"Bring forth the guards! Call the King and Queen to the front gates!"

"Praise God! It CAN'T be!"

"But it IS!"

"She's come BACK! Sound the alarm! Ring the church bells!"

More yelling and happy comments could be heard. They were still far enough from the castle to be considered specks on the landscape, but close enough to be deterred human and horse.

Her eyes watered, though she couldn't look away. Home sat in front of her, and she arrived safe and sound. The past month was more than they thought it could be. Hiro had not only brought her back home, he professed his love through his emotions, as did she. She saw her home with suddenly older, wiser eyes. Eyes and body wiser to the evils in the world, but also to fate that could bring two souls together.

"Happy to be home?" He whispered; eyes locked ahead. Their horses walked close enough that he could whisper and be heard above the hooves.

A smile graced her face, creases in her eyes causing tears to fall. "You have NO idea." She murmured.

As the horses walked to the main wood gate, she lovingly gazed at her savior. Not only did he save her in body, but in spirit and mind. This man that loved her, though he didn't say it, held her heart in the palm of his hand. She wondered if he knew it.

His hand reached out and brushed her tears, wishing he didn't have gloves on. He decided to wear full gear as they rode the final miles to keep his presentation up. He rode into Sanc a fierce warrior, but returned a love-struck husband-to-be. He wouldn't have it any other way.

"Don't cry Princess; I can't stand to see you cry."

More tears fell at his soft endearment. Her hand covered his, head tilting. "They're tears of joy Hiro. I'm so happy to be home. And I have you to thank." Her lips kissed his palm, wishing she could touch his skin. Until they could find time to be alone, it would have to do for now.

He gave a small smile and removed his hand, fingers sweeping across her cheek. They were nearing the castle and must apply to the proper rules according to their ranks. They could show affection as any married couple could, but they weren't married yet and must act as promised couples did. Separation was a big thing between the engaged.

He wondered how long he would last after a half month of sleeping behind her, cradling her in his arms, and sharing kisses. His lips rubbed together after a tingling sensation caught them.

After reaching the gate, many of the royal family's knights and outer wall guards appeared to greet them. "Praise God, you've returned to us Princess!" An elder cried, shameless tears in his eyes.

She gave her guards and Sanc people a sweet smile. "I am glad to be home. It warms my heart to see those I grew up with." She called, voice carrying over the throng. Many cheered and clapped from it all, glad to have their Princess back. The months of dread and waiting paid off and now she was returned.

"Come Princess, you must see the King and Queen!" One knight called. He stopped in front of the horse and she handed him the reigns, content to let others take charge. Although she took charge of her life for what seemed a long time, it was nice to sit back and let others do simple tasks. She could almost see the relief flood the air and wash over her, feel the peoples' gladness and joy. She knew a celebration would be held of her return, and for Hiro returning her. "Your mother watches from the guard's post every morning in hopes to spot your return."

"Where is she now?"

"The King made her come inside since she was exhausting herself with worry and hope."

Eyes shuttered to her hands. She didn't want her mother to worry herself to death, but yet she was. Her heart clenched in guilt. "Is Millardo around?"

She wanted to see her big brother again. The last time she had was a month before she was kidnapped. It seemed like a lifetime ago. In fact - looking around the palace stone walls where she was born in - EVERYTHING seemed different. The people didn't seem like such peasants anymore. She didn't feel so important as she used to.

"Prince Zechs Marquise should be practicing out in the south courtyard."

A brow rose, melancholy momentarily forgotten. "Zechs Marquise?"

He looked back, a wry grin on his face. "Your brother wishes to be called that, as a sort of soldier name for himself."

Her head shook in helpless amusement. Millardo would forever continue to amaze and amuse her. He wasn't a very funny person, but he still held the power to make her laugh after such an ordeal. Her eyes moved behind her, finding Hiro's horse slowly following behind, weaving through the throng that surrounded her. She felt a little culpable that she allowed herself to get swept up in her people's enthusiasm, forgetting the person that saved her life. He was to be her husband, she should pay him more attention than she was.

He gave her a small smile and nod, saying he understood everything as soon as they reached the gate. As if he didn't mind being left in the rear to follow her lead.

The knight pulled her horse to massive wood doors. He stopped in front, arms extended to help her down. Immediately, her lips pressed together and looked at Hiro, knowing he usually helped her to the ground. She was surprised to find him almost off his horse. With a small grin, she looked at the knight.

"Will you go find my mother?" She asked, gently dejecting his help. The youth looked at Hiro in front of the horse, back to her, and gave an understanding nod.

