#nedmon

1524- Monaco is placed under the protection of Spain. Sequentially, this meant that Monaco became subservient to the Spanish Crown.

The House of Grimaldi- The Grimaldi descend from Grimaldo a Genoese statesman at the time of the early Crusades. He may have been a son of Otto Canella, a consul of the Republic of Genoa. Monaco was first ruled by a member of the House of Grimaldi in 1297,  Francesco Grimaldi, after he and his men successfully captured the fortress surrounding the Rock of Monaco. 

 In 1419, the Grimaldis purchased Monaco from the crown of Aragon and became the official and undisputed rulers of "the Rock of Monaco." (wikipedia)

 Spain's hands felt heavy and calloused on Monaco's delicate shoulders. She could practically feel the world-conquering power that the man held; hands that felt so similar, and yet dissimilar, to France's hands.

 "Monaco and her Royals have been placed under my protection," Spain announced, a smile evident in his voice.  "I want you to treat her as a quest in our home. That being said, Holanda?"  The ash-blonde haired man with the blue and white scarf glanced over in Spain's direction, sharp green eyes narrowing slightly. "Be on your best behavior, alright?" Carefully Spain removed his hands from Monaco's shoulders, walking around so he could stand eye level with her. "Make yourself at home." He said. Before Monaco could reply, Spain had turned his back to her and was practically gliding out of the room, only stopping to place an affectionate kiss on South Italy's head. At least there was one familiar face in this room full of strangers.

 As soon as Spain had left, the blonde-haired young woman stood from the over-stuffed chair she had been sitting on and bounded over, taking both Monaco's hands in hers.

 "Welcome to our home!" The blonde said enthusiastically. "I'm Belgium. The cutie over there is Romano," she turned slightly to wiggle her fingers in the small Italian's direction. He turned a spectacular shade of red before looking away with a defiant pout.

 "I know her already." Romano said, "her Royal Family is from Genoa." He said as a matter of factly.

 "Wonderful!" Belgium replied. She smiled, and the Italian turned an even darker shade of red before toddling out of the room, mumbling something about needing air.  "Adorable, isn't he? You can see why Spain likes him so much." Belgium briefly looked over at the man in the scarf, like she was expecting him to make some sort of sharp comment. She sighed lightly in relief when it didn't come. "Last, but not least, we have my big brother Netherlands."  Netherlands looked towards the pair and nodded. "Broer don't be rude, actually say hello."

 "Hello."

 "Thank you. Now that introductions are out of the way why don't I-" Belgium cut herself off, placing one finger to her lips in thought. "On second thought, broer why don't you show her around?"

 "You were going to do it anyway; why should I?" Belgium released Monaco's hand and marched over to Netherlands, placing her fists on her hips.

 "Because you are being very rude to our new guest and it is the least you can do. Now up!" Belgium wrapped her arms around one of Netherlands' and hoisted him upright. He was... taller than Monaco previously thought. He easily stood a head taller than Belgium (who wasn't a short woman by any means), and would no doubt tower over Monaco.

 "You do not need to trouble him," Monaco said suddenly. "Just give me some time to get used to the premises on my own. I will be fine."

 "No, no, I insist," Belgium replied, practically dragging Netherlands towards Monaco."Spain said to treat you like a guest, and it is the least Broer can do." She let go of Netherlands' arm to nudge her elbow in his side. "Right?"

 "Fine. Fine. I'll show her around." Netherlands said with a sigh of surrender. Belgium kissed him on the cheek before leaving the room, sending a "have fun you two~" over her shoulder.

 "You do not have to show me around if you do not want to," Monaco said once Belgium was out of earshot.

 "I won't hear the end of it if I don't," Netherlands replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "You don't have to sound so uptight when you talk, by the way."

 "I was taught the importance of speaking eloquently." Monaco shot back, frowning up at the taller man. "I am sorry that my speech pattern annoys you, but I am afraid I cannot change it instantly."