(AN): Thank you to all who reviewed.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed or Destiny.

Chapter Eight

At The Castle Part Two

Onogoro Castle Kira's Chambers

Lacus's room

Kira watched as Lacus was asleep.

"I will keep my vow Lacus; I don't doubt that the staff will start spreading rumors about us tomorrow. Not long after that the entire nation will know. That will bring you a lot of stress, but I will always be there for you." Kira whispered to himself as he smiled at her sleeping form.

He gentle moved the hair away from her eyes, and kissed her forehead. He just watched her until he too fell asleep.

The morning sun rose into the castle early that morning. Kira and Lacus didn't move from there position all night.

Lacus had awoke first, she felt she was in someone's arms, but unlike the time at the fountain she knew exactly where she was, and who was holding her. She lifted her head off his chest to see him still asleep, she smiled to herself and rested her head back on his chest.

Lacus felt nothing, but happiness. She would have remained like that all morning, but Kira seemed to wake up.

Kira opened his eyes to find Lacus awake, and still on his chest. She lifted his head up to meet his eyes. Kira just smiled at her.

"Did you sleep well Lacus?" Kira asked her.

Lacus smiled, "I have never felt better Kira," Lacus replied.

Kira got a small chuckle as he held her closer to his body.

"Tell me Lacus, what do you have planned for the day?" Kira asked her softly.

Lacus was Thrilled he asked, it was her day off from work at the Allster estate. She knew her family was probably worried about her, but she just wanted to stay. She figured that her family wouldn't be too worried if she stayed a little longer.

"No, I nothing planned Kira," she replied.

Kira smiled widely, "Well how about we spend the day in the castle? I would love for you to see it."

Lacus had a small smile, "I would love to spend the day with you."

Kira knew his duties as king would try to interfere with what he had planned, but at the moment he didn't care. Kira also knew that practically the whole castle had to be aware of them by now. So there was no point of trying to hide it. Kira didn't want Lacus to feel pressured by the castle, but he wanted people to get to know her as well. He hoped that she would be around for a long time.

"Well I suggest we get started, we promised my mother to have breakfast with her so after that we are on our own," Kira told her.

Lacus nodded in agreement and they both got out of bed. Kira soon realized that he wasn't in his chambers so if Merna were to enter and not find him, she would panic the hole castle.

"I must return to my chamber Lacus, I have a feeling Merna is on her way, I will see you in a few minutes." Kira told her hastily.

Lacus chuckled, as she approached Kira and they shared a quick kiss as he left the room. Kira rushed next door to change, not soon after he entered he heard Merna banging on the door.

Kira's room

"Listen Merna I am up, can you please check on Lacus?" Kira asked through the door.

"Yes sire, I will that care of the lady," Merna replied.

Kira heard Merna leave; he quickly changed into his royal garments. He took a quick glance at the two matching sets of rings, and necklaces he had. He gave himself a quick smile and left the room to great Lacus.

As he was leaving he thought to himself, "I hope that very soon both of you will be worn."

Lacus's Room

Lacus was having trouble putting on the dress that was laid out for her by Merna the last night. She heard knocking at the door and was glad she heard Merna's voice. The door opened revealing Merna.

"My lady, I see I came at the right time," Merna told her as she had a chuckle.

Lacus found that funny as well.

"Thank you Merna," Lacus replied.

Merna helped Lacus with the dress; she even helped her with her hair. Lacus was instant on having the gold hairclip Kira gave her put on. She really loved that clip.

Merna continued to help until she felt Lacus tense up.

"What is wrong dear?" Merna asked her.

Lacus looked at merna. "I just fell nervous," Lacus replied.

Merna smiled, "There is no need to feel nervous, our former queen is a very gentle person, and the princess may act stubborn, but she to has a good heart."

Lacus started to feel a little bit better.

Merna finished helping Lacus get ready. Lacus looked at herself in the mirror.

"Thank you for everything you have done for me Merna," Lacus told her.

"No need for thanks dear, I only ask that you take care of our king," Merna replied.

Lacus immediately blushed, "I promise you I will."

Merna smiled and they both got up and walked out of the room. Lacus saw Kira waiting for her and smiled.

"You grow more beautiful every second," Kira told her softly.

Lacus really blushed, "Thank you Kira, I really look forward to today."

Kira could tell Lacus was still a little nervous.

"There is nothing to worry about Lacus, my mother is already fond of you," Kira told her as he handed her a white rose he was concealing.

Lacus loved the way that Kira was able to read her, especially so soon. She loved roses especially the white ones.

"I think I will start getting used to this treatment if you keep this up sire." Lacus told him playfully.

Kira smiled at her, "I will only hope you get used to this Lacus, because I intend to keep it up."

