A Palace of Disaster

Chibi Tsuki

A/N: Exams are over and I'm back on track. Wow, looking down at this chapter, it seems as if we've come a long way. It's already chapter 9 and we may only have a few more chapters left until the end. I'm no good at describing clothes so please forgive me. This chapter is rated… very slightly sappy? ^.^;;

Chapter 9

Bonded By the Vow and Ring

Lucretzia sighed, looking at her mirror reflection; a quiet girl, wearing a beautiful blue and white wedding dress as blue represented purity and faithfulness. The dress hung on her shoulders, with a wide cut. The cuffs were tight at her wrist with rather puffy white sleeves and another cuff at her biceps. The white cloth was layered with a layer of blue, bringing out the beauty of the dress. A necklace hung around her neck, its silver chains cold against her skin. Her hair was neatly brushed and scented, wavy curls following down to her elbows. The dress flowed downwards, displaying colours of blue and white. "Lucretzia dear, go out and make us proud us," Adelie smiled, placing slender hands on her daughter's shoulders. "You look magnificent." Keeping silent throughout the entire time, Lucretzia cast a downwards glance and meekly smiled. "Don't be late for your own wedding Lu." The bride was guided out of her room by her mother and they exited the palace, while servants smiled at the child they had known for so long finally grow up. Since the cathedral was out of the palace walls so that the villagers were able to access it, they travelled there by carriage. When she looked forwards at the carriage horses, she noticed her own stallion strutting proudly as he pulled her carriage. It was hilarious to watch the big war-horse walk striding in longer steps than the proper carriage horses. Lu smiled at the hopeless stallion and then glanced out of the carriage, wondering where Sally was. She was most likely there already or arriving soon like the other guests. When Sally first found out about her engagement to Prince Milliardo, she was shocked and more or less angry. Lucretzia didn't know what to say then but when she though back at the situation, it was rather funny.

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Flashback

Sally rushed to Lu as she appeared from the darkness, her riding clothes unusually dirtied with dry mud and grass all over her boots and grass sticking out of her matted hair. "Where have you been?" Sally demanded, her eyes full of worry.

"Riding," Lu replied in a monotone, ignoring the worried look Milliardo directed towards her. She wasn't in the mood to face the reality at the present moment and Sally wasn't really helping; not this time anyway. "I'm fine Sally, seriously."

Loosening the tension built within her, Sally smiled supportively. "Hey, I heard that you're engaged, to whom?"

Suddenly, a loud startled yell was released. "What? Lu's marrying someone?" Hilde frowned and dashed up towards the older girls. "Who's taking my Lu away?" Her voice was more than demanding, it was actually threatening. "Whoever he is, I'll make sure he won't be able move for an entire week!" She noticed Milliardo looking rather hesitant in staying around. "There's no need to be afraid Mr Milliardo because he's not you." Hilde smiled happily at him before focussing her attention back on her sister. "So who are you marrying Lu? What does he look like? Is he handsome?"

"Do we know him?" Sally asked being just as curious as Hilde.

"Does he have dark hair?"

"From which country?" They continued to repetitively pile her up with questions, leaving her no time to comprehend what they had just asked. Standing away from the three, Milliardo and Treize glanced at each other. Milliardo displayed an expression that called desperately for help.

Relena looked at her brother and then at Lucretzia. She had come up with a reasonable hypothesis and so she spoke up, "Is he my brother?" There was an immediate silence, only the insects continued their nightly chirping.

Suddenly, Hilde burst out laughing and looked at Relena. "That's a good one Relena." Lucretzia's expression said nothing, neither did Milliardo's and Treize's.

Pipping up, Andre uttered, "It is Mr Milliardo. That's what Mother said." The youngest boy resumed his silence, much alike his other quiet companion, Quatre. Relena was the first to break the silence, congratulating Lucretzia and her brother, then following by Quatre.

End Flashback

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"Lu dear, we've arrived," Adelie held her daughter's hand in her own. "Put on your veil." Obediently, Lucretzia covered her face with the white cloth, letting it hide her face. They disembarked and approached the cathedral, to be greeted by Celurious. The other guests were already inside the massive cathedral and were quiet, listening to the beautiful music within the building. Lucretzia and Milliardo's marriage was a mix of both the Sanc Kingdom's and Italy's traditions to please both sides. Once the rest of the people were inside, Celurious gestured for his daughter to approach. Nervously, Lucretzia placed her hand on her father's arm as she had been instructed and together they walked down the aisle. If it weren't for her veil, everyone would probably notice Lu's quivering lips and shut eyelids. Her heart was beating fast, she felt like a lost child only to be guided by her father. When they were nearly there, Lu opened her eyes again and glanced at Milliardo whose gaze seemed supportive. He held out his left hand and she accepted it with subtle reluctance.

