A/N: Standard disclaimer, no rights of ownership, etc. etc. If you like this story, make sure to check out its sequels. There are a whole crazy mess of them now. Also view the accompanying fanart at my website, www.vejiitasei.com.

You can view this story in its un-chaptered form at my website, also. I went back and broke it up into chapters because I was getting complaints that it was too long. Sorry if the chapter divisions seem awkward in places, or if some chapters seem too short or too long. That's what happens when you write a story without chapter divisions, and then later chop it up.

Reviews are welcome!!

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Amelia cried, her footsteps pounding in the hallway as she ran up behind him. He turned to face her and suddenly her arms were about his shoulders. His eyes widened in surprise and he gripped her about the waist as a reaction. She laughed as he touched her and crushed herself to him, nuzzling her cheek in her neck. Her body felt so lithe and tiny in his arms, and for a moment he was content just to hold her.


Amelia, what are you doing? he hissed, gaze darting about to see if there was anyone else around. Someone could see us!


She released him slightly and looked around, then shoved him behind a pillar. she said, closing her eyes and pressing her head against his chest. Now no one can see us.


He chuckled and put a hand on the top of her head, gently stroking her hair. She looked up at him and something inside him melted. He moved his hand from the crown of her head down to her chin, gently tilting her face upward with his finger. She shuddered against him and closed her eyes as he bent and brushed his lips against hers, tentatively at first, then kissed her. A small noise escaped her throat and she leaned into him, her fingers trailing along his ribs gently. He released the kiss and stood straight once again, gazing down at her and feeling himself fill with wonder at the thought that she actually could love someone who looked like he did. Perhaps she really could see the real him.


she breathed, and stood on tiptoe, presumably to kiss him again.


He was sorely tempted, but the sound of people approaching was too much for him, and he gently pushed her into the hall, quickly disappearing behind a different pillar several yards down the corridor. he heard a deep voice exclaim. How are you feeling?
Zelgadis stepped from behind the pillar and began walking toward the crowd nonchalantly, as if he hadn't just returned from his chambers and washing the scent of the Princess off of his skin. He hadn't participated in any real intimacy with Amelia that morning. They had spent most of it sleeping, and had only exchanged a few clumsy kisses upon awakening. Still, he felt sort of guilty, and he didn't want Philionel thinking he had taken advantage of his daughter.


I'm fine, Daddy, Amelia said, turning as Zelgadis approached. She grinned and moved as if to throw herself at him again, but he shook his head slightly. Her face fell and he felt a different, more painful stab of guilt, but he was certain the new facet to their relationship should remain hidden a while longer. We had lots of fun last night.


I trust everything went well and you were safe?


Mister Zelgadis escorted me back this morning, she said, watching Zel as he approached.


Good morning, Prince Phil, Zelgadis said with an inclination of his head.


Good morning, young man, Phil replied with a grin. You know, you youngsters took off so quickly yesterday that I didn't get a chance to discuss your reward with you.


Zel asked, surprised.


Of course! You came back to save Amelia, and I'd like to thank you and Miss Lina.


Don't ask her what she wants, Daddy, Amelia warned. Just find something and give it to her, otherwise she'll take half the kingdom.


Zelgadis found himself smiling at Amelia's remark when he felt Phil clap him roughly on the shoulder. And you'll be wanting Amelia's hand in marriage, I suppose? Phil said with a chuckle.


All the blood drained from Zelgadis' face and he felt suddenly dizzy. What are you talking about? he rasped, worried he was going to faint.


I'm just kidding! Phil laughed, the sound large and round as it echoed off the corridor walls. I wouldn't ever tell Amelia who to marry! But honestly, please think about what you'd like to have.


I didn't save her for a reward, Zelgadis said somewhat icily, crossing his arms over his chest. I did it because she's a good friend.

He saw Amelia's expression pucker slightly out of the corner of his eye and he silently berated himself. Why couldn't he just admit to everyone that he liked her? All he was doing was confusing the matter and hurting her feelings. What was wrong with him?


I know you would have done it regardless, Phil continued, breaking into his thoughts, But I still want to show you how much I appreciate your efforts.


He'll do his best to think of something, Daddy, Amelia said, suddenly latching on and pulling Zelgadis away. We need to be going now.


Zelgadis said as she towed him along.


