A/N: And now the real story begins! The first few chapters may feel a bit slow since I've got some work to do establishing the setting and introductions, etc. Also need to work on better chapter endings! I try to not make each chapter too long, but sometimes it forces me to cut them up in awkward ways. Or maybe not and I'm just being paranoid for no reason, haha!
In any case, hope you all enjoy, and remember to leave a review!
Chapter One
"Hurry! We're going to miss the procession!"
Relena Darlian huffed and gathered her skirts as she struggled to follow her friend through the mad crush of people lining the main road.
Today was a great celebration as the crown prince and his army were returning from a successful conquest in the east. Relena wrinkled her nose. Truth be told she never had much interest for these military parades. She was glad the prince and his armies returned alive, but war was nasty business. To celebrate the slaughter of many innocent people in the name of "progress" always seemed to be in bad taste to her.
"Sorry, excuse me," Relena winced as she tried to squeeze past the enthusiastic townspeople.
"Ugh, you're so slow!" her friend rolled her eyes as she grabbed her by the wrist and yanked her through the crowd.
"Natalie, please, slow down!" Relena called, "There's a lot of people here!"
"HEY! Watch where you're stepping!"
"S-Sorry!"
Relena was finally able to release a breath she did not know she was holding as they reached a break in the crowd. Natalie had managed to weasel them into a surprisingly good rooftop spot that afforded them a good view of the procession.
"Not too bad of a view, hm?" Natalie boasted triumphantly.
"No, but-"
"OH!" Natalie cut her off with an excited squeal, "Look! The prince is coming!"
"Presenting His Highness, the great Prince Treize Khushrenada!" an announcer riding in front bellowed to the adoring townsfolk, "He has returned victorious from the campaign in the Mars colonies!"
The enthusiastic crowd erupted with loud, far too loud, cheers as the crown prince came into view.
"He's just so handsome! Don't you think?" Natalie practically melted over the balcony of the rooftop as she tugged eagerly at her friend's sleeve. Relena could not help but grimace at the crush of people moving and swaying excitedly around her.
Crown Prince Treize Khushrenada was twenty-six years old and probably the single most lusted after man in all the land. He was King Dekim Barton's sole heir, but many already thought him someone truly fit to rule at such an age. He was quite handsome with his impeccably groomed features – the ideal prince charming that all girls dreamed of. His demeanor was steely, unflinching, but despite his reserved persona still held a cultured, gentleman-like air about him. He gave off a pleasant impression in situations such as these, but Relena could still tell the seriousness was still there in his icy blue eyes.
His gaze passed over the crowds briefly and gave them a gentle wave before coming to rest on his father, who sat upon a throne at the end of the procession's path.
King Dekim Barton was an aggressive man who ruled Romefeller with an iron grip. But, as many citizens argued, it was this iron grip that allowed Romefeller to become as large and powerful a kingdom as they were today.
Relena begged to differ, though she would never admit it. These people had never known anything other than Romefeller's strict martial rule. Growing up, her father had told her much of his homeland, a country called the Sanc Kingdom that once bordered Romefeller. They were a peaceful people that advocated strongly for pacifism and non-violence. And their policies were successful – so successful in fact that prior to their fall, they had seen almost a hundred years of unprecedented peace and prosperity – proof that strong force and military power were not essential to a country's success.
Of course, she was also keenly aware that the Sanc were once Romefeller's mortal enemies, so she dared not speak these thoughts out loud. Especially with the position her father held, his enemies would surely leap at any scrap of gossip they could use to disparage him.
"Look, there's your father!"
At this, Relena's ears perked up. She craned her neck to get a better view. It was difficult, but with a soft smile she was able to locate her father, who stood in the small assembly of people behind the king. Her father was Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, which was no small role. He was Romefeller's senior ambassador to all foreign countries, a title that afforded him a great deal of respect and influence in the global sphere.
A smirk graced Relena's lips as she saw her father try very hard to stifle a yawn. Just like her, he had no interest for these sort of military parades. Ironically, though, his title made him most involved in such matters.
But, Romefeller took their military power very seriously, and so the Darlians had to go oblige.
"And presenting the honorable General Heero Yuy, whose bravery served Prince Treize well on the battlefield. His courage and loyalty to the kingdom serve as an example to all!"
Relena's breath caught in her throat.