After he left, Hiro took his spot and she willingly bent into his embrace. Her tongue consciously licked her lips, almost embarrassed at such a natural action being played out to all her followers. Instead of immediately letting go and stepping back as he always did, his head stopped next to hers, lips near her ear. His hands almost possessively tightened over her waist.

"I'll tend to my horse and find you later. Give you some time to see your parents."

She shivered and nodded, feeling unsettled as always by his close proximity. It was shameful. Even around her people, her body heat rose at being near inches away from their bodies. When he pulled away, he gave another small nod before letting her go and leading his horse away.

She stared at his exit until the knight returned and gently touched her shoulder. "Princess, your parents are ready and eager to see you." He replied, giving a smile.

With a nod, she turned to the loyal horse she rode so many miles and petted her muzzle before turning and walking through the doors. Someone would take good care of the horse, especially since the Catalonia insignia was on the bridle.

~*~*~

Her eyes blurred and spilled over upon seeing the most glorious sight after her freedom. She couldn't move she was so happy. Her mouth opened to speak, but couldn't form the words. From the looks of things, so was the vision across her.

Her throat clogged, a million things running through her mind. What to say? What to DO? Should she courtesy as she normally did? Should she be prim and proper? Should she throw caution to the wind and do what her heart was screaming to do? After that moment of hesitancy flashed over her face, also with the mirror image of her older years, she decided. To hell with prim and proper, damned be all her princess rules and mannerisms.

"MOMMY!" She nearly screamed, running. One hand gripped her dress as she met the elder woman in the middle of the throne room, hugging her as tightly as possible. She feared if she let go, it would all disappear and be a cruel joke, with her still stuck up in the tower and dreaming this. The two sank to the floor, mother cradling daughter.

"My baby girl." Queen Peacecraft choked, hugging her tight, the same thoughts running through her head. Hasty hands pulled her daughter's face into view, running over her hair and cheekbones, as if mapping out this new face. "My only daughter."

Tears streamed down both sets of cheeks as they tightly embraced again. Her head buried in her mother's body, feeling the warmth under the thick gown. "Mommy..." She breathed, feeling her heart and soul heal. She was home; things would be alright now. "My mommy." She snuggled into her mother's embrace, arms tightening around her waist. A smile appeared, threatening to split her face.

A hand touched the top of her head, gaining her attention. She pulled from her mother's embrace enough to look - to the blue eyes of her father. Her smile widened, causing more tears to stream down her cheeks. Slowly letting go of her mother, she stood and wiped tears from her cheeks.

"Relena."

"Daddy..." His arms widened and she launched into them, hugging him as tightly as her mother. Neither cried, but held onto each other with the same thoughts running through their heads. She felt the same sense of security and warmth that she did with Hiro and snuggled into the embrace. It felt so good to have her father's arms around her again. "I love you daddy." She whispered.

"My little Lena." He whispered, voice choking with love for his only daughter. His heart swelled upon seeing her, but didn't forget the dignity and majesty that surrounded him when he went to her. Holding her and seeing her back in her home...he didn't regret his decision, or the decree he gave for the one that could bring her home. "It's good to have you home."

"Relena..."

She slowly pulled away and sniffled against the constant tears that threatened her composure. The low baritone swept through the room, waiting to be acknowledged. Facing her brother, her throat clogged again. It had been so long... She almost forgot what he looked like.

"Millardo." She whispered, walking to him in a trance.

They met near the door, silently and tightly embracing. "It's good to have you home little sister." He whispered, chin resting on her head. Her arms tightened around his waist and he felt sorrow leave him, feeling more complete, and a little less guilty. He felt helpless upon returning to Sanc and finding his sister kidnapped, not knowing where or how to get her back. His father didn't want him leaving, even though he was a knight by rank. He was the next king to take the throne, and his father wouldn't let the future king ride off to be killed.

"Yes, it is." She whispered, slowly pulling away. She looked up with a teary smile, etching his face in her mind again. "It's good to see you again. It's been a while."

"Far too long." He muttered, one hand running over her head. She looked older than last he'd seen, not just in looks. Although she sprouted an inch or two on him, her eyes looked older. He knew the experience made her wiser to the dangers that surrounded their kingdom.

"Millardo, will you leave us for a little to talk?" King Peacecraft asked. She pulled away and looked at her father, knowing by that small tone what he wanted. He gave her a small smile when their eyes met. "We have much to catch up on."

