"Sanq Kingdom is defiant. It must be shown who the true ruler is!" His adviser argued. "They should be made an example of!"

"Septum, all they have done is speak of a better way for the kingdoms to be at peace. How is that a bad thing?" Trowa asked.

"War has always been our way!"

"And we're trying to find another way."

"Heero," Quatre turned to him, "there is a way to get what we need without bloodshed. We just have to look for it." Quatre added.

"Out of the question! We should storm the kingdom and take it as we have all of the others and that is my final word." Heero growled at his two advisers.

"A true ruler cannot afford to show mercy. We need the kingdoms to know who the real king will be." Tuberov added his opinion to the conversation. Heero stared down at the spot on the map where the kingdom in question was represented.

"But please, my king, think of how that will appear to the people!"

"The people know who I am, Quatre. They know what happens." Heero looked down at the map. "Sanq Kingdom is rich in resources and its treasury is not to be ignored either. It is also strategically placed on our paths to the Central Kingdom!"

"Yes, but is the loss of life worth it?" Quatre placed a hand on his shoulder. "What good is uniting the kingdoms when the people hate you as a blood-thirsty king? Only cowards would think such a thing a good idea." Septum walked forward and got dangerously close to Quatre, grabbing his lapels.

"Are you calling me a coward?"

"Guys, settle down! Let's not fight in the war room!" Duo chimed in, stepping up to place a hand on the shoulders of both men.

"General Septum," a feminine voice came from the door. "If you value your hands then I suggest you release my husband."

"Dorothy, women are not allowed in the war room." Tuberov stated.

"And I will not be insulted in such a way!" Septum yelled.

"Septum." Heero began. "When I became king I kept you and Tuberov on as a courtesy to help me transition onto the throne. I will not have anyone assaulting my other advisers.

"I see then you value their advice over ours!" Tuberov uffed. "Well then, we shall see if these young pups can keep your path to the throne clear! Do call upon us when you finally see reason." Tuberov and Septum left without another word.

"Well, that could have gone better." Dorothy said, reminding Heero of her presence.

"What are you doing here, Dorothy?" Heero glared at her. He felt a headache coming on.

"She is with me." Dr. J, Heero's lead adviser stepped forward, leading with his cane.

"J and I were discussing a way for you to get what you need from Sanq and retain some good will with the people." Dorothy smiled. Heero was always wary of her smiles.

"It is a small Kingdom with a military force just large enough for defense. While it would be easy to take it over, it has an additional resource you did not consider." Heero's eyes narrowed.

"And what is that?"

"The princess, of course." Dorothy stated. "If you were to marry the King's younger sister you would have legal access via a treaty to whatever resources you require."

"That is brilliant!" Quatre smiled.

"It would be a good way to save face and make a point Heero." Trowa added. "And it is said that Princess Relena is an unrivaled beauty."

"Besides, it will help dispel those rather amusing rumors." Dorothy smirked.

"What rumors?"

"That Duo is your lover." Heero felt bile rise in his throat and took an involuntary step further away from his braided friend.

"Wait, we're lovers?!" Duo yelled. Why wasn't I told. Man how am I going to break this to Hilde?"

"Enough!" Heero growled. "Leave me. I need to think on this a while."

"You take whatever time you need my boy." Doctor J patted his back. His advisers left as instructed. The topic of conversation still hung heavy in the room.

It would be too easy to take Sanq by force. Their tiny army of 3000 troops were mostly trained in defense of the city and would be easily crushed by his 20,000. Heero ran a hand through his bangs. The king before him, Dekim, had been truly ruthless with the tactic of "scorched earth" being his idea of the best path to victory. It had been Odin Lowe, his mentor and comrade who had helped Heero see that there was a better way.

"The only way to live a good life is to act on your emotions. And right now, mine is telling me that Dekim needs to be stopped"

So they stopped him, though the bloody path continued, Heero was able to take over most kingdoms with minimal bloodshed. He did not enjoy killing but death was an inevitable part of war. He sighed. He too had heard of the princess and of her beauty and virtue. Perhaps an alliance through the marriage bed would be the best way to solve the issue afterall?

"King Milliard. We have grave news." Milliard stood to meet the messenger.

"Report."

"King Yuy's army approaches from the south. It is at least 10,000 strong." Milliard swore under his breath. They would be no match for such a force. "But they sent this letter for you."

"Terms of surrender, no doubt." He took the wax-sealed parchment and opened it. His heart nearly stopped, rage boiling beneath the surface of a calm exterior.

"Send for my sister and my wife at once. This is something I must consult them on."

"Yes my king." As the messenger left, he read over the terms again. He knew what his options were. His sister would be the deciding factor and he knew her well enough to know what her decision would be. With a heavy heart, he awaited her arrival.

"Forgive me, Relena." He stated as he looked out the window at his helpless city below.