The iron chains burned her wrists as she struggled in vain against them. Her cell door opened casting the first light she had seen since her last meal was delivered hours ago. She squinted against the sudden contrast as the low, deadly chuckle of her captor echoed through the cell. Raising herself up, she secured her stance and lifted her chin proudly.
"Did you sleep well, princess?" She refused to dignify his taunting tone with an answer.
"I am so sorry to keep you in such a place but it is the only way I can ensure that you do not escape. You understand?" The smarmy grin gave her the chills but she refused to show any weakness.
"My men say you put up a valiant fight, but I expected nothing less from the queen of such a proud race." He continued his taunting tonr. "And surrendering yourself willingly to save your people… so… noble." This time, he neared her, closing the gap between them. She was able to finally get a good look at her captor.
"Dekim Barton." She all but spat. His grin widened.
"Indeed!" He gloated. "We, the Barton family have always been the rightful rulers of all the lands. And now, thanks to you, I have all the power I need to reclaim my throne and make the people bow before me!"
"The Destined will stop you."
"How cliché, Princess. Your faith in your friends is inspiring, but ill-placed." His grin widened.
"Attacking my fortress would only result in certain death."
"What do you mean?"
"My fortress is impenetrable. Even with their mighty steeds and magical armor they will be no match!"
"You underestimate them! They will storm right through your front gates and wipe out your army!" He threw his head back and laughed, loud and viciously.
"The front gates? Why, my dear, that is my least vulnerable spot! But I shall relish watching them die in their attempt!"
"My knight will make it through. And when he does, you will be the one who lies defeated!"
"We shall see, my dear. We shall see!" As the villain turned to leave the cell, the princess clutched her hand over her heart and whispered the name of her beloved...
"And then what happened, mommy?" A little voice interrupted the story. Relena smiled down at her daughter.
"You'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out." Relena lovingly 'booped' the child's nose.
"But the knight is going to save her, right?" Relena laughed and tickled her daughter's tummy.
"What do you think?"
"He will! And then they'll get married and live happily ever after!"
"I certainly hope so." She leaned forward and gave her daughter and Eskimo kiss. "Now, get some sleep!" Relena stood and went to the door. "Goodnight."
"Night mommy!" Relena turned out the light and left the room to find her husband leaning against the wall.
"Heero!" She smiled. He pushed forward and she wrapped her arms around him. Her returned her embrace and leaned down, kissing her deeply.
"How did the mission go?" He gave the equivalent of a shrug.
"The mission was successful. Only a few minor complications."
"I'm glad you're home."
"Me too." He leaned forward and touched his forehead to hers.
"She's still awake. You can go and tuck her in. She's missed you."
"Hn." He pulled back. "Maybe when I'm done saying goodnight to her, I'll tuck you in." The look in his eyes made her body temperature rise.
"Heero!" She felt her cheeks heating. The corners of his lips curled up into his charming, crooked smile.
"You can remind me what happened after the knight saved the princess…" He offered her another sexy smile before he turned away to tell their little girl goodnight and Relena knew her night, and their story were far from over in the best possible sense.