"Of course." Millardo gave a small bow to his father, lengthy white bangs falling into his eyes. With a small nod and smile to her, he turned and silently shut the doors.

"Lena, will you sit next to me while we talk?" She swallowed and walked to her throne next to her mother. She sat in her old chair and looked at the room, wondering how everything could feel so different in only four months. It seemed years since she sat and watched the jugglers and performers. She tried to picture the laughter and clapping, feel the joy residing in the walls, but could only hear the winter wind and feel terror. "There are a few things we need to discuss my daughter."

She looked at the hands clutching her dress, her knuckles white. What happened now was a mystery. Her parents were compassionate, but even a Princess wasn't allowed to know what went on in the kingdom. "Please don't be mad father." She whispered, timidly meeting his eyes. Somehow, she felt a little estranged from her parents, even after such a heartfelt reunion. "But Hiro already told me about your proposal."

His face didn't waiver. "How much do you know?"

"That I am to be married to him. That you included my hand to whomever you deemed fit to rescue me. That forty knights assembled in this hall from distant lands. That the knight who saved me from the pig king's fortress is really Prince Hiro Yuy of the Yuy Kingdom." A small smile tipped her lips. "You made a good choice father. Though the beginning was a little shaky at first, I'd say we're well suited for each other."

"Well suited?" Her mother echoed. She looked at the image of her youth, seeing older eyes stare at her husband. Light, aged blue thoughtfully narrowed, a small smile appearing. It was a woman's intuition and mother's love that told her everything she needed to know in those eyes. Her smile widened.

"What do you mean Lena?" He asked, brow creasing.

Teeth captured her lip through a knowing smile as she thought back to the times in the forest. Eyes diverted to the fidgeting hands in her lap. How would her parents react? Would her father be mad that they interacted so much? Would he be delighted? She knew her MOTHER would be, it was her mother. They would hold late night talks when she could sneak into their chamber during her father's slumber and talk about men courting her when she came of age.

With a deep breath, she looked her father in the eye. "Although he hasn't said the words, his actions prove he's in love with me. And I am with him."

"Wonderful!" Her mother gushed, hands clapping together. A bright smile split her face as she stared at her daughter. "I thought that's what you meant. Oh I'm so happy for you baby."

She ignored her mother's ramblings and stared at her father. His approval meant everything, since he held her future in his palm. He could decide whether or not to let Hiro return to his kingdom with or without her. "Father?"

His face melted into a compassionate smile. "Few people find true love in an arranged marriage." His eyes looked to his wife, fingers groping for her hand. He clasped it and squeezed. "It's a rare gift and true joy to be in love with your chosen." His eyes met hers. "It seems that I DID choose right. Though I am curious how you managed to fall in love with such a rigid, cold soldier."

She smiled and leaned forward, eager to tell of Hiro's change. "But he's not that way anymore father. He only looks that way to keep up appearances. He's so gentle." Her eyes glazed over as she fell away from her parents, back to the time when he first rescued her. "I used to think he was unfeeling, since he didn't say a word to me till we met Catalonia Castle." Her gaze lowered, not really seeing anything. "He didn't introduce his title until we met for dinner. I didn't know he was a Prince too..."

"Most Princes go after the rank, like your brother did. It's a way to gain respect and esteem from the people."

She absently nodded, staring at her hands. His voice brought her back to the massive, decorated room. Speaking about Hiro made her wish he were near. She wanted him by her, or to walk with her while she looked at the grounds to see what changed. Her fingers entwined.

The three briefly ran out of words to say, both parents gazing at their daughter and digesting this newest change. She became quieter, more thoughtful than she was in the past. The old Relena, it seemed, always had something pleasant or controversial to say.

A soft knock on the door sounded in the momentary quiet.

"Come." King Peacecraft called, glad for the interruption. He felt a little uneasy at this new Relena and knew there was some getting used to. She all of a sudden looked older beyond her years.

The door slowly creaked open, as if hesitant to break into the room and disturb the royal family. He wondered if it was a servant, or his son coming back to see his sister. His eyes looked away from Relena and a gracious smile met his face. "Ah, my boy. Good to see you again." He got up from the throne and walked to the middle of the room, being met there.

"A pleasure as always sire." Hiro evenly stated, giving a deep bow. "I finished getting my horse settled for the night, and wondered how the Princess was faring."

