A/N: Hello again! Another chapter coming at you, hot and fresh out the oven! But first, one very important note: for those of you who read the last chapter right after it appeared, I accidentally uploaded the wrong draft so please double check if it's different. The wrong one ended after Heero's meeting with Dekim. It was supposed to include his interaction with the other pilots and Relena's next meeting with Dekim, so if you don't remember reading that go check it out real quick! Otherwise, enjoy!


Chapter Five

The sun filtered through her window in large, balmy swathes of light. Relena focused on the feeling of warmth upon her skin, using its comforting embrace to try and still the racing of her heart. Today was the day. All around her were countless maids chatting and bustling about, preoccupied with some minute detail about her hair, dress, or complexion.

She stared at her reflection and could not help but fidget restlessly with the gown that was chosen from her. It was really quite extravagant, to say the least. Far more luxurious than anything Relena was used to.

The dress was a pristine, almost pearly white, lavishly embroidered with an intricate floral pattern. The bodice clung tightly to her waist, accentuating her slender figure, while the skirt flowed outward in an elegant cascade of silk. Her hair had been scented lightly with lavender and pulled into a complicated weave of braids and pins and curls. The maids applied just a touch of rose to her lips and cheeks, which contrasted nicely against her porcelain skin.

"You look so beautiful," Natalie breathed, "Just like a princess."

"Thank you," Relena smiled meekly.

"If only your father could see you now. He would have been so happy to see you married off to someone as great as General Yuy."

Relena's gaze fell, "Yes… He would have been."

"Lady Darlian," an advisor called from the hallway, "The carriage is ready!"

She found herself abruptly rushed out the door by very flustered maids who Relena could not help but think resembled hens with their feathers all ruffled.

"I'll see you at the ceremony!" Natalie yelled, "Don't worry, you'll be fine!"

Relena wanted so badly to turn back and urge her friend to come with her. Please don't leave me to do this alone, she pleaded mentally.

The ride to the chapel was short but fraught with anxiety for the young bride-to-be. The day was finally here. From this day forward, she would be forever bound to a man she hardly knew – a man whose reputation was defined by the countless lives he had slain.

The carriage lurched to a halt. Her heartbeat quickened. This was it.

"Lady Darlian, we have arrived."

Inside the chapel, Duo stood uneasily on the steps of the altar. He tried not to let his emotions show too much, though, since it was supposed to be a happy occasion and he was standing in the front where everyone could see him. Trowa, Quatre, and Wufei were next to him, all garbed in their formal Oz attire.

He wondered how Wufei and Quatre felt. Wufei had been married once before under similar circumstances, albeit briefly. He didn't know much about what happened, other than it ended painfully for the young general. Quatre on the other hand was set to be married within the next few years once his service to Oz was completed. Did it make him nervous to think one day soon he would be up there too?

Duo snuck a glance at the groom. Heero wore a velvety, dark blue coat that bore all his marks of distinction and honor. His sleeves, seams, and buttons were all lined with gold. On his shoulders were heavy epaulettes, from which a light blue sash was hung across his chest denoting his rank as general. He looked like an overly decorated bauble, Duo thought. But appearances aside, he could not sense any sort of emotion from him: no nervousness, no annoyance, nothing. A perfect, steely expression.

Prince Treize acted as the best man and stood next to him. Duo noticed that nobody on either side of the aisle truly claimed relation to Heero or Relena. Only Marshal Noventa stood where the bride's family would have been. Her friend Natalie acted as the maid of honor. The rest of the seats were lined with King Dekim's officials and advisors.

A trumpet sounded and the chapel's massive doors creaked open to welcome the bride's arrival.

Relena stared breathlessly at the large, ornate chapel. King Dekim appeared at her side and offered his arm, acting in place of her deceased father.

"Are you ready, my dear?"

With a somber heart, she nodded her consent. Relena held her chin up high as they proceeded down the aisle. In spite of all that had happened, she was determined to face her fate with dignity. This was not the end for her – she would persevere, whatever may lie ahead.

Once they reached the altar, Dekim handed Relena to Heero, who took her hands in his. Their eyes met briefly, and she could only feel detachment.

"Dearly beloved," the priest announced, "We are gathered here today to witness the union of General Heero Yuy and Lady Relena Darlian in holy matrimony."

Relena listened to him recite his sermons on the sanctity of love and marriage, honor and duty, and yet she could only pay attention to bits and pieces. The rest of her mind was preoccupied with other thoughts.

"Into this sacred place these two persons present come now to be joined," the priest said to the audience, "If anyone can show why they may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

Duo shifted uncomfortably.

Seeing no objections, the priest continued forth.

"Do you, Heero Yuy, take this woman to be your wife?"

"I do."

"And do you, Relena Darlian, take this man to be your husband"

She hesitated.

"… I do."

"You may now recite your vows."

Heero turned to her, his face still a mask of stone. Didn't he feel even just a tiny bit of anything? Hope? Sadness? Hate?

