Unexpected Arrangements
Chapter III

Hello everyone! At last, the next chapter for this round robin, Unexpected Arrangements. I advise to go check the previous chapter since I edited it and added the last two parts that were missing. Enjoy!

Part 1

By Caliborn

- - - -

Heero I thanked the servant for showing me my quarters, not waiting for her to hold open the door for me and instead entering by myself. Disregarding the extensive and luxurious sitting room with warming flames blazing in the fireplace, I made straight for the bedroom, surprisingly weary. I felt as if I'd had an entire day of training with the sword, and in Kquest, that was no mean feat.

The door shut behind me with a soft thud, the rich oak done in magnificent carvings that I paid no heed to. It was dark, quiet, and peaceful in the room, which was exactly what I required at the moment so as to put my muddled thoughts and emotions in order.

Off went my coat. Unbuckling the belt that held my sword and knife, I set it in an empty chair, heading to the cold, empty bed. I took off my boots quickly, distracted, noting absently that at least the mattress was relatively soft.

The bedroom was almost as extravagant as my own, back home. Lush, soft carpet that my feet sunk into, high, curved ceilings, a four-poster bed that took up only part of the room, and an enormous window that no doubt lead to a balcony just outside. The curtains, huge, towering folds of red velvet, were closed, letting only the most stubborn rays of moonlight filter through.

In all truth, I wanted to be anywhere by here.

I wanted to be back home where I had some semblance of control over my surroundings; I wanted my own bed, my own life, my own court and my own friends. I hated this place, this dying excuse for a country with a bewitching, sharp-tongued slip of a girl put on an offering plate that wasn't even truly meant for me. I didn't want to get involved with some forsaken war I could care less about; I didn't want to be used as nothing more than a pawn in my father's schemes; and most certainly I did NOT want to marry the princess.

Did I have no say? Did what I wanted have no bearing on these events? I reclined against the bedspread, lacing my fingers behind my head, closing my eyes. This place . . . it was too confusing. Too many twists and turns. Kquest was so much simpler. There, you could at least hit a man offending you and only receive a nickname for it.

A damned nickname.

Where in Hell had she heard about that, anyway? Was that stupid, child nickname known all the way around the world? Was it going to follow me forever? Was my reputation forever soiled because I happened to be a little defensive?

Damn them all.

I was just beginning to toy with the idea of running away for a few years and letting the whole mess sort itself out when I heard a knock at my door. I snorted, turning on my side. Whoever it was could see me in the morning.

The knock, however, grew insistent, as if mocking me. Then I heard a soft, yet commanding, "Your Highness, I must speak with you."

Muttering an oath, I flipped over again and stood up, rubbing my hand across my brow. I knew that sneering, irritatingly commanding voice anywhere.

Walking to the door and swinging it open with as much force as the heavy, exquisite oak would allow, I greeted Lord Falkner with: "Do the words 'do not disturb' mean anything to you?"

He ignored my jab, of course, entering with a small lantern, flooding my room with unwanted light. I very nearly grit my teeth, but at the last moment simply shut the door and turned to face him. The Wild Boy could hold his temper when needed, and quite well at that. I hardly deserved the nickname anymore.

Truly.

He turned to face me, lifting one brow in amusement. "I've talked with the King tonight."

"I saw."

"Your father will be . . .very pleased . . . with the results."

There were two chairs in the room, both on either side of the large window. I sat in one, and since my sword occupied the other, that left Lord Falkner either to stand or to take the bed.

He remained standing, eyeing me in slight annoyance, but continued shortly. "The King, at first, still seemed against the ideas of uniting our kingdoms. He's very worried about his daughter being happy. But I've made him realize that he has no other choice. No other kingdom but Kquest has extended such a strong hand to Sanq, now that it is in dire need. No other has dared step into its civil war. His Majesty, Lord Peacecraft of Sanq, had finally agreed to our terms. So long as the princess is happy and accepts, he will agree."

The whole speech had sickened me. Much as I might hate this country, the obvious manipulation of people disgusted me even more. Though, it was his last words that struck a barbed arrow into my chest, digging deeper until I could hardly breathe. I faced him fully, though, not turning my head away.