There he was. Romefeller's perfect soldier.
General Heero Yuy. The infamous General Heero Yuy. Angel of Death, they called him.
A momentary hush befell the crowd.
He had been promoted to the rank of general at the age of only 15, the youngest ever. Now, at twenty years old, he was the kingdom's top commanding general, holding the record for the most number of victoriously fought battles in Romefeller's military history... and the most number of enemies slain.
He paid no attention to the crowds or to anyone really. His intense, Prussian blue eyes were focused on something straight ahead but she knew not what. In contrast to the meticulously styled prince, General Yuy's dark brown hair was always kept in a loose tousle.
He was surprisingly lean, in contrast to the massive bodyguards marching alongside the procession. Many reasoned it was his slender frame that allowed him to move so swiftly and precisely on the field. To meet him in battle was actually a blessing, they said, as your death was guaranteed to be quick.
Despite his extensive battle experience, not a single scar tainted his features – features that were dark, commanding, and… strangely beautiful. Relena fought to suppress the blush that threatened to rise in her cheeks. Objectively, General Yuy was also a very handsome young man, but… his beauty was quite different from Prince Treize's. His was a rough, almost jarring, sort of allure. The same sense one felt when encountering a wolf or lion: fear for such raw power, but awe for such sheer majesty.
It was easy to understand why he was the most feared figure in all the land, aside from King Dekim and Prince Treize.
His face betrayed no emotion at all. No joy. No sadness. No relief. Nothing. She had heard that nobody had ever seen the general smile. His aura was nothing but ruthless, cold, calculating soldier. Intimidating. Unnerving. Nonetheless, he was a national hero, and the kingdom adored him.
Relena did not know what to make of him. He stood for all she disliked in the world: war, bloodshed, death… Yet… she truly hated to admit it, but something about him captivated her. She just… couldn't put her finger on it… something…
"WOOHOO!"
Relena was interrupted from her reverie by a loud a laugh. That was General Duo Maxwell, one of General Yuy's closest allies. He, along with with 3 others: Generals Trowa Barton, Quatre Winner, and Wufei Chang, made up the fearsome team that supported Commanding General Yuy in all his battles. All five had such different personalities, yet the one thing they had in common was their unmatched capabilities in combat.
"Yeah, go Heero!" Duo cheered and flashed a grin at the stoic general, "C'mon, lighten up man! Now's a time for celebration!"
"Can't you handle yourself a little more professionally?" Wufei glanced at his peer with annoyance.
"I think a little enthusiasm during a parade is fine," Quatre smiled gently.
"Yeah, exactly! Don't you agree, Trowa? Eh, Trowa?"
The third general said nothing but shook his head and rode ahead. Duo stook his tongue out after him, "You're going to have to say something someday and not be so neutral all the time!"
"Quiet," Wufei snapped again, "We're about to be in front of the king."
The procession finally came to a rest at the city's main courtyard, where the King sat surrounded by his ministers and other very important officials. Prince Treize dismounted his horse first, followed by General Yuy and his subordinates, and knelt before the king.
"Your majesty," Treize began, "We have brought you the rebel leaders' heads and their swords."
At this, Duo rose, but kept his eyes cast to the floor. He brought with him a leather-wrapped parcel and laid it before the foot of the king and resumed his place behind Treize. Such a stark change in personality, Relena noted. King Dekim always seemed to put such heavy emphasis on rank and respect for power.
Dekim nodded to Minister Darlian, who moved to unwrap the parcel. Gasps and hushed whispers flitted through the crowd as the severed heads of the Mars rebel leaders were displayed for all to see. Relena cringed and felt her father's internal grimace. Showing off the remains of their enemies was also a tradition the king was fond of.
"Your king thanks you for your service, Prince Treize," Minister Darlian bowed deeply, "In recognition for your efforts, he presents you with these awards. The procession may rise."
Trumpets sounded and the crowd cheered for their prince. A line of junior officers arrived carrying medals resting upon plush cushions, highest honors for Prince Treize and Commanding General Yuy, and honorable mentions for his 4 generals.
Emotionlessly, Darlian pinned the medal onto the crown prince's lapel, who accepted it graciously. Afterwards, the crowd cooed and cheered, but Darlian himself showed no feelings of excitement. He willed himself not to glance at the remains of the poor individuals at his feet. Their faces still held shocked and pained expressions from their executions. Gruesome and heartless.
