Chapter II
By Melrose
Relena
"That was a splendid performance, my Lady," a familiar voice said as soon as I entered my private dressing room after the dance.
I paused for a moment from removing my veil at the remark. I smiled slightly at my handmaiden, the black-haired Lady Hilde. "Thank you." I snatched the veil off my face and gave it to her. Hastily stripping off my clothes and my jewelry until I only wore my rather skimpy underclothes, I whispered to her, "Do we have enough time?"
She nodded a little warily and began to fold my clothes then put them in a bag. "We have enough time to reach the castle without arousing suspicion, my Lady." She sighed tragically. "I do hope my Lady will consider the risk we are taking. But then again, I am but a lowly servant and–"
I gave her an exasperated look. "Hilde, will you stop the 'my Lady'? We have been best of friends since we have been babes in the cradle." I unpinned my long blonde hair, letting it tumble down to my waist. Hilde helped me take out the jewels. "I will not allow rank to get in the way of our friendship. Moreover, do stop scolding me. You're having as much fun in this as I am."
Hilde smiled ruefully at me as she handed me plain clothes and a worn-out hooded cloak. "I suppose so." Then a serious look replaced her smile. "However, you picked the wrong time to sneak out of the castle to dance. Your father is expecting visitors from our future allies. You cannot miss this meeting."
I hurriedly put them on and then tied my hair in a tight bun at the nape of my neck. "I know," I replied soberly. I wrapped the cloak about me, fastening it rather clumsily. I drew the hood over my head to hide my face. In a few minutes, a dowdy-looking woman replaced the exotic dancer. What a transformation a few alterations in clothing and hairstyles could do. I turned to Hilde, who had also put on her hooded cloak. "Let's go."
As we stepped into the dark, noisy streets of the most disreputable place in the kingdom of Sanq, my thoughts went to how my father, the King of Sanq. I wondered how he would react when he found out that his only daughter, Princess Relena of Peacecraft, was an exotic dancer in one of the most notorious bordello in the kingdom.
My father would probably kill me if he found out. My father was a sweet, honorable and peaceful man, but God, did he have old-fashioned ideas about a woman's place in society. He would never forgive me for being such a…wanton, sinful creature as women in this business are regarded. He expected me to be demure, submissive, and to be able to do feminine things, such as embroidery or playing musical instruments.
Many people think that being a royal princess was an extraordinary thing. They do not know how terribly wrong they were. Oh, the dresses, jewels, and privileges were wonderful, that I cannot deny, but I will gladly give them all up for a moment of freedom.
In my station, I was always enclosed in the walls of the castle, in my room of silks, wool, and other luxuries, always surrounded by guards and ladies, to be protected, to be safe.
However, I did not want to be safe. I wanted to go outside the castle, to explore the world beyond the high stone walls of the castle. I wanted to be free.
Not only that, I was terribly bored in the castle. There was hardly anything to do but embroider, since everything was taken care of by the servants. I swear, I would die of boredom in the castle.
So one night, using stealth and deception I never knew I possessed, I sneaked out of the castle with my best friend and handmaiden, Hilde. Since then, things have never been quite the same.
I glanced at the night sky. It was studded with numerous stars, twinkling merrily at the mortals below them. It was beautiful night to go out and roam in the kingdom, but I cannot. Even I have to bow to duty, especially now.
With a sigh of regret, I hastened my steps, heading for the castle. It was time to meet my fate.
Part 2
By Andrea Sinisterra
It was not much late when we finally climbed into the room, our breaths shallow, and our hearts beating furiously with excitement. It took us a while to finally calm ourselves, while hastily changing clothes, and with Hilde pinning my hair up in an elaborate bun to match the regal gown I am to wear for dinner. Surely these daily escapades will not last much longer.
I feel nervous; from what Father told me, we are having visitors for dinner. Supposedly, they'll help our kingdom defenses, and keep Lord Kushrenada's forces at bay. It used to make me angry whenever I thought of my Father begging for help in other kingdoms, everything happening after my dear brother Milliardo was killed.
But, I'm tired. We all are. Milliardo has been gone for a few months, and with each passing week, new threats, and warning have been sent to my Father's hands. Promises of wealth and safety from other kingdoms if we resign to our titles, and I marry to provide them with an heir, this way, sealing them to royalty.
A few weeks back, my Father sent word out to his long time friend, King Odin of Kquest. Rumors had it that the King had made some sort of arrangements with the Kingdom of Luruah over the North Sea, since those two kingdoms were the principle lines of attack and defense from pirates. I've heard stories about the beautiful Kquest, and the castle where the King resides. It is supposed to be one, if not, the biggest castle in all the north territory. Kquest is considered, from what I've heard from my father's royal advisors, one of the strongest kingdoms, with the fiercest and most numerous army. I've also heard that the castle is shielded with a natural barrier, some sort of risk, I suppose, that protects it from overseas attacks... And King Odin's son was going to be sent as a mediator between our kingdoms. Kind Odin's son, Lord Yuy.