Have fun! Phil said, and continued down the hall with his advisors scurrying behind.


Where were you? Amelia whispered once Phil was out of earshot. I thought we were supposed to meet for lunch.


I'm not late, Zelgadis protested. I thought we were going to meet in the garden while the weather's still nice.


she said, suddenly deflated. He watched as she visibly forced herself to cheer up and smile at him. Well, you smell wonderful. Very clean.


Ah, thanks, he mumbled.


Shall we go?


If you're that hungry, Zel replied, walking along behind her. They had been walking for a few minutes when he heard something behind him, and he turned just in time to see Gourry sneak into a room. So, Gourry hadn't spent the morning in his own chamber. He wondered for a moment where the swordsman had been. His curiosity didn't last long, however, because his thoughts were interrupted as he ran into Amelia from behind. he asked, concerned.


Amelia turned to him and pointed out the window at a column of thick black smoke rising into the air. she said.


Zelgadis rushed to the window and looked out, but was unable to see anything over the high walls of the palace. Something's happening, he said.


Let's go, she replied.


Zelgadis gently gripped her wrist and grasped at his sword with his free hand. Okay, but stay behind me, he warned.


To his surprise, she grinned and blushed. All right, she said. You be careful too.


I will. I suddenly have a lot more reason to take care, he answered, and smiled at her before they both went running in the direction of the smoke.


They dashed through the courtyard and out of the palace, finally giving up on land travel and taking to the air, eventually landing on the rampart near one of the city's gates. Zelgadis landed lightly and shaded his eyes, staring at the smoke that covered the plain to the southwest of the city. Instead of one fire they saw many dotting the landscape, the smoke conglomerating before wafting skyward. He heard Amelia gasp in surprise and tore his eyes away from the strange scene before him, instead examining their immediate surroundings. It was then that he noticed a dark figure perched nimbly on one of the flagpoles above the gate. he called out, his hatred seeping into his tones.


What? Where? Amelia replied, her eyes following Zel's gesture. Her brow furrowed when she saw him, but she waved and shouted nonetheless. Mister Xellos! Down here!


Xellos turned his head, a strange, somber expression on his face as he looked down at them. Come down, please! Amelia said sweetly, still waving.


Xellos sighed visibly and vanished, reappearing directly between Zelgadis and Amelia. He didn't say anything, just opened his dark eyes and stared out at the plethora of fires.


What is it? Zelgadis asked, low enough he knew Amelia wouldn't hear.


By midmorning Miss Lina smelled of the swordsman, Xellos replied softly.


Zelgadis was taken aback at the answer to a question he hadn't even asked. He waited for the mild surprise to pass from his system, then tried again. I meant what's going on out there on the plain.


Xellos shot Zelgadis a sidelong look. Ah. Unfortunately, I'm supposed to keep that a secret for now. If I could tell you I would. However, I believe that soon enough you will find out what's afoot.


Zelgadis growled and grabbed the trickster priest by the collar, shaking him violently. Listen here, you piece of filth, he hissed, teeth bared. I don't care what your orders are. You are going to tell me what's going on out there and you are going to tell me right now.


Xellos' placid features gathered into a slight scowl and he raised a gloved hand, gently touching Zel's wrist. Zelgadis gasped as quicksilver pain raced through his body, his hands opening of their own accord and releasing the Monster. I'm afraid I've told you all I can. Please inform Miss Lina that I will return to see how things are going. With that, Xellos executed a curt bow and disappeared from sight.


What was that all about? Amelia said, lightly touching Zel's sleeve.


He looked down at her face, her brows drawn with worry. I think we're in trouble, and I also think that Gourry needs to watch his back from now on.


Amelia frowned more deeply, wrapping her arms around herself and looking at him. What do you mean? Do you think Xellos likes Lina?


I don't think it's a matter of liking, loving, or any other emotion. Xellos, as a Monster, most likely isn't capable of feeling such things. I suspect that she's sort of like his candy. After all, few people put off as many negative emotions as she does, and she's strong-willed and unpredictable to boot. She's probably his favorite toy, and the only person that stands in the way of him claiming her is Gourry.


But Lina and Gourry aren't in that sort of relationship, are they?


Zelgadis shook his head, remembering seeing Gourry slip into his room mere minutes ago. I don't know, and I don't think it matters, he said, pointing down at the fires.