"And if I disagree?" I asked softly, tone deceptively mild.

Lord Falkner took steps toward me, his eyes locked with mine in a battle of wills. He placed both hands on either armrest, trying to shadow me. "You," he said softly, tone not at all deceptive, "will not disagree." His tone held promise of dire threat, but if he thought to make me recoil, he got the opposite effect. My back straightened as if being held in place by a metal rod, my deep blue eyes going stormy, still locked with his. I did grit my teeth together, this time, though Falkner stopped any retort. "You will oblige your father in this. You will do as commanded, Highness, unless you wish to be stripped of all your titles and landholdings and then sent to one of the Tribal Islands off the east coast in exile."

That drew my breath short. My eyes widened before I could help it, and I did draw back slightly, unconsciously. Satisfied that he had gotten his message across, Falkner straightened, dusting himself off slightly as thought trying to rid himself of some filth. I was in too much a state of shock to reply. The man looked too satisfied for it to be a lie. He continued quite smugly. "You will romance Lady Relena, Highness. You will bring her flowers. You will write her poems. You will seduce her if you have to, but you will get the girl to fall in love with you and accept. Is that clear?"

Numb and hardly able to stop myself, I swallowed, and, referring to his threat, I demanded, "How? When? You don't have the power to--"

"No, I don't. But his Majesty, your father, most certainly does, Highness." Falkner cleared his throat, calmly. "You see, he's quite finished trying to put up with you. He's finally decided to heed our advising in how to deal with such an uppity heir." Falkner withdrew, then, heading for the door, grabbing his lantern on the way. He glanced back at me. "I wish it be that your mother was still alive, and that you'd had any other siblings." He opened the door. "Good night, your Highness." He shut the door behind him, and a very good thing, for I had stood, nearly shaking in anger, at his last comment. How dare he . . how dare he mention her! He had no right! I had taken a step forward, almost wanting to strangle him. I wondered now if I would've stopped myself in time.

God, but I hated the man!

Part 2

By Melrose

- - - -

Relena

"What?!?"

My father, the King of Sanq, visibly winced at my outburst.

I knew it was uncalled for and that I was being rude, but I could not help it. I was so stunned. I could not believe it.

I was going to marry Prince Heero of Kquest.

I should have known this would end this way. The signs were all there. I was merely too optimistic to acknowledge it.

When the welcoming banquet for the Kquest party was over, my father had quietly approached me and in a firm voice said, "Come with me to the study, daughter. There is something we must discuss."

As soon as he spoke those words, the icy cold dread that had seized my heart had rapidly spread all over my body, making me tremble slightly as I followed my father, my hands clasped together, my head bowed slightly. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, my breath caught in my throat.

I was truly afraid. I knew what was coming, I even contemplated it, but it does not make any less fearful of it.

My father quietly shut the door when we entered the study, but not before ordering the guards to leave us alone. As soon as the door closed, he turned to me, and said in the same firm voice he used earlier, "I have spoken with Lord Falkner. He has agreed to help us."

I nodded, waiting for him to continue. A fire was blazing merrily in the fireplace, but I felt no warmth, only numbness.

To his credit, my father looked at me straight in the eye when he added, "You are to marry the prince of Kquest."

I stood still for a moment, frozen in shock. Then I burst out, "What?!?"

I felt hot anger coursing through my veins. So Kquest was no different from the others. They were not here to offer help, not really...just to wed their prince to me, so that they could gain Sanq and an heir. I had thought–I had hoped things would be different, but I was wrong. I was so disappointed. I could feel the bitter taste of bile rising in my throat.

"However, you will only marry him if you want to, Relena. I would never force you to marry someone you have no regard for. We may be desperate for help, but not so desperate for me to sacrifice my daughter's happiness," my father said.

I stared at him, a little startled. I did not expect him to say that. I had thought he would lecture me about my duty to my country and my people.

He smiled at me, a fond sad smile that touched my heart. He lifted his hand and gently touched my cheek. "You have grown to be so beautiful," he whispered. "I only wish things were not this way, my daughter. Your happiness is very important to me, but Trieze..." His voice trailed off and for the first time in many weeks I could see anger in his eyes.