"My Lady," Hilde's voice is scolding, her tone low even as she smiled. "Stop fidgeting, you will soil your dress."
"I'm praying to the Heavens... I just hope they find a way to remedy all this. Though, I fear the consequences."
Hilde sighed, and I could just tell what she was thinking from the look in her eyes. "My Lady, maybe you should think about your kingdom's safety. Remember your Father is not well; if they think a marriage will safe us..."
"Then, a marriage we shall have."
There was a knock on the door, and when Hilde answered, something was said that I couldn't catch. Her shoulders stiffened slightly, before she softly closed the heavy door, and gave me a sad look. "Our visitors have arrived."
I breathed deeply, resigned, and hoping... "We should not have them waiting, then."
My steps are slow, I feel as if I have walked a far distance for too long, even as my heart beats at an irregular pace. The soft murmur of voices carries through doors, and down the hallway, the lulling sound making me feel edgy, and somewhat anxious. Three figures were waiting when I walked in. My Father smiled, even if he was unable to shadow his tired features.
And beside him, a man too familiar to give me any comfort. His blue eyes are hard and cold as they narrow, and if it not were for Hilde standing behind me, I would have collapsed to the floor... Lord Yuy knows.
Part 3
By Caliborn
I believe I very nearly gave a vivid impression of a tomato.
To tell the truth, I really hadn't wanted to meet them at all. I seemed to be my father's last resort-- his last punch, so to speak, since Treize had quelled nearly our whole army. If I were to marry the prince of a powerful foreign nation, for example . . . well, I was a playing piece that had yet to be put to use. I know father loved me and didn't think of it that way, exactly, but it was his last resort. Certainly, though, an alliance by marriage with Kquest was out of the question. The thought of me, marrying anyone of those savage, bellicose people . . . it was laughable, to say the least. Suitors had been springing up everywhere from different countries -- I hated them, thinking to swagger in and scoop up what was left of my country. We were not fallen yet, and certainly not weakened past the point of signing our freedom away in some one-sided treaty from a border-land! I hoped, therefore, that Kquest's embassy would not turn out to be the same as others that had come. Perhaps they meant to actually help us instead of gobbling up the last scraps of Sanq like other rats had.
Not that I was an ice queen who refused to marry, period, mind you. I could be quite . . . playful. I loved to play -- to tease the common men of the streets with my dancing, to entice them, if you will, and then strut away, leaving them behind. It gave me a sense of power, of adventure-- a wonderful feeling that helped me ignore the current state of affairs. Upon seeing the man that had watched me in that bordello for the first time, I had assumed him much more than a commoner, of course: a young Lord, perhaps, out looking for a bit of fun. And why not give him a true glimpse of it? I had danced for him, yes, to attract his attention. He had seemed so solemn and impenetrable. But I had made his eyes follow me; I had given him a craving for me, a yearning, if only for a moment.
And in turn I had received a wild rush of . . . something. Freedom, perhaps, or a semblance of control over another. I had walked away intending to never see him again. And now, here he was, standing just before me. I wish my cheeks would stop flaming!
Prince Yuy stood there in regal, sophisticated glory-- at least from the neck down. There was not a trace of sludge or dirt despite his walk through one of the dirtiest streets in our land, and he looked to have just come straight from the tailor's. Flanked on both sides by a tough-looking, sword-bearing guardians, Prince Yuy's attire was all whites and blues with a small splash of red at his collar-- a freshly cut flower pressed into a pocket. His cape, also impossibly clean, was the deepest of blues, though I only caught a flash of it as he calmly removed the article at his throat and handed it to a nearby servant. Above his collar, though, he was different. His eyes were like the calm before a storm; dangerous and enticing, colored in a blue to match his cloak. His hair, though it apparently had been given some sense of structure, seemed wild and untamed-- like his eyes.
I suddenly, strangely, wanted to giggle, remembering a rumor of a nickname that they might have called him in his land. His eyes, if not his clothes, showed he might just live up to it.
Our eyes had caught for barely a moment, but he seemed the master of his own emotions, unlike me, whose cheeks were much more rosey than normal, and had quickly schooled his face and turned away. His party had indeed had just arrived-- the great doors of the entrance hall were just now being shut.
I noticed that he didn't remove his sword. I frowned at that. The Kquest people were truly warlike-- not even removing weapons in the face of foreign royalty!