Milliardo waited patiently as the pope spoke, relaying words to the world within the cathedral. This will be over soon. He held Lucretzia's hand in his, noticing the tremble. Often he glanced at his bride, offering comforting smiles and squeezed her hand softly to reassure her. "Do you Prince Milliardo Peacecraft take Princess Lucretzia Noin as your lawfully wedded wife?" the finally asked, raising his head to look at the couple in the eye.

"I do," Milliardo managed to say without faltering. The pope repeated the question except he switched the names around and waited for Lu to answer.

Lu forced herself to look up at the pope and in a quiet, sorrowful tone she whispered, "I do." She didn't even realise that the pope had announced their marriage, nor did she notice Milliardo insert the diamond ring into her finger on her right hand. The Italians had believed that diamonds were created by the flames of love, thus making it the most appropriate for the ring and marriage that would bind the two together forever. Around her, there were loud applauses which she didn't take notice, she only saw the dimness of the world within her mind.

"Lu?" Milliardo muttered while everyone waited for him to lift up the veil and expose the bride. Immediately Lucretzia looked up and stared straight at Milliardo's blue eyes with her own as he lifted the veil. The warmth in his icy blue eyes startled her. But luckily she had managed to hide the surprise quickly. Slowly he lowered his lips to hers and kissed her. He didn't dare intrude but instead quickly released her, much to her surprise. It was more like a peck on the lips than a real kiss and Lu was relieved, perhaps it wouldn't be that bad. Around them people started to applause, their loud claps caused a disturbance in the silent village, not that anyone cared because basically everyone was witnessing the marriage ceremony. But it ceremony still wasn't over, there was also the banquet back at home and it was already being prepared as the newly wedded couple returned to the palace. Villagers lined up to watch the couple leave. Time seemed much slowed inside the carriage than in the cathedral. The driver was outside, leading the horses in a slow steady pace while Milliardo and Lucretzia sat side by side. Neither spoke.

Thinking back to the kiss, Lucretzia felt the same warmth feeling as Milliardo did and had to turn away so that he wouldn't see her blush even though it was dark. She brought up her right hand and brushed it against own lips. That was when she noticed the diamond ring on her finger, simple yet elegant. Lu started to wonder why they hadn't decided on a more expensive ring but she was actually quite happy with the one she received. Jewellery wasn't really her thing. When they finally arrived back at the palace, Milliardo led his wife into the ballroom, where the banquet was going to be held. Lu tugged her hand gently out of Milliardo's and gave him a weak smile. I'm confused and lost. I feel like a seven year old child again. The ballroom was once again magnificently decorated, much alike the ball not long ago but this time, it was grander and simply just amazing. Playing quietly, an orchestra sounded the hall with beautiful melodious music. People entered behind, also admiring the hall.

Celurious approached his daughter and kissed her on her cheek, telling her how proud he was of her. Again Lu weakly smiled at him and nodded. Truthfully she wasn't the least bit proud of herself but instead ashamed. She felt so much like leaving all this behind, this world and everything she had known and be like the birds in the sky; free. But her love for her parents had forced her to stay, not admitting her to the exit. In a way, she believed that this was the right thing to do.

Serving men directed them to the dining hall, where plates, cutlery, glasses and the food were placed out, creating a beautiful image. Lucretzia stood and greeted the guests as they entered like the way she was instructed to. 'Always greet your guests before a banquet or reception of any sort.' She sighed at those spoken words and continued to compliment on the guests, adding more enthusiasm into her voice. This way it was made believable.

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When the dining was finally over, Naolan stood up and announced that the dancing should begin. The guests cheered, agreeing in delight and set off to the ballroom once again.  "Milliardo, go dance with her. All the guests have finished and the spotlight's waiting," King Peacecraft whispered, a smug grim on his face as he patted Milliardo on the shoulder and prodded him over to his newly married wife.

"Lu, can I have this dance?" he asked in a soft comforting tone.

