I shouldn't be choosy but I honestly wanted to be matched up with someone I liked for the Ball of Saint-Lyon. Honestly, all of the other men around here were all such…such children! Ah, but there would be a simple solution to this problem, the little voice inside my head reasoned as I looked up at my mentor through my bangs. If it wasn't for the fact he was my mentor!

"Can you at least tell me what has caused you to lose so much of your concentration? You've been like this for the past few days now…" His voice almost held a hint of concern that caused my back to stiffen and my head to rise just slightly. I focused my gaze on his handsome face, regardless of its rabbit features, and felt my voice begin to rise to the surface, my mouth parting in preparation for its release.

Realizing that I was not completely sure of what I was planning on saying, I was suddenly afraid of what secrets could escape while in my worn out state. So, in order to protect myself, I snapped my mouth back shut and quickly shifting my eyes down and away from his lingering gaze. Popping my lower lip back into my mouth, I wrestled with the idea of telling Tony about everything: the real Princess; coming here from my normal, homework filled world; how I had been shot down by Klaus; how Kip keeps pushing me towards the other Princes; how I want only one man to dance with me, and he isn't even a real man! All of these topics, and more, were bubbling just behind my throat, begging to be released from their dark space locked away in my mind, but I couldn't seem to open up to him. He was, after all, just my instructor. I knew better than to open up to him. It's just like opening up to my old teachers back in my time, I reasoned when a wave of guilt nestled its way into my chest. I wouldn't have trusted this with Mr. Haven!

Which was true, I would not have opened up to Mr. Haven. However Tony is definately not Mr. Haven...

"I'm afraid," I heard myself began, and my eyes widened in panic. Dear lord! What am I saying? I had never experienced the feeling of being on auto-pilot, but if this was how it felt - as if you have been pulled apart from your own body and are watching anxiously for your next move - I did not like it one bit! I tried to stop myself again; to cough or sneeze, hell even a burp would have been welcome right at this moment to save myself, but I had a feeling that I wasn't going to be that lucky. Thankfully, Tony was able to save me unknowingly by asking for confirmation after he had waited long enough.

"Afraid of what, Ven?" His voice floated above me softly, the gentle ring of concern echoing out as he spoke. I couldn't stop my heart from reacting as it speed up in rhythm.

Don't be stupid! I scolded myself as I rose my head a little, staring blankly in front of me. He's my teacher, of course he's going to be concerned. If I'm upset or sad, I will not be able to perform to the best of my ability, which would make him look back as an instructor. It stung to think about, but that was the only truth I allowed myself to see as I lifted my mocha colored eyes to meet his ruby-colored ones to answer him. "I'm afraid that I'm missing at the ending chorus, right before the ending…" So you choose to run away again, eh? Yes… I couldn't face rejection nor could I openly discuss my situation with him. What would he think of me if he found out I was not a real princess? I'd be just some random girl that he'd no longer want to teach…

After all of the days we've been working together, I knew Tony could see past my lies by now. He always knew when something far more complex was going on. However he never pried. He allowed me the space and time I needed, just as he did now. Taking my answer whole-heartily, he smiled in that kind, caring way that only Tony could and stretched a hand out for me to take. "Then, care for one more practice, Princess?"

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And that's all she wrote, for now.

Please review with your thoughts and opinions.I am not exactly sure where I am heading with this particular story yet, so any suggestions are very much appreciated. Thank you kindly.