"I, Heero Yuy," his tone was level, unreadable, "Take thee, Relena Darlian, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part. This is my solemn vow."

She could not know if there was sincerity behind his words. Relena wanted to scream and run from the place, to be free from the madness of it all. This was not the life she wanted… but it was the path she chose, and the one she had to continue on.

"I, Relena Darlian," she repeated, "Take thee, Heero Yuy, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part. This is my solemn vow."

The priest nodded to the ring bearers, who brought forth two gold bands.

"The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows these souls have made to one another. May she and he, who give them, and who wear these rings, live together in unity, love and happiness for the rest of their lives."

Heero slipped the first onto his bride's finger.

"With this Ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow."

Relena repeated the same.

"Having witnessed your vows of love to one another, it is my joy to present you to all gathered here as husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Heero calmly lifted the veil from her face. Relena silently pleaded that he would not see the tears welling in her eyes. His lips met hers, cold and lifeless.

And then it was done.


"To the happy groom and his new bride!"

Relena stared out at the grand wedding feast before her. They were seated at the head of the castle's great ballroom. Countless guests who she did not know were eating and drinking merrily to her union with Heero. Many of them had come up to toast with the newlyweds personally and introduced themselves as officer or minister something or other, she could scarce remember after so many glasses of wine. Heero sat beside her but neither had said anything to each other since the ceremony.

"I'll miss you so much!" Natalie cried and threw her arms around her friend.

"I'll still be in the capital," Relena giggled and consoled the poor girl, "You can visit me whenever you like."

"I promise I will," she sniffed, "Oh, just look at you! Married now! I need another drink, be right back."

Relena waved fondly at her friend as she went to fetch another round of punch. She was glad she had a familiar face to rely on today, at least.

"My dear," another man approached the table, "Please accept my congratulations on this happy occasion. You look more beautiful today than anything I have ever beheld."

At this particular guest, Relena smiled warmly.

"Thank you, Marshal Noventa," she beamed, "Is Sylvia not here with you?"

"Ah, no…" Noventa tensed nervously, "She could not attend today, unfortunately. She took ill to her room this morning, but I don't believe it's anything serious. A little time and plenty of bedrest should heal her soon."

Relena was sad to hear that but understood, "I'm glad you could come at least."

"I wouldn't have dared to miss it."

The marshal then turned to Heero, "And to you, general, I congratulate you on your choice of wife. I have known Miss Relena since she was very young. You could not have chosen a finer woman."

Heero threw him a sidelong glance and nodded his thanks.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Marshal Noventa resumed his place among the general public and Relena was again left in the company of her taciturn husband. She wondered why it was such an endeavor for him to say anything. It wasn't as if she was expecting him to recite her poetry… just a comment on the celebration, or something. Didn't he care about getting to know the woman who he would be spending the rest of his life with?

"Allow me to introduce myself, Lady Relena," the platinum-blonde haired woman Relena recognized from the other night appeared, "Duchess Dorothy Catalonia. I believe we met many times when we were younger and your father still brought you to balls at the castle."

"Dorothy?" Relena's eyes widened in shock, "It's been so long! I hardly recognized you the other day."

"Likewise," she said, "But I believe we will be in each other's company more often now, since my own betrothed works quite closely with your husband. I'm afraid our social circles will have to overlap." Dorothy motioned towards a certain blonde officer.

"You're engaged to general Winner?" Relena gasped.

"We've been slated to marry each other for many years now," Dorothy explained, "But my family decided it better to wait until he finishes his service with Oz first before we wed. Then he'll take on his family business and be better suited to married life."

"That must be a relief for you."

"Truth be told I would prefer he stay with Oz," she said flippantly, "Military training keeps a man healthy and interesting. I think you can better find the true nature of a person when he is a soldier."

Relena was taken aback, "I don't necessarily think that's true. War and peace are two entirely different situations, so you cannot base you judgments on one side alone. Besides, he would be the same Quatre Winner regardless of status."

Dorothy raised her brows.

You have very interesting views, Lady Relena," she smirked, "I will look forward to our future meetings."

She bowed and took her leave. Relena looked after her, perplexed. What did that mean? Curiously, she glanced over at Heero, but it seemed he had not been paying attention.

"May I offer the lady my happiest congratulations?"

Duo appeared, grinning and holding up a glass of wine.

"Oh!" Relena said, "general Maxwell, thank you."

"Call me Duo," he winked.

Their glasses clinked and Duo finished his in one swig. Relena struggled to finish hers as she had already drank so many glasses her body was starting to feel quite ill. The general took a seat beside her and placed a comforting hand on her back.

"How are you feeling?"

"Quite tired," she coughed, "My apologies, it's been a very stressful day." Stressful week, actually.

Duo nodded understandingly. There was a brief pause, then he lowered his voice and leaned in closer.

"I saw you cry up on the altar," he murmured, "They were quick, fleeting tears, but they were there."