Her eyes rose as soon as he spoke, meeting his when he straightened. She sensed a small change, saw it in his eyes. They were shunted of any feelings and his stance was proud and tall. She felt a little sorrow he couldn't be his real self around her parents, but knew Hiro couldn't change who he was after fifteen years in the matter of a month. It was far too easy for him to slip back into his façade after being away from her, even for a short time.

She gave a small smile, hoping the deep caring she felt would show through her eyes and pierce the mask. "Hiro." She announced and nodded, playing her roll, since he appeared to want it that way.

The king looked between them, wondering what happened to the kind Prince she told him about. Was that a slip? Or was the Prince just playing pretenses to patronize him? Putting a hand on Hiro's back, he swept an arm to the grand chairs. "Come my boy, sit with us and recount tales of your heroics. Tell us of your journey."

"It would please me to do so sire, but I was just checking up on Princess Relena." He stared, taking note of the regal way she sat. He longed to sit by her and act like they had on their journey, but part of him wouldn't allow it. Back amidst the court of Kings and Queens, the old part of his life flared with a vengeance. The side that whispered about rules and mannerisms he needed to follow to keep from shaming his heritage. "If you'll allow it, I would retire to a bed and bath. It has been too long since I've had the pleasure of either."

"Yes of course, where are my manners." He walked to the chair, going to a chord on the wall. With a tug, a bell sounded. Seconds later, a few smartly dressed servants stepped in from a side door. "Prepare the best room for this young lad here." His hand swept to Hiro. "Come and lead him to it when it's done. Then tell the cooks and all the other servants to make this palace clean as possible for tomorrow night's celebration for my daughter's arrival." He turned to her. "Lena, I know you're bound to be rather tired. I'll have your handmaids draw you a bath. If you wish, you could stay here with your mother and I, or go to your room and wait."

She gave a small smile, touched by her father's thinking. "If you wouldn't mind father, I AM rather tired. We've been riding all morning, and I was glad to reach the castle by this afternoon. I think I'll nap in one of my maid's rooms while they draw my bath."

"If you wish." He turned to the servants again. "Go find Princess Relena's maids and have them see her to her room. Have them find a change of clothes, draw a bath, and the use of a bed while they do so."

"Right away sire."

When they left, the King stepped to his daughter, pulling her to her feet. He silently hugged her, delighted she was back. "Welcome home Lena." He whispered, tears stinging his eyes.

Tears clouded her vision at his hoarse voice. "I love you father." She whispered, pressing a lingering kiss to his white, bearded cheek. Quickly blinking before pulling back, she glanced at him before locking eyes with Hiro. Her smile quickly widened before she pulled away and turned to her mother. "I love you mother." She whispered, tightly embracing the woman.

"I love you baby." The queen whispered. After pressing a quick kiss to her temple, one hand touched the side of her face. "You go rest up. I'll see you later if you're awake."

With a nod, she pulled back and stepped a few paces away. The servants quietly appeared behind them and she turned, meeting eyes with her maids and friends. Her eyes watered, missing their female companionship dearly.

"Lara, Chastity, Vanessa, Dianna." She nodded in greeting, wondering if they heard the whisper of her voice. Her throat clogged after seeing them, making it hard to talk. Forgetting everyone else in the room, she walked to them and the four hugged her.

"Oh princess!"

"I MISSED you."

"It's been forever Princess Relena."

One sniffed through tears. "You still look as lovely as when you left us."

She gave a small smile. "Thank you Kit." She touched hands with Dianna and Chastity, reassuringly squeezing them. "Would you take me to my room, please?"

They all snapped to attention, each quickly grabbing a part of their gowns to keep from stepping on them. "Right away princes!" The eldest maid pushed the other three out the door in haste to make her Princess comfortable. "Let's MOVE! Don't keep the Princess waiting!"

She quietly giggled at their antics, missing them more than she thought possible. With an amused shake, she looked to Hiro, the smile on her lips slowly fading. He was still standing in the middle of the throne room, watching the entire thing. A caring smile blossomed as she extended a hand, forgetting her parents were seated on the opposite wall, watching. "Would you like to walk with me to my room?"

He briefly looked behind to her parents before walking to her side and leaving the room with her. After quietly closing the doors, he turned to her, eyeing the maids that were giving him appraising, dreamy eyed looks. "I'll wait here until your servants show me to my room." His hand took hers, bringing it between them. "I'll see you later tonight, if you don't mind."

She smiled. "I'll be sure to be up and waiting when you knock." She answered, bringing his knuckles to her lips. Her eyes closed to savor their brief time together before letting go of his hand and walking with her maids.