Lacus just smile as they kissed again.

They started walking towards the dinning room. Kira was right about the rumors; it seemed everyone in the castle was trying to get a glimpse of his mystery lady. Lacus had a feeling that this would happen eventually, but all that mattered to her was she was with Kira. They continued until they reached the dinning room doors.

Kira saw the guards attempt to open the door; he motioned for them to stop. He then turned to Lacus.

"Are you ready Lacus?" Kira asked her concerned.

Lacus smiled at him, "Yes I am Kira."

Kira returned her smile, and motioned the guards to open the doors.

The doors opened, and all at the table stood up. Via, and Cagalli were there waiting for them. Mu and Murrue were in there usual spots, as Murrue was an assistant and Mu was Kira's bodyguard. Kira and Lacus then started walking into the dining room.

Josh-a ORB territory

For the first day after the battle the mood was just like Onogoro. The people were worried, but they weren't too worried since none of there knights were called to battle that day. Kira wanted the Blitz squad on standby just in case he was destroyed. Fortunately they won the battle so they were not needed at all.

Amalfi Estate

Nicol was in his study preparing for the King's visit to Joshu-a in a week. He was very grateful that his squad wasn't used in the last battle. Nicol would have easily gone to war if it was necessary, but he wasn't really cut out for battle. He was loved by all the people in Josh-a. Nicol had the potential to become a great swordsman, but he chose to spend more time trying to give the people in Josh-a a better life, than training to become a great swordsman. Some might even portray him as a coward, but he never really had any concern about it. Kira especially, he saw that Nicol truly cared about those he commanded so he gave him control over the Blitz Squadron.

Nicol was making the final preparations when one of his servants entered his room.

"Sir Amalfi, we are done preparing the estates interior, is there anything else you need?" the man asked.

Nicol looked at him, "Thank you for all of your hard work, I'm sure His Majesty will praise your work."

The man smiled, "The honor was mine Sir, Please if you need anything else let me know."

Nicol smiled, "Very well you can have the rest of day off."

"Thank you sir," The man said happily as he left the room.

Nicol was always kind to his servants even when they were slaves. Nicol really respected Kira for abolishing slavery. Nicol was looking out the window when another servant enters his study.

"Sir we received a report that Sir Athrun has departed for Boaz, it appears he will not be able to attend the King's visit next week." The man said.

Nicol frowned he really wanted all three of them to be able to talk again.

"I understand, well it appears we will just have to go about it without him," Nicol replied.

"Yes sir, should we reorganize the arrangements?" the man asked.

Nicol shuck his head, "No we will be fine, please carry on."

"Very well sir," the man said as he left the room.

Nicol returned to his duties as he sat back down at his desk.

Onogoro Castle

Dinning room

Kira and Lacus entered the dinning room, and started walking towards the front of the table. The dinning table was long; the head of the table was at the opposite end of the door. There were servants and maids that were bowing as Kira walked by. Lacus tightened her grip on Kira's arm as they were nearing the front. Via was on one side of the table and Cagalli was on the other side. At the head stood two chairs, normally there would be only one chair for Kira, but today there were two. As they approached Via gave Lacus a smile which seemed to loosen her up. They finally approached at the head of the table. Via and Cagalli had not taken a seat yet since it was customary for the King to sit first, but today Kira took Lacus by her hand and helped her into her seat. After Lacus sat down Kira stood in front of his chair, and sat down, followed by Via and Cagalli.

Via looked over to Lacus and noticed she looked kind of nervous.

"I'm glad you could join us Lacus," Via told her softly.

Lacus looked at her, "It is my pleasure My Lady."

Via smiled at her, "Please dear, you don't need to address me so formally, just call me Via."

Lacus first looked shocked, and then she realized that Kira once told her the same thing.

Cagalli decided to speak, "Yeah and please don't call me a princess, I hate being called a princess."

Everyone turned to look at Cagalli and started laughing.

"Hey what are you laughing at I'm serious!" Cagalli shouted.

Kira looked at his sister, "Yes you really don't fit the role of one as well."

Cagalli shot her brother a glare, "Just keep pushing me brother."

Kira laughed and decided not to push his luck.

Lacus seemed to not feel any tension anymore she was amazed that a royal family wasn't much different from any other family.

Via looked at her two bickering children and smiled, she then turned her attention over to Lacus.

"Please tell me dear, what do you do?" Via questioned her.

Kira looked to his mother a little surprised she asked that.

"Mother I don't think was very appropriate," Kira told her seriously, he didn't think Lacus would like to talk about anything that might bring her painful memories.

Lacus looked over to Kira and smiled.

"It is alright I don't mind." Lacus told him sweetly as she looked back over to Via.

"I serve the Allster family right now," Lacus replied.