I smiled back at him. I should tell him I would not marry the prince of Kquest. He would accept it, but for what price? The destruction of our kingdom, the death of the people we so love? I could not bear that my freedom had cost so much. There must be some way...
I took his hand and squeezed it. "Do not vex yourself, father. Everything will be all right." Just leave everything to me, I did not add.

- - - -

Heero

I lay in my bed on my back, my arms behind my head, my eyes closed, unable to sleep. I could not forget what Lord Falkner had said to me.

"You will romance Lady Relena, Highness. You will bring her flowers. You will write her poems. You will seduce her if you have to, but you will get the girl to fall in love with you and accept. Is that clear?"

My eyes flew open at the memory. Damn him! Damn my Father as well for putting me in this position! They would even dare go as far as involving my mother, even to threaten me from receiving my birthright!

I thought of the princess. Seduce the girl? How could I? She was absolutely...infuriating. Still, a marriage with her is not unattractive. She was, after all, a beautiful girl with a beautiful bod–

There was a sudden, insistent knocking at the door. I started, startled by the sound. Irritated, I stood up. It was the middle of the night. Who could this be? Falkner? He wouldn't dare. I walked towards the door, and yanked the door open.

And I felt my jaw drop.

She wore a hooded cloaked that concealed her features, but I knew it was she, Princess Relena. Perhaps it was her sweet scent, or perhaps it was the flashing sky-blue eyes that gave her away. I stared at her.

She gave me a small, wry smile. "Good evening. Are you not going to invite me inside?" she said pointedly.

"What are you doing here?" I stepped aside to let her in, too stunned to think of objections.

She stopped in the middle of the room. Then she turned to face me, throwing back the hood to reveal her face. In the light of the fire, I could see she wore a thin...green nightgown. "I've heard of your proposal," she said in a flat, almost accusing voice.

Understanding dawned to me. "It was not my proposal. Falkner and my Father proposed it."

Relena took a step towards me, her face only mere inches away from mine. "I will not marry you," she said firmly, "I have vowed to marry the man I love, and I do not love you...and I know you love me not."

I stayed silent, letting her go on.

Then she stepped away. "However, I love my kingdom and my people. My father tells me that I could refuse, but that is but a fanciful wish. Reality dictates that I have no choice on the matter."

"I do not want to marry you as well," I said. "Falkner told me I have to marry you...even going as far as seducing you to get you to marry me."

She smiled. "I know. I can see it. When I asked you at the dance what will we do if we were ever to arrive in this predicament, you said we shall see, but I do not think so." Her eyes suddenly hardened like sapphires. "I will stay and watch. I will do something about this. By God, there must be another way to escape Treize's clutches without us having to wed."

"I have sent a letter to Luruah asking for help," I told her, spilling out what should have been a secret. Why had I told her that? "I have yet to wait for an answer."

Relena's eyes suddenly sparkled. "That is it! I know now how to remedy our problem."

"How?"

"Delay."

"Delay?" I was confused. "Delay what?"

"We will pretend to comply with the proposal of marriage...but in truth...we are waiting for Luruah's reply for our call of help. We will pretend that we are..." she paused, looking at me, "beginning to have an understanding."

"We shall trick them to thinking we have become lovers?" I could not help being astonished with her plan. I never thought she could come up with something so devious.

"Yes! In that way...there will be no need to disappoint or worry our parents. We will pretend to be involved, then we will break things off when help arrives, where there will be no need for the marriage."

"I see," I said slowly, staring at the girl. Cuckolding my father and Falkner appealed to me enormously.

"Do you agree with my plan, my lord Heero?" She gazed intently at me.

I nodded. "Aye."

"Good." She flashed me a brilliant smile. "We shall talk more about this plan." She pulled her hood over her head. "I should leave. They might miss me." She headed towards the door.

I escorted her. Then she paused in the act of opening the door and turned to face me. "There is one more thing, my lord Heero."

"What?"

"Lord Falkner told you to seduce me. I highly doubt you can."

"Is that so?" I growled out angrily.

Relena nodded. "However, there is one thing I am most sure of."

"What is that?"

Without warning, she grabbed my collar and pulled me into a kiss. Her lips were warm, incredibly soft, and tasted as sweet as honey. After the initial resistance my lips melted into hers.

