Chapter One: Silent Eyes

"Cagalli! Please hurry, we need to get you dressed for the day!" a maid called.

The 18 year-old girl laid in bed with her eyes gazing up at the ceiling. She finally threw off her blanket and got out of bed. Her night attire dragged on the floor behind her as she made her way towards the door. Time for another day. Cagalli was led by two women to her dressing room where she would be fitted into her clothes. She disappeared behind the curtain and took off her clothes. The corset was tightened around her stomach first and then her first layer of dressing. By the time she was finished, she was wearing a purple satin dress that laced up from her torso. The bottom half of the dress fluffed out and hid her feet beneath it. Cagalli was silent the whole time and was relieved when she was able to put her make-up on alone. Even the simplest parts of the day were made longer because she was princess. All this special treatment was unnecessary.

When Cagalli had finished, she crept out of the room. Further down the hall, she could hear the sound of voices. She had managed to reach her room unnoticed but she was dragged off to breakfast. Cagalli carefully stepped down the marble stone, trying not to fall. Many of the housekeepers bowed as she swept by, along with a few knights. She smiled weakly at them and was soon seated at a long table. Moments later, Kira came in and sat across from her. He smiled kindly and began to eat. Cagalli stared at her plate of food unwillingly. Kira glanced up at her with a worried look.

"Is something wrong, Cagalli?" Kira asked.

"No...nothing at all," she said quietly.

"Then, what would you like to do today?" he asked.

"Well, maybe we could go riding today," Cagalli said.

"Sure. Some of the knights will have to come too," Kira said.

"Oh, nevermind," Cagalli replied disappointedly.

"They aren't that bad, Cagalli. They just want to protect you."

Cagalli pushed her food away and said,"Excuse me."

She quickly stood up and left the dining room. She went back up to her room and shut the door. She went out onto her balcony and leaned onto the rail. All she wanted to do was get away. Escape. She couldn't even take a walk without being followed. She wished for something normal. Then she could do whatever she wanted. Cagalli sighed sadly and watched the horses and the men that rode them. The knights wore a marron long sleeve shirt under a green vest along with black pants. They looked so nobel, heroic. Cagalli turned away and sat on her chair. She didn't ever get much of a chance to be free from her duties. And right on que, she heard a knock on her door and saw her father appear.

"Cagalli? Why aren't you sitting with Kira?" he asked.

"I wanted to be alone," Cagalli said.

"You need to go back down. There are some knights I'd like you to meet."

"They don't need to meet me, father."

"Acutally, I've assigned a knight to you, so you need to see him."

"But, father why?!" Cagalli protested.

"Because I need to make sure your always guarded. I know how you like to wander off."

"But-"

"No buts Cagalli, just hurry and go."

"...Fine..."

Cagalli walked out of the room and went down to the main hall. She stood next to Kira who was looking over the knights curiously. He saw Cagalli and tried to reassure her with a smile. It didn't work. She held a serious expression on her face and crossed her arms. When her father appeared, the hall grew quiet. The king smiled with a welcoming gesture and gave a short speech. All the knights, one by one, stood in front of the three, and bowed before leaving. When the last one stepped up, Cagalli's father put his hand on her shoulder. She looked at the knight to see a blue haired boy with green eyes. He kneeled down in front of Cagalli and lowered his head. Cagalli's eyes opened wider as they fell upon him. He looked about her age and was rather cute. Still, she wasn't too happy about a 24 hour watcher.

"Cagalli, meet Athrun Zala, your knight," the king said.

"Um, nice to meet you," Cagalli said.

"The pleasure is all mine," he said politely with a kiss on her hand.

Cagalli bluehd and looked away. The king smiled and rushed Kira out to leave them without a word. Athrun stood up and smiled at her. Cagalli looked around, realizing they were now alone. She again looked at her knight was was watching her patiently. Cagalli was surprised to have someone so young watching her. His appearance however, hadn't quite affected her enough to make her sit still.

"What do you want to do?" Cagalli asked.

"Whatever you do, I'll follow," Athrun replied.

"Your the only one who's going to stay with me?"

"Yes, Lady Cagalli."

"Is there a time when you can leave me?"

"Er, I've been told not to. Only when you sleep."

"So your going to be living here?" Cagalli asked.

"Yes, Lady Cagalli."

"I'm ready to go to my room, if that's fine with you?"

Athrun nodded and went after her. Cagalli felt nervous around him. Lady Cagalli was too formal but it was also a way of showing respect. Those that weren't close to her, used Lady in her name. She wanted to tell him to not call her that, but she kept silent. Cagalli opened the door to her room an d expected Athrun to enter, but he decided to stand outside. So respectful. Cagalli left the door cracked open and went to her balcony once more. It was strange knowing someone would always be around. It was as if her father didn't trust her. She didn't know why he was so worried anyway. She played a useless role in the royal family yet she was still hassled. When she did go to important meetings, she always supported her father. The one she had always backed up had given her up. Cagalli tightened her fist at the thought. She deserved to be free. She deserved to live happily.

Cagalli looked over the rail and saw a clearing beneath her and a vine running up the castle wall. It looked strong enough. It wasn't like she was running away. But if she had the chance to be on her own for a little while, she would gladly risk it. Cagalli stepped onto the rail with her dress pulled up and grabbed the vine. She slid down carefully and snuck out to the stables. Riding was always best done alone. She went to a black stallion and placed his gear on. She grabbed the reigns and led him out to the forest where she made her way out not seen.