The name Allster immediately made Cagalli lift her head.

"AH…You mean you have to look at that disgusting brat every day?" Cagalli shouted out.

Lacus felt like she wanted to break down laughing, She now found someone who hated Flay just as much as her.

"I only really stay because of my family," Lacus replied.

"Still, I think you deserve sainthood if you can put up with that monster all day, I would have most likely have killed her by now." Cagalli told her.

"Now Cagalli, you should show a little more respect," Via replied.

"For what, those people don't deserve to be noble," Cagalli replied.

Kira decided to break his silence. "For once mother I have to agree with Cagalli; George Allster has been on my case for months about that proposal idea."

Lacus looked to Kira and just smiled, she knew what that proposal was, and she was glad that Kira wasn't interested in it.

"What proposal idea?" Via and Cagalli questioned.

Kira didn't bother to respond, there was silence until Via spoke again.

"So Lacus you say you live with your family, do you have any siblings?" Via questioned.

Lacus looked to her, "Yes I live with my parents, and I have two younger sisters, and a younger brother."

"I am glad the way you speak highly of your family, you really will be a perfect match for Kira." Via thought to herself for a few seconds and she smiled.

Via really liked Lacus, even Cagalli liked her company. The kept asking Lacus questions, all three were really getting along. Every now and then she would find her and Kira staring at each other with a blush. All four continued to converse and eat there breakfast. Unknown to them the messenger Athrun sent the previous night arrived. He made his way towards the dinning room. He identified himself to the guards, and one went in to get Mu. The guard returned and told him to speak to Mu who was at the door opposite to where Kira and the others were eating.

The Messenger went in and found Mu flirting with Murrue. He quickly approached him.

"Sir I have an urgent report from general Athrun." The man told him.

Mu stopped flirting and pulled the man to a different side of the dinning room.

"Give your report," Mu replied.

The man looked at him seriously, "Our agent from ZAFT has reported that there emperor sent two men to investigate the king."

"Spies correct?" Mu questioned.

"Yes sir, but the strange thing is that they both returned early, and they were both wounded." the man told him.

Mu looked a little surprised, "Now that truly is interesting, either the emperor is very incompetent or it could have been who I think sent them."

The guard looked confused, "Um…Sir what do you mean."

Mu looked at him, "This is a very serious threat for whatever reasons these to failed, and I am sure the ZAFT emperor will not give up."

The guard took all that to thought, "What should we do Sir."

"I want you to inform the royal guard, make sure we have the guard doubled around the castle, I also want patrols increased in the city, and I shall inform the king about these matters." Mu told him sternly.

"As you wish Sir," the guard replied.

"You did well in delivering this message you may return to Boaz," Mu told him.

"Yes sir," The man reported as he left the dinning room.

Mu stood there and thought for a minute, it was very strange that those two sent were injured; he couldn't help but think why.

"Is something the matter," Murrue told him as she interrupted his thought.

Mu looked at her and smiled, "Well if there is we shouldn't leave things unsaid, Murrue I think I…" Mu started to say as he was interrupted.

"You are such a moron," Murrue told him as she walked back to her spot.

Mu laughed at this, but there were other things to occupy his mind right now. He knew this was a serious threat, he decided it was best to inform Kira now. He started walking towards all of them in the front. He reached the front.

"Your highness I apologize for interrupting, but I have an urgent matter that cannot wait." Mu told them.

All were in conversation, but they stopped as they heard Mu. Kira knew that Mu would not interrupt if it wasn't important.

"If you will all excuse me for a second," Kira said as he got up he walked towards Mu letting his hand touch Lacus's shoulder as he left. Lacus blushed, but she wondered if something was wrong.

Kira started walking towards Mu, leaving Lacus with Via and Cagalli. Cagalli took this as an opportunity to question Lacus without Kira around.

With Lacus Via Cagalli

"Well Lacus, I was just curious when you meet my brother," Cagalli said.

Lacus looked to Cagalli, she knew that they probably didn't know Kira rode the city at night, but she didn't want to lie either.

"Well after I first saw him, we meet later that night when he saved me from robbers." Lacus responded hoping she wouldn't give away too much about Kira.

"He saved you, but how did he?" Cagalli questioned.

Via saw Lacus's tension she decided that she really shouldn't answer he she didn't want to.

"Now Cagalli it really doesn't matter, I am just glad you are safe dear," Via told her with a smile.

"Thank you," Lacus replied.

Lacus somehow knew that Kira's mother knew she was uncomfortable about the question, and she didn't want to pressure her.

Cagalli decided to ask something else. "Well then, how do you feel about my brother?"

This time Lacus's face went red, "I truly care about him, I have since I first saw him."