Next, he was to present a medal to General Yuy. The notorious, monstrous General Yuy. Darlian shuddered. If there was one person on this green earth he truly disliked, it was General Heero Yuy. The Angel of Death. Darlian thought himself a strong-willed man, but in the presence of Yuy… it was like… like…
… Like staring back at that fateful night in the Sanc Kingdom twenty years ago…
Cold.
Dark.
Brutal.
The screams of his countrymen echoed around him.
A burned and weary Pagan appeared over the horizon, carrying Princess Relena swathed in blankets stained dark with blood and soot.
"Minister Darlian?"
Darlian was jolted upright. King Dekim raised a single brow at the minister. He flushed with embarrassment and quickly regained his composure, completing the rest of the medal ceremony without much issue. Thankfully everyone else had brushed his unusual behavior aside except for a pair of harsh, Prussian blue eyes that warily studied his every move. Darlian tried not to acknowledge them and carried on.
And with a few more formalities, the ceremony was over. There was to be a great celebration at the castle tonight. Of course, only those closest to the crown were invited, but the general people were to get some extra barrels of beer and food tonight as well.
"Can't you get your father to get us into the palace, Relena?" Natalie whined, "How I'd long to dance with the prince!"
"You know I can't do that. The king is very particular over who is invited to the castle," Relena pursed her lips, "Besides, I should think those parties rather boring. Could you imagine trying to dance with King Dekim watching you? Or even General Yuy?"
"I wouldn't care at all, as long as I could just be with Prince Treize!"
Relena rolled her eyes.
Minister Darlian frowned as he struggled to adjust his cravat in a visually appealing manner. He was never good at this – it was always too puffy or too flat and an aide had to assist him before he made his public appearances.
"You know you don't have to go, father."
From the reflection in the vanity he could see his only daughter regarding him with a pout.
"And miss out on an entire evening with the most entertaining people in the kingdom?" he quipped with a wink, "I heard General Trowa does great party tricks."
Relena smiled, "You jest but I know how much you hate going. You've never been happy to celebrate these military campaigns."
"Indeed, but I must go for appearance's sake," His fingers fumbled again with the blasted cravat. It was a piece of cloth! How could something be so complicated? You would think after so many years working in public office and handling negotiations of such critical importance something as trivial as tying one's neckerchief would be secondhand nature by now!
Relena let out a mirthful sigh as she rose to help her father. With a few quick motions the cravat was tied and tucked appropriately into his shirt.
"There, much better."
She had watched her mother help her father with his cravat many times when she was younger. At one time her father used to take her to assemblies at the castle, but since she hit puberty he stopped bringing her along. Relena had never really thought to ask about it, though, since she found the castle parties insufferable anyways. It wasn't as if she didn't like parties – she very much enjoyed the functions her father's peers held – but there was just a different atmosphere at the castle that was so… uncomfortable.
Oh well, it was no matter to her. Usually on these nights, Natalie dragged her out to some other party held at some hall or other. She knew her father didn't approve of her going, but he didn't have to know, Relena thought mischievously.
Minister Darlian thanked her with some embarrassment before stepping back to show her his full appearance. "Well, how do I look?"
"Dashing, as always!" she clapped her hands together cheerily, "Mother would be proud that you're finally able to coordinate your suits correctly, save for the cravats."
Lady Mareen Darlian had passed away from an illness only a few years ago, when Relena was 15. It was a difficult time for the Darlians, him especially, to be without the woman who had been his anchor and companion these thirty some odd years.
Mareen Darlian was the perfect mother in every way. When he arrived home with Relena that fateful night, she had asked questions but welcomed the baby into her home regardless. Darlian had told her that the infant was the child of another junior senator whose family had been killed during the Romefeller coup, leaving behind a baby daughter who had been with her nurse at the time.
So, he feared publicly searching the baby's family for fear that Oz would come for her and finish their work. Some questions were raised as to why the baby had the same name as the late princess, to which he explained the senator named his child after her in the hopes she would grow as beautiful and graceful as she.
He didn't know if Mareen ever truly believed his explanation, but she never brought the subject up again.
