Chapter Twenty-three

Later that day, servants were rushing around making last minute preparations for their special guests. It was finally time for them to arrive.

"Relena! There you are. I've been looking for you everywhere. Our guests should be arriving at the docks now. We are meeting them there, so come along." The King said in his most dignified tone of voice.

"Yes father," she replied with a curtsey. Her father turned around and walked away. She had to sprint to catch up to him. She mentally scolded herself for doing that in front of so many people. 'At least father didn't see,' she thought with a sigh.

When they arrived at the docks, Relena first saw a wealthy man with a very diplomatic air about him. Next came a woman with the same kind of air. Finally a fairly attractive young man walked out. Everything about him seemed so self-centered.

'I shouldn't judge them just yet. I haven't even gotten to know them yet. Okay. That walk makes him look likehe thinkshe's God's gift to women. I cannot, no, I will not marry a man like that. Here he comes.' She closely inspected him as he and his parents walked over to them. He had straight black hair with a slightly pale complexion. His gray eyes held amusement and they were directed straight at Relena. 'What is he starring at? Do I have an upset look on my face?' Her question was answered by her father.

He nudged her and whispered. "At least look like you're excited that they arrived safely."

Relena smiled up at her father. "I hadn't realized that I was scowling. I'm sorry father."

He grabbed his daughter's hand and patted it gently. "That's quite alright dear." Turning to their guests he said, "I'm glad that you have arrived. How was your trip?"

"It was very pleasant, thank you," said the woman.

"Good to hear it." Relena cleared her throat and smiled. "Oh yes! This is my daughter, Relena. Relena, this is the Bartley family.

The young man stepped forward and took Relena's hand in his own and kissed the top of it. "Allow me to properly introduce myself. My name is Michael Bartley. It's a pleasure to finally meet you Princess."

Relena smiled and replied, "The pleasure's all mine."

"Well then! Since we all got each other's names, why don't we head back to the palace?"

"Lead the way Your Majesty," Sir Bartley said with a bow.

"Right this way please." King Peacecraft turned around and led the way.

"May I have the honor to escort you back to your palace Your Highness?" Michael asked.

Relena forced herself to smile and look happy. "Of course, I'd be delighted." Michael extended his arm to her, which she took reluctantly.

After they arrived at the palace, Michael told Relena another one of his so called jokes. She laughed just to be polite.

'I don't think I can stand one more bad joke! Huh? Heero! What's he doing here?'

"Relena."

"Huh? Oh yes Michael. What is it?"

"You were daydreaming. Were you thinkingabout our wedding day?"

"Well, um, uh." 'Oh no! Heero's leaving!' "Would you excuse me for a minute? I need to use the Ladies' Room."

"Of course. I'll wait right here."

"Why don't you go with our parents. I'm sure my father would love to talk with you."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I am." She quickly turned around and set off at a quick pace to the place that she saw Heero. "Heero? Heero are you there?"

"I'm right here Relena."

She nearly jumped and screamed. She placed her hand over her racing heart. "You scared me!"

He smiled. "Sorry. So that was Michael, right?"

Relena scowled. "He is so annoying! And yes, that's Michael. I don't think I can stand another one of his humorless jokes. Not to mention he's very arrogant and conceited. Heero, I can't marry him. No, I won't marry him. You're the only one for me. I love you." She wrapped her arms around his neck. He placed his arms around her waist and back, and they kissed.

Heero broke the kiss after awhile. "So, do you think he's more attractive than me?" he teased.

"Not even close. He never even had a chance against you."

"Good to know." He smirked then kissed her again.

After awhile, Relena pulled away. "I need to get back. They're probably wondering where I am. Will you come to my room after dinner?"

He hesitated at first, but shook it away and agreed. "Of course. Now don't have too much fun without me."

"You know I won't. I'll see you later then. Bye." She gave him a quick kiss and left.

"Goodbye Relena," he whispered to himself as she walked off.

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"I'm sorry I took so long," Relena said as she walked into the room and sat in between her father and Michael. "One of my friends needed to talk to me."

"Alright. Why don't we start dinner." He clapped twice and several ladies emerged with food and drinks. The night continued with a fairly happy atmosphere. Well, except for Relena. She was bored out of her mind and couldn't wait 'til dinner was over.

"Are you all right Relena?" Michael asked. "You've hardly touched your food."

"Hmm? Yes I'm alright. I'm tired. Father, may I be excused? I've had a very long day."

He did notice that she looked tired. "Of course. You should go straight to bed. You look exhausted."

"Thank you father." She got up and curtsied to the three other occupants at the table. "Excuse me. It was very nice meeting all of you. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," Everyone said in unison. Relena smiled and left.

'I hope Heero is already there,' Relena thought as she reached her door. She opened the door and smiled as she saw Heero sitting on one of her chairs with one leg over the armrest. He was reading a book. She closed her door, walked up behind him, and took the book out of his hands. "Hi." She whispered in his ear before she kissed his cheek.

"You're finally here. I was starting to wonder if you were going to come."

"Of course I'd come. It's my room. I sleep here." She placed the book on the table and sat down in the chair with Heero. The chair was very big, so they had no problems. Heero wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her neck.

"I missed you."

"I missed you too. I had to get out of there as soon as possible to see you." She yawned and snuggled further into Heero's embrace.

Heero smiled. "You're tired. You should go to bed."

"I'm fine. I don't want you to leave yet." She yawned again.

He began to pick her up. "Come on, you're tired. I'll stay here for as long as you want me to."

"Really?" she asked sleepily.

"Really." He set her down gently on the bed and laid down next to her. Their arms wrapped around each other immediately.

"Goodnight Heero. I love you."

"Goodnight Relena. I love you too." He placed a gentle kiss on her lips before they both fell asleep.