She abruptly pulled away. I stared at her, then she whispered, "I can most assuredly seduce you."

Without another word, she left my room, leaving me standing by my door, the taste of her still in my lips.
Part 3

By Andrea

- - - -

Heero

The hours of night had ticked into dawn, and I found myself still awake. All night, ever since her visit, I couldn't keep her eyes or the taste of her lips from my thoughts. Plus the issue at hand. How will I act once daylight comes and I have to face her again? Or better yet, how will she act? What will she do?

It's been only a day after I sent that letter to Lord Barton, and I predict it will at least take a fortnight, but with the weather, and the uncertainty of the terrains within our kingdoms, it wouldn't surprise me if it takes a month.

A whole month in which I will have to pretend to court Lady Relena.

- - - -

Relena

"I have never felt so rested in my life!"

It was a funny sight that perplexed look in Hilde's face, her hands smoothing out imaginary wrinkles in the deep blue dress I am to wear today. I dimly wondered if she had chosen that dress on purpose, knowing it was one of the few I owned with a low cut cleavage. Perhaps word was out about Lord Heero's and mine's arrangement? It had been an unexpected proposition, and I really don't know where I got it from, but I'm actually pleased it has at least bought us some time.

Last night was one of the deepest slumbers I've had since my brother Milliardo was found missing, and it really makes my wonder if this whole settlement has something to do with it? I cannot help but feel a little attracted to Lord Heero, he is, after all, a very handsome young prince. It's his attitude I cannot put up with.

I found myself fidgeting with the tight laces of my corset, discreetly trying to ease the tight knots, in order to let some air into my lungs... Lady Hilde surely has heard something about our midnight meeting, or else she would have never made me wear this dress, and surely, not tied it this tight.

I was, however, distracted when I saw him talking to my father when I entered the dining room, the table already set for breakfast. They both turned their heads when I entered, and I've never felt so uneasy before in my life. Uneasy by the way he smiled at me.

Pleasantries were exchanged over the table once we took our places, Lord Falkner being the last one to arrive, and taking the seat beside me. I frowned at the man when he smiled at me slowly, a knowing look in his eyes. In return, I turned to glare at Lord Heero, who to my dismay, was already smiling at me. Was he going to smile every single hour of the day until we hear back from Luruah? It was a beautiful smile, but it didn't sit well on him. He was a man meant to sulk, frown, and glare. Not smile and be pleasant.

I smiled back, the hypocrite turn of my lips not going undetected by him.

At long last, breakfast was over, a hellish ordeal of political nonsense, gibberish only meant to appease me and pacify the servants. Who do they think they're trying to convince?

I excused myself like I always do, turning to smile at my father, but I didn't expect to hear the same words come from Lord Heero, as he stood with me, and offered a kind arm. It would have been rude and completely unladylike to resist, and deny his escort, so I accepted his offer, smiling charmingly at Lord Falkner who seemed pleased beyond words, not to mention my father.

I was quiet all the way as he led us outside the castle, his eyes intent on where we were going. I felt uneasy at his sudden change, but not having the courage to break the frigid silence. It was logical, after all, that now that we were out of sight from others, there was no point pretending we liked each other.

But for all that, he surprised me when he spoke.

"Kushrenada is planning something." His voice was low, and threatening, making me feel on edge.

"How do you know?"

He frowned at me; did I ask something obvious? In fact, it's been almost a week we haven't heard word from Kushrenada. I had not thought much of that, maybe he just felt threatened now that Lord Heero and his council were staying here...? Or on the contrary, maybe he's planning something.

"It's been rather quiet lately. Have you not noticed?"

I frowned, "maybe he's retracted. Maybe he has given up."

He gave me an incredulous look, "are you really that naive?"

There was definitely something about this man that made him 'oh, so annoying.' Why does he always have to make it sound like I have no authority? Like I have no reason? Make it sound like my opinion is just something to take lightly, if not to not be considered?

"Lord Heero, I refuse to live in fear. I will not stand here, and think that wherever I go, something might happen. I shall live up to my father's expectations, that, I assure you. But I will not let you question my will. Or my reason. As far as I know, the moment you put a not so welcome foot in this land, every single threat has ceased. Maybe you being here is not that bad a situation. But I will not tolerate you degrading my authority. Remember it is you who is the guest, not I."