Barely a second had passed for all this to go by in my mind. Hilde was just stepping up from behind me, her eyes widened, her mouth parted in ready-ment for a gasp-- when I laid my hand upon her elbow, quieting her. She turned to me, eyes wide as saucers. So. She recognized him as well. Surprisingly, her own shock and unease was helping me to quell my own. By calming her, shaking my head slightly and piercing my lips in a firm way, tightening my grip, I was inadvertently calming myself as well.
"Hello, Relena." My father greeted me warmly, a strong grip on a staff, a thing he required when standing up or walking for long periods of time. I smiled as best I could, collecting myself to go to his side and kiss him gently on the cheek.
"Hello, father." Then I calmly turned to face the party that had collected in our hall, looking as if I had never met a one of them before-- which was, for the most part, true.
"Relena, this is Lord Falkner, the overseer of the Emissary Congregation from Kquest." My father said formally, nodding towards an older man who stood just to the right of one of Prince Yuy's personal guard.
I raised an eyebrow in surprise. The Prince had not been put in charge? That was surprising, to say the least.
Lord Falkner stepped forward and I curtsied to him, and, as was Sanq's custom, Lord Falkner began to introduce some of the various members of Kquest's Congregation. First, he introduced the prince, and I was quiet proud of the way I stepped forward and curtsied calmly without further flushing. Heero calmly and respectfully returned with a bow, his demeanor giving away nothing.
Would he keep quiet? Would he keep my secret? I was terrified that the answer might be no. I had no idea what kind of person this Yuy was-- and I think I didn't want to find out. He had a closed-off air about himself, like a fortress wall that had been built up over time: cold, unyielding and defensive.
Lord Falkner went on with his introductions and I and my father and others of our court responded accordingly. Soon, my father would have the honor of introducing the higher members of the Court of Sanq as we sat down for the Welcoming Feast.
Part 4
by Melrose
The Welcoming feast went better than I had imagined, which meant Prince Yuy did NOT announce to my father, the Sanq court, his own minions and to all and sundry that I, the Princess Relena Peacecraft of Sanq, danced in a notorious bordello at night-- an exotic dancer at that! However, that did not mean that the feast went without complications. Prince Yuy kept on looking at me during the whole course every now and then, his stormy blue eyes revealing nothing of his feelings, but seeing everything.
To my credit, I managed to calmly meet his gaze and give him a small challenging smile from time to time. I knew I was inviting trouble with such actions, but I could not help it. It was never my nature to back down from any challenge or trouble. I fought back.
Sometime during that feast, I also felt like he expected me to leap onto the table any minute, rip off my prim and proper gown to reveal the skimpy clothes I wore at the bordello and dance before everyone. I was probably exaggerating that last bit, but the way he stares at me across the table! Really! There was also a look of self-righteousness in his blue eyes that I did not like. It was as if he were judging my whole character from that little dance I did in the bordello.
After the feast was over, my father rose and clapped his hands… and called for the musicians to play. Then he invited everyone for a 'little' dancing.
Lady Hilde and I exchanged worried glances. I inwardly groaned. I should have anticipated this. What was a welcoming feast without any dancing? I sighed as I rose from my seat. This was going to be a long, long night.
Of course, as expected, my partner was none other than Prince Yuy. I must admit, as he bowed elegantly when he claimed my hand for the dance, that he had impeccable manners. He placed one slightly callused hand on my waist, the other clasping my hand. When he drew me to him, our bodies almost touching, I felt a strange thrill at being this close to him. He smelled –good-of sweat and something else, manly perfume perhaps. As he swept me into dance floor for a stately and proper waltz, I braced myself for the interesting conversation that would surely accompany this dance.
I didn't wait long for our conversation to begin. He started almost immediately. "I did not think the waltz would be to your tastes, Princess," he remarked as he twirled me around.
I gave him a polite smile. "Indeed, Prince Yuy? And what do you suppose would be more to my taste?"
His stormy blue eyes suddenly focused on me, sharp and penetrating. "Perhaps some exotic dance from the East, with less clothing," he answered in a low, toneless whisper.
I looked at him straight in the eye and smiled, a little slyly, I must admit. "Is that what you prefer, Prince Yuy? I noticed exotic dances like that are much more to your taste as well. After all, aren't you known as the Wild Boy Prince?"
His grip on my waist tightened, and he pulled me closer to him, molding our bodies together, our faces just mere centimeters away from touching. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lord Falkner whisper something to my father. No doubt he was saying how well the Prince and I were getting along.
When I turned to face the prince, there was an angry, dangerous look in his eyes. Apparently, my reply touched some sort of raw nerve in him. I looked around for Hilde to 'rescue' me from the prince, but when I spotted her, she was busy dancing with someone from the Prince's entourage.
I decided to change the subject. "What do you think my father and Lord Falkner are discussing right now?" I asked, glancing over to my father and Lord Falkner, who were discussing something I could not hear.