Lucretzia was unable to refuse the offer since her parents were giving her encouraging looks to accept his hand. Together the pair walked to the centre, the music singing with them as they danced. She felt herself being completely washed away again, into that warm, comforting dreamland even though she felt that there was no explanation. Was it because she was with 'him'? But she immediately denied it, telling herself that it couldn't possibly be. That simply wasn't logical, was it? The truth was, she enjoyed this sensation; it made her feel comfortable.

She spun from his arms and recoiled back again, her slender hand on his shoulder again and his strong supporting hand on her waist. He smiled at the angel before him, unable to hide what he felt. Perhaps he did like her, just not hopelessly in love. There was a difference from liking her there and at that moment to missing her day and night even if she was only a room away. That particular scent of lilies waffled to his nose, making him grin. He adored that flowery scent on her, it made him picture the lakes and beautiful streams and rivers.

The dance ended soon, to the dismay of the young couple and together they left the warmth of the spotlight so as to let others have some attention. Excusing herself, Lucretzia walked out to the balcony which connected to the ballroom. It was a much quieter place and in fact a beautiful view that showed the detailed lights of the glowing stars within the solar system. How she adored the area beyond the clouds. There were times when she believed that one day, man would be out there on the moon and there they would discover the beauty of outer space. Would that be possible? I doubt it but perhaps one day, many generations later there may be those who go to space. It seemed to be impossible but to her it was a rather exciting thought.

"Hey Lu," a voice said softly, sounding rather sympathetic. Lu didn't bother turning around for she faced this voice everyday of her live. "What does it feel like… to marry I mean?" The speaker walked closer and placed his small hands on the railings, barely able to look over it properly.

"I don't know, I just feel confused," she sighed, knowing that Andre was looking up at her in adoration.

"Do you mean you feel as if the world is so big and you're just one tiny thing?"

Stifling a giggled, Lucretzia nodded. "For a youngster, you understand so much and yet you feel trouble-free. I wish I were like you."

"I'm deeper than that Lu," he smiled. "In fact, I want to help everyone in this world and help those villagers who weren't as fortunate as us; to be born royalty. Perhaps if we're able to help them, we'll be able to work as a really, really big family where everyone is part of it. But I haven't worked out how I can help yet." Unable to contain the urge, Lucretzia ruffled His Highness' neatly combed hair. "Hey! Father made me sit for fifteen minutes while he decided how he wanted it, now you've gone and messed it up," he growled, swiping at his sister playfully.

"Sorry Your Highness, please forgive me," Lu teased. He'll make a great king. I'm certain.

"Oi!" He glanced inside the ballroom and instantly hid in front of his sister as she herself leaned against the rail. Her brother crouched in front of her, with her puffy gown concealing him. "I'm not here, ok?"

Looking towards the ballroom, she noticed a young girl, no older than Andre approaching. She looked rather sweet in her light pink gown and her curly hair partly tied up with a ribbon. Politely, she walked up to Lucretzia and curtseyed before asking, "Your Highness, do you perchance know the whereabouts of Prince Andre?" The girl had a cute French accent which suited her perfectly.

"I'm sorry but I haven't seen him around. Perhaps he's out in the Garden with the other children," Lu replied in her kindest voice.

"Thank you, Your Highness," she curtseyed again and left, supposedly for the Garden which was a popular place for young children.

"Is she gone?" Andre whispered. Once he received a positive answer, he crept out from his hiding spot and exhaled. "That was a close one. Lady Fayette's been after me ever since the ball started. I truthfully think she should be called Lyonette instead. She's more like a little lion than a fairy."

Lucretzia looked at him in disbelief and uttered, "You shouldn't say that, it's impolite. Of all the people to say it, you said it." I need to rethink first before I confirm what I thought.

"Sorry," he said apologetically. "It's just that she's been chasing my tail for ages."

"Apology accepted. Now you go find Lady Fayette and ask her to dance or else I'll personally get her myself." Andre looked up at his sister and gave in and obliged, trudging back into the ballroom. Lucretzia smiled at his disappearing body before releasing a sigh.

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A/N: Slightly longer because of the long wait. Please forgive me! I also had some trouble researching stuff on Italian marriage rituals but I found out about several interesting things such as the garter throw. Hilarious… I need a 'please insert review box' somewhere… *grumble* stomach's empty, must go eat, cyas!

Chibi Tsuki~ ^.^