There was something odd about the way he smiled, a taunt of sorts that made me angrier still.

"Princess, you do have a sharp mouth. Even for someone who feels the need to sneak away in the middle of the night to 'entertain' what you just referred to 'guests'. I find it hard to just stand here, and accept this 'authority' of yours."

I noticed that way he had come up close to me, but oddly not feeling threatened by his proximity.

I shrugged, "like I said, 'guests'. Were you not the one sitting in front of me that day? I certainly did not hear you complain." I could not help the mirth in my voice, and I did notice with satisfaction, how he squared his shoulders, tense. "Perhaps, what you say is true. Maybe I am being a little too naive, perhaps not. It was not I who trembled when we kissed. You must accept it, milord; it is I who possesses the power of seduction here. Maybe you should measure your words before uttering something without substance."

For a moment, I thought he would do something. It is not everyday I question a man's honor. Or rather, a man's virility. The matter was almost laughable. But he did not do anything. I could feel his breath on my face, and could not help notice how unsteady it was. For a moment I thought he would kiss me, and I was surprised to find myself always wishing he had.

But he didn't. He just stood there, looking at me, a frown on his face. Instead, he took my arm and led me through the gardens, his stride, slow and pleasant.

We did not speak much after that; perhaps my words did reach him. Perhaps not.

I felt triumphant. Pleased. This arrangement is certainly entertaining.
Part 4

By Caliborn

- - - -

Relena

The white envelope had looked so innocent, lying there, situated perfectly in the middle of a small silver tray. I had walked right past it, hands already at work removing pins from my hair. I had frozen halfway to my bedroom, hands in a comical, doubled-back position to get the worst of the hairpins.

Hilde was strangely absent. Usually my best friend was here by now, ready to hop up and help me get ready for our usual night out.

. . . Well, I certainly wasn't going to stop my nightly routine just because the Prince had arrived. Or even just because he'd caught me before. He was fun to play around with, certainly, but since trapping myself into this deal, I was craving the freedom that night brought even more.

Things had been going well. Within a week, the Prince and I had the entire palace thinking we were falling for one another; that, indeed, we were to be married. It was fun, actually -- having to slip on our masks whenever we saw a servant come around the corner, never quite sure who could be trusted. It had become a game. Daily the two of us would meet for breakfast and exchange pleasantries over the table, then, just after, leave "on a walk." Of course we would be followed, but the spies on our tails were always thrown off easily, with my knowledge of the palace's passageways and Prince Yuy's stubborn endurance. Once free of the palace walls, we would discard our "costumes" and make idle wagers of when an answer from Lord Barton would arrive.

We didn't always spend the day together, either-- usually we would go our own ways, meeting again in the late afternoon to don our masks once more and return to the palace arm and arm. At first, I had bought myself flowers or jewelry at the marketplace and then carried them back proudly, as if they were trinkets of Prince Yuy's affection. Lately, though, Heero had met me just before we were to return and presented me with something of his own-- The first such item, for example, was an exquisitely crafted glass-blown figurine. Where he found it, I'll never know, but it now rested on a self in my drawing room for the servants to gaze at and gossip over.

The white, indiscreet envelope rested not far from it. I had seen it when I walked in, but had not registered it, wondering instead where my friend was. Lately she'd been gone for strangely long periods, but never had an entire day gone by without my seeing her.

I had asked her just yesterday what she'd taken to entertaining herself with, and to my surprise, she had simply blushed and changed the subject. Hilde's absence was puzzling, but I decided to give her a few more moments before worrying. I could at least change by myself, certainly.

I was in the middle of my own deep thoughts on my various, day-to-day problems --A fake betrothal, impending war, preserving my country, that sort of thing-- when I finally realized that the envelope was entirely out of place. Turning slowly, I faced it again, letting my arms fall in front of me. I had managed to dislodge the last hairpin, and so my hair quickly tumbled in disarray about my shoulders. Ignoring that, I frowned, walking quickly over to the silver tray bearing the paper.