Cagalli hopped onto him and kicked his side. At last she had been reunited with her old friend, Famous. She didn't know how long it would be until her absence was noticed. Famous took her through the forest gently and came to a spring. Cagalli looked back, not seeing anyone behind her. Could she afford to stay for a few minutes? She shook her head and kept going. It was nice in the forest. The beauty jumped out at her, each time being equally amazing. Her fascination for the natural environment was so deep since she was forced to stay inside for the majority of her life. Cagalli grew tired at the thought. She rode Famous for an hour, pushing those memories to the back of her head.

At last, she decided to return. Athrun had probably figured out by now that she had gone. Cagalli placed her horse into his stall and walked out of the stables. She headed to the vine and was able to pull herself back up with the cracks in the stones. She landed on her feet over the rail and brushed her dress off. She went into her room and saw that it had not been disturbed. So he hadn't noticed. Cagalli slipped off her shoes and sat on the edge of her bed. She sighed and hung her head. She was so unhappy in her perfect world. If only there was someone she could talk to. Someone that could comfort her and make her feel okay. She looked up quickly when she heard the door open. Cagalli cleaned her eyes and hoped he hadn't seen her in her weakest moment.

"Lady Cagalli, where have you been?" Athrun asked seriously.

"I went for a ride, I wanted to be by myself."

"You should have told me," he said with concern.

"...As you can see, I'm fine."

Athrun gazed at her and softened his eyes. "No your not."

"Excuse me?" she said looking at him defensively.

"Why were you crying?" he asked worriedly.

"I wasn't- it doesn't matter..."

"Lady Cagalli-"

"Don't call me that. Please. I'm no lady. Can you just go?"

"...I'll be outside."

Athrun bowed politely and headed for the door. He was about to leave when-

"Wait!" Cagalli called.

"Yes?" he asked, turning back.

"I'm sorry. I...the truth is..."

"Cagalli, its okay. Things are going to be alright," Athrun assured.

"I feel like my father betrayed me by having you here with me. I would much rather be mean to you than nice. That's the kind of person I am. Mostly I have a hard time being kind when I'm hurt. I don't let people in because I'm used to being shut out. I'm just letting you know ahead of time, Athrun."

"Well, I won't try to talk you out of how you feel but I won't back out either. No matter how you treat me, I'm going to always be here. Whether you need me or not," Athrun replied.

"Athrun...no one's ever said that to me. Are you sure you won't leave if I act horrible? That's how I push people away from me..."

"Lady Cagalli, I'm not going anywhere, not unless you truly want me to," Athrun said.

Cagalli looked at him again. Why was he being so nice? So understanding? He smiled at her and then left the room. She was surprised. His words were sweet and seemed genuine. He was already loyal to her and it was only the first day of his job. She wasn't used to being treated that way. The only people she ever trusted were Kira and her father. Why was Athrun trying to support her as more than just a bodyguard? That's what it seemed liked. The times she was appointed a temporary knight, they never spoke to her. Once they were dismissed, she never saw them again. Right now, she felt like Athrun was a good guy. But still, she hardly knew him. People these days pretended to be better than who they actually were. Could Athrun be one of those types?

Athrun walked outside later that night and looked around. The moon was already high up in the sky with millions of stars to keep it company. The king had excused Athrun from his duties since he and Cagalli, along with Kira, were going to an allied kingdom. Athrun walked out to the garden near the castle and sat on a bench. It was beautiful there. Originally, Athrun was a knight of another one of the king's allying neighbors. He had been in a few wars, trained rising knights, and was planning on retiring from his position as a knight. He had been one of few sent to the Athha's because of his good experience. The royal families were always looking for protection and he had fit that qualification. He never thought he would be responsible for the princess. He had heard from many that she had anger issues or she was a very depressed person. All these negative things. And the very same day, she had managed to run away. It wasn't long, yet he had gotten the first look at her personality when she did that. Maybe she would be some trouble but she didn't seem as bad as everyone made her out to be. She was just a beautiful girl who had gotten caught up in the drama of royalty. It wasn't like it was her fault. She had been honest enough by telling him about her feelings. I don't let people in because I'm used to being shut out. How sad...she was alone. Maybe it was his duty to watch her, but he was going to try and be a friend.

30 minutes went by before he got up. And now he would be living in the castle with the royal family. Athrun started walking towards the door when he saw a chariot coming. He stopped and waited. The king came out first and then Kira, both whom went into the castle without looking back. Athrun approached the chariot and then saw Cagalli. She looked weary as she picked up her dress and stepped off. As she did so, her foot slipped and she fell forward. Athrun quickly grabbed her arms and her hands went to his chest. Cagalli gasped and moved away from him with reddened cheeks. Athrun smiled and held his arm out to her. Cagalli looked up at him cluelessly and then placed her hand around it. Athrun led her inside and then took her up to her room. Cagalli bit her lip, trying her best to hold back tears. Athrun looked over at her and noticed the wetness around her eyes. Once they reached the door, Cagalli quickly disappeared behind it and slammed it shut. Athrun stepped back and went to his room. He took off his shoes, socks, and shirt then laid down to rest. It had been one long day. And twice, he had seen tears. What was it that kept upsetting Cagalli so much? This time she had kept him out of what her problem was.