Relena looked down guiltily.

He took her one of her hands in both of his, "I know these past couple of weeks have been very hard on you, but you've proven to be a strong woman, Lady Yuy."

Oh, that was right. She was Lady Yuy now, not Lady Darlian…

"If you ever need someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on, you can always come to me. I'd be happy to help in any way I can. You may find that Heero is not the most… empathetic of people. He was taught from a very young age to sequester his emotions away, so that's all he has known to do. But I've spent the better part of 10 years training and fighting alongside him. I can sense that they're still there… he's just never had anything to focus on beyond the battlefield. So, with a bit of patience and coaxing, I think you can help melt that stony exterior of his."

Relena was silent. She was thinking upon his words.

"He might not have been your ideal husband," Duo continued, "But I hope you'll take comfort in knowing you chose a good man. He speaks more through his actions than words. He'll treat you well, I promise it. Or I'll let you cut my braid off if I'm wrong!"

She blinked in surprise.

"The whole thing?"

"The whole thing, even down to the roots if you want!"

For some reason, the thought of shaving general Maxwell's illustrious head bald suddenly sent Relena into an uncontrollable laughing fit. What a ridiculous sight that would be! Perhaps it was because it was the only joke she had heard after these long, stressful two weeks, or the copious amounts of alcohol that lowered her reasoning, but nonetheless it was the only glimmer of good humor in a sea of hardship and she was greateful for it.

"Thank you," she said, wiping away tears, "I needed that."

Duo grinned, "No problem, Lady Yuy."

"Please, just call me Relena."

"No problem, Relena!"

Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.


Pale moonlight illuminated the path as a carriage rolled quietly towards a large and grand manor. Relena slept soundly against the plush seats, lulled by the mild rocking and quiet chirping of whatever critters were out tonight. It had been a long and arduous two weeks, but now it was over. Now she could finally get some rest and focus on living a more normal life.

A gentle shake roused her from her light slumber.

"We're here," she heard a voice murmur softly.

Nile blue eyes fluttered open as Relena groggily took in her surroundings. She noticed vaguely that a blue coat had been placed on her shoulders and that a warm presence was pressed against her side. It felt soothing, comforting. She was reluctant to leave it. The presence stirred slightly.

She jolted upright with a gasp. The blue coat fell to the floor.

"S-Sorry, I was just startled," Relena blushed and hurriedly moved to brush it off. Had she fallen asleep on General Yuy's shoulder? Well, he was her husband now, so it wasn't inappropriate per say… but she still hardly knew him!

"Hn," Heero took the coat from her silently.

Once the carriage came to a complete stop, he exited and turned to offer her a hand. Relena's face was still flushed red with embarrassment so she chose not to meet his eyes.

Relena gaped at the grandiose estate. Her father was vice-minister, yet their residence was nowhere near as marvelous as the sight before. Perhaps her parents had a penchant for living below their means, but nonetheless she was unaccustomed to such a lush living situation, which was slightly embarrassing considering she was supposed to come from a position of affluence.

Heero appeared beside her and wordlessly offered his arm. She took it with some trepidation and they set off towards the manor.

"You have a very beautiful estate, sir," she whispered.

"It's yours now too."

Oh yes, that was right. To think she would be mistress of these grounds – that was certainly both a frightening and exciting prospect.

A servant greeted them at the door and helped bring in their belongings. Heero led Relena up a flight of stairs and down several corridors, making sure to ease his pace since Relena seemed to be quite enraptured with her new home. He came to a stop before two ivory-colored double doors.

"Here are your chambers."

She stepped inside, eyes full of wonder. A great deal of things from her old home had already been put up around the room. The furniture was themed white and gold – elegant – but they were not so overly decorated as to seem gaudy. She was glad since she did not know what kind of home interior the great General Yuy kept, but perhaps this was the work of the king's personally appointed decorators. Regardless, it was a lovely and pleasant room, for which she was grateful for.

"Where will yours be?" she asked, turning to Heero.

"On the opposite side," he motioned to a pair of heavy wooden doors to his left, "I'll leave you to your privacy now. Goodnight."

"Goodnight?" Relena blurted, surprised.

Heero turned and raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

"Were we…" her face once again flushed a deep crimson, "I-I mean, it's expected of us to… On the night of our marriage…" She had a hard time controlling the stammering in her voice. It felt like such an awkward thing to say, but it seemed he knew what she meant.

"You've pushed yourself considerably today," Heero replied curtly, "Sleep."

His tone was firm and decisive, leaving little room for otherwise. He bowed before retiring to the room adjacent hers.

Relena let out a relieved sigh. Frankly she had been dreading that part of the marriage the most, but it would seem some benevolent presence had mercy on the girl, at least for today. It would have to happen eventually, unfortunately, but at least for today she was allowed to rest.

Making quick work of her gown and undoing all the pins and braids in her hair, she fell unceremoniously upon the plush, white bed. Within moments, she was already fast asleep.