A servant had brought it in, obviously. But how? Why? Any message I was likely to get should've been handed to me in person, not left on a counter for me to find. Pulling it out, I examined the paper, my name written in flowing cursive across the back. The handwriting seemed familiar to me . . .
Flipping it over, my eyes widened at the scarlet wax seal. I knew that family crest. Putting two and two together, I knew, even before I opened the letter, who it was from.

The message was simple and to the point. Some of the lines were smeared slightly, showing haste.

My Lady,
Please, come and see me immediately. I leave with the moon and must speak with you before I go.
Lucrezia Noin

I frowned again. This made no sense. Why was Lady Noin being so secretive? And why in the world did she wish to speak with me?

Lady Noin, like the other powerful nobles, had been there at the Welcoming Feast the night before. She, like a few of the others, had chosen to accept the hospitality of our castle and stay for a while. But why was she leaving now, at such an odd hour?

It certainly piqued my interest.

Lady Noin still wore black since . . . since what had happened to my older brother. It had been lightly rumored around the court that she and Milliardo had been involved. I, being closer than most to the both of them, knew the rumors to be truth. The gossip had died out, though, out of respect, since Noin had retired to her private estates and immersed herself in black. She almost never came out any longer, and smiled even less. It had been a shock to see her at the feast.

This was perplexing indeed . . . I glanced over my shoulder, half-hoping to see Hilde. Yet she was still not there. Where was that girl? I sighed and moved to grab my cloak, fastening it quickly about my neck. It looked like I was going to take another moonlight walk about the castle . . . into a different set of rooms, though.

It took me only a few moments to reach the guest's quarters, and only a few more before I reached Lady Noin's doorway. I knew where she was staying because I myself had personally shown her to her rooms-- she had been a dear friend of mine, though we'd grown apart since . . . everything had happened.

At my knock, the door swung open, and it was Lady Noin who stood just inside. Shadows cast over her features; I almost didn't recognize her at first. She seemed . .. different. Shadowed. Regretful. Before I could ask anything, she motioned me to silence, then gestured for me to follow her inside. I frowned, but followed. What was going on?

"Lady Noin--"

"Relena," She interrupted me, sounding strangely pained. "I'm sorry. I truly am."

I turned to look at her, eyes narrowed in confusion, when abruptly I felt a sharp, blinding pain to my skull, as if something had tried to crack it open. A gloved hand snaked around the back of my head to cover my mouth before I could utter so much as a squeak. I felt strangely light even as my legs gave out underneath me; a black monster was lifting me up, filling my vision. As my gaze dimmed, I thought I registered a mark on the glove as it flashed in front of my eyes -- an insignia. Then the black monster swallowed me whole.

Part 5

By Melrose

- - - -

Heero

I was bored. Terribly bored.

One of the necessary evils of being the crown prince was that I must be able to withstand small talk without falling asleep. And I must say I was quite skilled at it. I could look interested while in fact I was fighting the instinct to strangle the windy, pompous courtier talking to me about taxation.

I glanced at my flute of champagne, hiding a smile as I imagined my father's reaction when he found out I had strangled one of his courtiers because I was bored. Apoplectic would be an understatement.

"Your Highness? Is anything amiss?" the courtier asked me, looking at me with concern. Then he smiled a knowing smile that irritated me.

"You are missing your Princess, yes?" he teased. "Princess Relena does not seem to be in the party today. She must have been exhausted from your...ah...excursion this afternoon." His smile turned into a smirk.

I swallowed the growl that rose from my throat. I am pleased that our scheme of deception had worked. Everyone was convinced that the Princess Relena and I were falling in love, if not lovers already. I was not pleased, however, that people were making such...suggestive remarks about the two of us. It was quite...uncalled for, perhaps.

At the mention of Relena's name, I began to wonder where she was. Not that I cared. After our little charades, we would go our separate ways, not caring what the other was doing as long as it did not do anything to harm our scheme. She's probably in that bordello, driving everyone mad with desire with that delicious body of hers, I thought. I immediately shook my head. What was I thinking?