Following the collapse of the Sanc Kingdom, any officials who were spared were given the opportunity to swear allegiance to Romefeller or be imprisoned. Darlian, of course, was forced to accept the new rulers, for the sake of Mareen and the princess's safety. His knowledge and adept social skills proved to be extremely useful to the Romefeller Kingdom, and he was quickly promoted over the years to the position he held now. That unfortunately came at the cost of being away from Mareen and Relena for many days at a time while he built up his rapport with the kingdom, but he soon found his fears unwarranted.
Lady Mareen was a noblewoman from lower on the social hierarchy, but a noblewoman nonetheless. She had all the perfect graces and manners of a well-cultured woman which she made sure to pass on to her adopted daughter. She also proved to be an immensely capable mother and took great care in raising Relena to not only be a proper lady, but to also have such fundamental human values as humility and compassion. He, when time permitted, contributed by educating her on more academic topics such as history, philosophy, etc.
He regretted never telling his wife Relena's true parentage, even as she lay on her deathbed. But… at that time, it seemed as if it would be a disrespect. Despite her royal lineage, it was Lady Mareen who raised the young girl. She was Lady Mareen's daughter now, and he did not want to diminish or invalidate that by revealing Relena's true parentage.
But, maybe Mareen always knew their Relena Darlian was actually Relena Peacecraft. Maybe that was why she made so sure that these beliefs were instilled in her.
And so, Lady Mareen passed away, but not for naught.
Their daughter was now almost twenty years old and had flourished into such a lovely, fine young woman. If only she could see who Relena had become now. But in a way, Darlian believed that she could from wherever she was.
Relena's figure had developed into one that was lithe and full of grace. Her honey colored hair was worn long and down past her shoulders, usually with a single golden plait circling the back of her head and secured with a blue ribbon. Her manners were polite and amiable, and her charisma was able to charm even some of his toughest colleagues.
But he tried his best to keep her from the public eye. She bore a strong likeness to the beautiful late Queen Peacecraft, and though not many knew her appearance in detail he could not risk it if someone among the castle's ranks recognized her. Her eyes also were the bright, perceptive nile blue that many said were King Marticus Rex Peacecraft's most distinguishing feature.
He worried how long he could protect her for.
"You better get going or you'll be late to the opening ceremonies," Relena's gentle voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Ah, yes" he said and called down the hall, "Fosset! Send for my carriage!"
He hurried through the house making final touches on his appearance, with Relena dutifully following behind to make any needed adjustments. Right before entering the carriage, Darlian turned back to regard his daughter one last time.
"Will you be alright by yourself tonight? You won't be going out with that Natalie girl, will you?"
Relena felt her face flush, "She did invite me, but I may just stay home instead."
Darlian knew better than that. Natalie was one of Relena's oldest and closest classmates, but she was a wild young girl in his opinion. Too enamored with parties and whatnot. He sighed heavily, though, and accepted that the young just want to be young. Besides, it would be pretty cruel of him to deprive his nineteen-year-old of social interaction when others her age would be out and about tonight as well.
"Just be careful and make sure to be home before midnight, understood?"
Relena grinned and nodded before kissing her father goodbye. She watched the coach disappear down the road before turning back towards the house. Now was her turn to get ready, as Natalie would probably be arriving within the hour.
Truth be told Relena didn't share her friend's excitement for parties and social gatherings, but she didn't mind them either. Really they were a welcome distraction from the house's maddening silence whenever her father wasn't home. After her mother's death, she found it difficult to be home alone for too long, so these gatherings were a happy excuse to get outside every now and then.
Delighted to find that the servants had already readied the bath for her, Relena hummed quietly as she eased herself into the warm waters. Where would Natalie take her tonight, she wondered. Hopefully nowhere too rowdy or crowded.
Maybe she would finally meet a handsome suitor.
Relena nearly guffawed at her own thoughts. She was starting to sound like Natalie!
In any case, tonight was not as large a celebration as some held for other campaigns, so she probably didn't have any reason to expect anything out of the ordinary to happen.
But, there wasn't anything wrong with that.
With a gentle hum, Relena set about finishing the rest of the preparations. She chose to wear a simple blue gown and applied some dark color to her eyelashes. Relena preferred to keep her appearance rather simple and was never a fan of how heavily made up some women were. As soon as she finished, she heard a carriage pull up the road and a servant calling Natalie's arrival. Taking one last glance to make sure everything was in order, she bid the servants farewell and set off towards the city with her friend.