As she walked away, he waited until she followed the chattering and gushing handmaids asking about him around a corner before taking his eyes off her. Waiting a few more seconds to be sure it was safe, he turned and opened the throne room doors, stepping back inside.

"Sorry about that your majesty." He quietly answered, stopping in the middle. He stopped in front of the stairs under their chairs and kneeled, hands resting on his knees. Sitting on his calves, he waited for the talk he knew was coming.

"Not a problem my boy. I now see what my daughter was talking about." The king gave a small smile, eyes mildly serious. "I see you've also changed your mind about my proposal."

He nodded. "I HAVE decided to marry the princess."

"You astound me my boy. You've come a long way in only the two months since we met last. My daughter has quite the influence."

His lips twitched. "You could say that." He gave a brief nod, never taking his eyes off the King. It was rude to do so. "She has opened my way of thinking about my life's objectives."

"And what is that?" Asked the Queen, eyeing him. She cast a glance between the men, wondering the details they talked about. She hadn't been present when her husband talked to the knights, not allowed to be there. She didn't know about the young man, wasn't too sure her daughter was talking about the same person.

"The young prince here was only interested in his samurai status back in Japan. Marrying my daughter, although wouldn't be a TOTAL burden, didn't interest him." The king mused. "You DO amaze me. What changed your mind?"

He wondered how much Relena told her father, how much the king was baiting him to tell about his feelings. He couldn't say, since things were still so new to him. Even after a month together, it wasn't enough to decipher and analyze everything.

His eyes finally lowered to the lush carpet leading to the chairs, feeling humbled by his emotions. To be ABLE to feel again was the greatest gift, since he placed that restriction on himself to help with training. His mentor advised him it was best, since emotions would get in the way of future quests. "She changed me. I have never had anyone be able to do that." He quietly answered.

The Queen looked at shaggy brown hair that hid deep blue. She suddenly felt a stab of pity, knowing his shoulders bared a self-placed burden her daughter managed to see and get past. A compassionate smile appeared as a finger tapped her chin.

"Was that the ONLY reason you decided to marry our daughter?" She asked, mirth in her voice.

He looked up, seeing Relena's wisdom in light blue eyes. She was wiser than her years showed, and he knew she could see the depths of his soul with a single glance. He wondered if that's who gave Relena the powers she possessed. They continued to stare, searching each other. As if reaching some unknown agreement, his eyes softened from their hard, cool edge. His head shook.

"You know more than you see malady." He quietly answered.

"It has been said of me."

The King looked at his wife, wondering at this playful exchange between the two. He missed something, but let it pass. "Now that I know your intentions young Prince, what do you want to do?" He received a blank look. The king smiled. "I mean about the marriage itself. Details. Where do you want it? Are you staying here after? Will you take my daughter to your home, or will you have a castle of your own waiting for you as a present from your father? I'm afraid I'm not TOO knowledgeable of Japanese customs nowadays."

He gave the King a small smile. "I thought it best to ask you that. It was kind of unfair to bring her here and take her from you so shortly after."

"This is true." The king nodded and fell into thoughtful silence, a contemplative finger tapping his lips. After a minute, his head shook. "I'll have to talk to my daughter I guess. I don't know WHAT to decide on. You might need to talk to your father before we can marry you. If he has plans already, I won't interfere with them. But that will take some time to get news to him." His fingers tapped against each other as his mind churned. "I'll speak with my daughter tonight and give you her answer."

He wondered if he should say anything. Part of him said to let it go and keep quiet.

He wanted to talk to Relena himself. The urge to ask her where she wanted to go, whether she wanted to follow him home and leave hers, or build a castle in the middle somewhere weighed heavily. That part eventually won out.

"If you wouldn't mind your majesty, I am meeting your daughter tonight. Would I discuss it with her if you allowed me?" He felt like holding his breath, crossing fingers for luck. Hesitation lay in his eyes and knew it was obvious he wanted to be the one to ask. He wanted to be the first to know.

After watching for what seemed an eternity, the King quietly chuckled. "You may knight." A finger wagged. "Just be sure to tell me what she decides, alright? I want to know whether I'm to marry my daughter by the end of this year or not."

He gave a small, humorous smile. "I'll speak with her tonight and have your answer by tomorrow morning at breakfast sire."

"And I'll get a scribe to dictate a letter for you."

"If you wouldn't mind again sire, I'd like to write my father myself. I know how, and he knows my handwriting. It's safer that way."

"Your choice. I'll have things for you to use tomorrow afternoon and a rider before nightfall."