"Prince Heero?" I heard a tentative voice ask me. I looked up to see Duo with...Relena's lady-in-waiting, Hilde. I wasn't surprised seeing the two together. It seemed that for these past days, the two were always together. What bothered me was that there was a nervous look in Hilde's eyes, while Duo looked flushed. Despite myself, I felt myself tense.

"Yes, what is it?" I asked; my voice calm.

Hilde stepped forward. "It's about Her Highness." She glanced at the courtier. "May we adjourn to more private quarters?"

I excused myself from the courtier, who to my disbelief, winked at me, then moved away, joining the throng of dancing people.

They led me at the rose garden just outside the ballroom. "Well?" I demanded.

Hilde glanced at Duo, then at me. Licking her lips, she whispered, "Princess Relena is missing."

"That's not unusual."

"Most of her clothes were gone. I've looked for her everywhere, and I can't find her. I fear...she might have been abducted."

Abducted. For a moment, I felt myself go cold. Then, I said, "Perhaps you are mistaken She might have gone on her own–"

"NO!" Hilde said sharply, loudly. Duo shushed her. Lowering her voice, Hilde continued, "Princess Relena would have never gone without me. And I've checked all the places she usually goes to." A look of frustration crossed her face. "She's not there or anywhere!"

I could only stare at the girl. I looked calm on the outside, but I was also starting to worry. I turned to Duo, who shrugged. "I looked with her, and yes, we can't find the princess. But," Duo said, "I did find this in her room when we looked at it." He dug into the pocket of his coat and produced something.

It was a letter.

Hilde eyes widened. "You didn't tell me you've found that!" she nearly shrieked at Duo.

Duo grinned. "Sorry, luv, but the letter's for Prince Heero." Ignoring Hilde's glare, he handed me the letter, which I then snatched out of his grasp.

The letter was made out of expensive material, vellum, perhaps, folded carefully. Written with a delicate, elegant hand was my name. I opened it and scanned the contents. By the time I was through, my hands were trembling with rage.

"What does the letter say?" Duo asked quietly, seeing the look on my face.

I crumpled the letter into a tiny ball. "It seems Princess Relena has eloped. With a stable groom, it seems."

"WHAT?" Hilde nearly screamed. She grabbed the ball, smoothed it, and scanned the contents. "I can't–this isn't–"

"Isn't what?" I snarled. "This is part of your scheme, isn't it? You wish to make my country and me a laughingstock. Pretending to agree on a betrothal then running off at the last minute! Sanq will pay–"

"This isn't my lady's handwriting!" Hilde said. "It is a close imitation, but the Princess doesn't quite loop her l's or her o's that way. This is a forged letter."

"Is it now?" I was seething. To think I had nearly trusted that girl! And all the while–

"You don't understand!" Hilde cried. "Princess Relena would never do something like this." She flinched when I glared daggers at her, but then she lifted her chin proudly. "Her Highness knew how important the alliance was. She would have never consented to any scheme to humiliate Kquest. She loved Sanq too much."

I paused for a moment, taking deep breaths. Then I remembered the conversation Relena and I had as we danced in the Welcoming Feast, before the betrothal was announced.

"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."

Relena had been so earnest when she said that, so determined. Was I wrong? "All right," I growled out. "Let us assume Relena had not eloped. What do you propose happened?"

"She might have been abducted, then the letter written to deceive us and cause a rift between Kquest and Sanq," Duo replied in a grim voice. "It would have succeeded too."

I narrowed my eyes. "Kushrenada." It could only be him.

Hilde's eyes widened. "Of course! Lord Kushrenada must have heard about the betrothal and–"

"–decided to do something about it," Duo said. "Damn. That man is a smart son-of-a-whore."

"The king must be told of this!" Hilde said.

I shook my head. "We are not even sure if Relena is abducted. Also, we have no proof that it is indeed Kushrenada who abducted Relena. Even if we did, do you think our armies would be able to do anything against his armies?"

"But we cannot let Princess Relena remain with Kushrenada!" Hilde protested. "You don not propose to leave her–!"

I glared at her. "Of course not. That's why..." I paused, knowing the enormity of what I'm about to do. I was about to take a leap of faith. A HUGE leap of faith.

"That's why what?"

"We're going to Kushrenada's kingdom to find if Relena is there, and if she is, we will bring her back."

To be continued...