His grip relaxed, and the angry look in his eyes disappeared. I dared not breathe a sigh of relief. "The proposed treaty between our kingdoms," he replied. There was a note of scorn in his voice as he spoke… scorn that I suspected was directed at me.
I found myself staring into his eyes. "Whatever you may think of me, Prince Yuy, I do love my country and my people. I am not some mindless blonde princess who cares for nothing except for her own pleasures. I am very much concerned with my country's welfare and safety. I want to know what your kingdom offers mine and what do you want in exchange." I smiled bitterly. "You do realize what this treaty may mean for us, do you not?"
I could feel his dark blue eyes boring into mine. "Aye, I do. And I pray it will not come to that."
"So do I. But what if there will be no choice but to thread that path?"
I was suddenly aware that the music had stopped and that we were still standing in the middle of the dance floor. Prince Yuy released his hold on me and took a step back. He bowed, and I curtsied back. Amidst the clapping, I could clearly hear him answer, "Then we shall see, Princess. Then we shall see what will happen next."
Part 5
By Andrea Sinisterra
Apparently, during the time we had danced, Lord Falkner and my Father had gotten into a heated argument; at the same time as Hilde and Sir Maxwell, (was his name as my father had disclosed earlier tonight) had danced, and then disappeared, I believe, into the vast gardens.
There was something about my Father's posture that I did not like. Something was probably troubling him, and as I tried to get near, yet still maintain their privacy, I noticed his frown, and slight slumping of his shoulders... something that over the years I've come to translate as defeat.
A cold grip seized my heart.
Heero
I've met quite a number of ladies during my trips across the lands of west and north. Quite a few of them of questionable reputations, slips of girls with a smart mouth, and a strong body; gentle, and quiet, some others, sharp and arrogant. And yet, none of them have had the fiery personality, and strong will of Princess Relena. And of course, who could omit, or ever forget the voluptuousness of her young curves, or the strong, yet delicate tone of her voice... A mistress of contrasts.
There is something definitely upsetting about her. She is unnerving, and fearless, and has no qualms of letting anyone know. Perhaps showing her a bitter reality is something of obvious importance-- perhaps, she's aware of the reality. She asked. She wouldn't have mentioned it, had she not known the consequences of the decisions that are to be made in a matter of hours, a day at most. Decisions that will, without doubt, alter our existence.
Could I really marry this girl? How many times have our eyes met across the ballroom, the endless temptation to invite her for another piece biting my insides. Could I really sacrifice myself to help this woman and her kingdom, these things I don't have anything to do with? Could I really sacrifice my army in a fight I have nothing to lose? Or gain?
I believe-- no, I am certain this girl has a great responsibility in her hands. The future of her people in her hands. Lord Kushrenada lures near the Kingdom's borders, word has come that his army has gathered around the frontier, waiting for the signal to invade... Invade a kingdom without army, a kingdom whose ruler is an ill man, and whose power lies in the hands of a child.
Granted, a child with the body and eyes of a temptress...
I could not help myself from keeping my eyes from following the retreating figures of my lazy bodyguard, and, who I believe is Princess Relena's maiden.
Perhaps dancing another piece with the girl would only prove frustrating; perhaps my lazy bodyguard will be luckier than me tonight. Had I spoken to the dreaded man, his words would have rounded: enjoy your last days of freedom... A virgin possesses the delicacy of a butterfly, and the shyness of a tortured cat. Although, if I'm truthful, my respects to the lady, Princess Relena has the strength of a tigress, and the boldness of the most experienced whore in the land. I can still see her dressed in that outrageous outfit, and I can surely still imagine the swaying of her curves, and the passion in her eyes. Yes, definitely a woman. Should I dare question the veracity of her virginity? I better not step there, or the throng of people among us would not be barrier enough to keep me from reaching her.
And yet... I can still hear her voice questioning the outcome of the decisions that are still to be made; strong and firm. What will I do, then, if the time comes and I have to marry the woman? Would she follow through? It is that, or submitting to Kushrenada's demands. And I firmly doubt the girl would do that.
It is a matter of time. If the decision comes to marriage, and Lord Kushrenada will inevitably invade, the Princess and I should provide the kingdom with an heir... It's the only way to secure Sanq. I do wonder, actually, who will be the one to tell the Princess of these news. And there's really no other option, at least one where we get to keep Sanq from falling into the hands of greedy Lords...
An heir to the kingdoms of Sanq and Kquest.
I will have to wait a few days, until the letter I sent reaches the Kingdom of Luruah. Pride is treacherous during times of war, and if I'm not mistaken, Kushrenada's army has a couple of hundreds, maybe thousands of men at its disposal. Kquest's army is not large enough, and Sanq's not strong enough. I am certain Lord Barton will get and answer my request to my satisfaction.
I just hope he gets it on time.