Chapter Twenty-two

"Relena. What are you doing here?"

"I really need to talk to you."

"What is it?"

"My father's still going through with the wedding plans that her made almost a year ago."

"Wedding plans? Oh! Oh I'm so sorry." Hilde hugged Relena tightly. "Does Heero know about this?"

Relena nodded. "I told him last night on the balcony before we came in and ate."

"What did he say?"

"He told me that we'd figure something out, and not to worry. But I can't help but worry. What if nothing works? I don't want to marry a man that I don't love. The only man I want to marry is Heero. I don't care if my father doesn't approve of him. I love him and that's all that matters."

"Love always works out in the end. Maybe by some miracle you won't have to marry Michael."

"I truly need a miracle now. Thank you, Hilde. No one could ask for a better best friend."

Hilde smiled. "You're welcome. Goodnight Relena."

"Goodnight Hilde." Relena hugged her best friend and left.

The next morning a servant brought Relena a note from her father.

'What does he want now?' she thought to herself. She started reading the note, but only got about halfway before she crumpled it. 'I can't believe he won't give up! Now Michael's going to be here today. What time does he arrive?' She opened the note and read it further. 'In time for lunch! I can't believe him. What nerve! He must have left several days in advance to be here today. Where's Hilde?' Relena got up and changed into some clothes. She left her room and checked Hilde's room, but she wasn't there. She saw Duo and called him over. "Duo! Come here."

"What is it Princess?"

"Have you seen Hilde at all today?"

"I think she's doing some laundry. At least I think that's what she told me…"

"Thanks. Bye Duo!"

"Bye Relena! Captain!"

"What is it Duo?" Heero asked, acting edgier then usual.

"Is there something wrong? Come on. You know you can trust me."

"Alright. Relena was betrothed to someone before we met and her father is still forcing it on her. He doesn't care if she's happy or not. What kind of a father is that?"

"She's BETROTHED? To who?"

"Michael Bartley, or something like that. It doesn't matter who he is. I don't want him to marry Relena."

"You'd rather marry her. Am I right?" the King said as he stepped out of the shadows.

"Yes. I lover her and would protect her with my life."

King Peacecraft was taken aback by the look he saw in Heero's eyes: love and devotion. "How would you know what is good for her?"

"Because… it's what everyone wants: love and security. They want to feel safe and she would be. She'd also be loved."

"What about money?"

"Who cares about money! She doesn't. I don't."

"Then why are you a pirate?"

"To get revenge for my family. They were all slaughtered like animals. I swore to avenge their deaths."

"Hm." His Majesty walked away. He couldn't help but start to like the kid. He had challenged him. Nobody else would dare to do that to the King for fear of being punished. He had guts. No wonder his daughter fell in love with him. But still. He didn't quite trust him. He is a pirate after all. Michael is a nobleman. He'd have better manners and more money to ensure his daughter's future.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Hilde! Look at this!" Relena said as soon as she spotted Hilde.

"What is it?" She asked as she opened the letter.

"Just read it."

Hilde's eyes scanned over it and her jaw dropped open. "Today at lunch! That's only in a couple of hours!"

"I know! Can you believe him?"

"Have you told Heero yet?"

Relena gasped. "No I didn't. I have to go Hilde. Bye!"

"Bye and good luck!"

"Thanks!" 'Oh shoot! I can't believe I forgot to tell Heero about this!' She was on her way to Heero's room when she spotted him with Duo. "Heero. We need to talk."

Heero noticed how tense she was. "Of course. Why don't we go outside. It's a beautiful day."

Relena nodded and they walked outside. "I'm afraid I've got more bad news to tell you. Read this." Relena handed him the letter which he took and read.

Heero's face darkened. "Today?"

She nodded. "We need to form a plan quickly. The wedding will be soon to follow."

"I know, I know. Why don't we take a walk, try to clear out heads and think of something." Relena nodded and they walked out side by side. Again they were watched by the King.

'This wasn't supposed to happen. They weren't supposed to fall in love with each other. This is all wrong!' thought Relena's father.