Via smiled she knew she was telling the truth. Cagalli seemed convinced she somehow knew Lacus was an honest person.

"I am very glad, Kira needs someone like you in his life," Via told her.

"I agree it will make that idiot a better person." Cagalli told her jokingly.

All started chuckling. They told Lacus to address them by there first names, Lacus was no longer feeling like she was an outsider so she started addressing them with no trouble. They noticed, and they were glad she started feeling better around them. They just continued talking about even little things now.

"Lacus how much of the castle have you seen?" Cagalli questioned.

"I have only seen a small part of it, it is really lovely." Lacus replied.

Cagalli looked at her, "Well that won't do, tell my idiot brother to show you the rest. It really is lovely, but I think I would like to leave it for awhile."

"I heard a few rumors that you and the lord of Boaz were involved, is that why?" Lacus questioned.

Via started laughing.

Cagalli stood there and put a hand on her head. "Not you to."

Lacus thought she did something wrong and begin to apologize.

Via looked at her, "Now Lacus, everyone teases her about it even though it's true."

Cagalli looked at her, "Mother I can't believe you."

"I am only speaking the truth," Via told her.

Cagalli turned her attention back to Lacus, "Well my mother is right about one thing, you don't have to apologize."

Lacus felt better and nodded. All three just continued to converse about even little things.

With Kira and Mu

"I apologize for interrupting you, but I received a message from Athrun." Mu told him seriously.

"I understand, explain," Kira told him.

Mu told Kira everything about what the messenger told him.

"I see it is indeed a serious matter," Kira told him.

"Yes I have already stepped up patrols in the city and castle." Mu replied.

Kira was thinking to himself when all of a sudden he remember the two that attacked lacus the other night, and he remembered they were carrying ZAFT issued swords.

"Mu you said these two were injured correct?" Kira asked suddenly.

Mu looked at him, "Yeah strange isn't it?"

"Actually I think I was the one that injured them," Kira replied.

"What do you mean?" Mu almost shouted.

Kira looked at him, "Well they were attacking Lacus and I sort of got rid of them."

"I won't even ask what you were doing outside the castle with no guard, but" Mu looked over to Lacus, "I think I can tell why." Mu said.

Kira almost blushed, "Strange though I can't see why they were attacking her if there mission was to investigate me."

"I know they couldn't have known you were involved with her since you didn't even meet her yet." Mu replied.

"They weren't even that great of fighters, what could that emperor be thinking?" Kira questioned.

"Even so I don't like the idea of you fighting like that, next time if you leave the castle take someone with you." Mu told him very seriously.

Kira laughed, "I still don't know why they attacked Lacus though, that has me worried."

"Well it's possible that they could probably take her back to ZAFT and sell her in slavery, which could bring them extra change." Mu replied.

Kira was getting angry.

"Listen Mu I don't want that word uttered around here anymore, if there are these slave traders in this city I want them hunted down." Kira told him sternly.

"Look kid, this sort of thing happens on the black market, it doesn't matter that we outlawed slavery, people could still make a profit if they kidnap people and smuggle them to ZAFT for profit." Mu told him.

"Still we need to investigate this," Kira replied.

"I agree I will put some people on it." Mu answered.

"I am still not convinced those two were trying to kidnap her though, they only seemed like they wanted to hurt her not capture her." Kira told him.

Mu looked at him, "Well what do you expect from ZAFT they are as brutal as they come."

"Well I want you to inform me if any more spies enter the city, try and take them alive," Kira told him.

"As you wish, just remember what I said." Mu told him as he walked out of the room.

Kira thought for a minute then he returned to Lacus and the others they were still in conversation.

"I see your getting along," Kira asked her.

All turned to face him.

"Yes we are having an excellent time," Cagalli told him.

Kira returned to his seat, they were all finished with there meal so Kira decided he wanted to have his alone time with Lacus.

"Well should we be on our way Lacus?" Kira asked.

Lacus smiled, "Yes, I have really enjoyed this morning," Lacus told them as she said her goodbyes to Via and Cagalli.

"I hope to see you soon Lacus," Via replied.

"Me too, we have to do this again," Cagalli added.

They smiled and Kira and Lacus left the room.

Messiah Castle

Empress Talia was waiting for her assistant Nartale to return with news since her husband really didn't inform her of anything to do with the affairs of the empire.

"My Lady I have returned," Natarle said as she entered the room.

"Very good what is the news?" Talia questioned.

"It seems His majesty has order all of the nobles to the castle, He has not given up on the ORB invasion." Natarle replied.

Talia thought for a second, "Well I believe in him so it must be the right decision."

"My Lady, it appears that some of the slaves are also starting to get word about ORB's victory, and since they have no slavery it could stir up a revolt." Natarle told her.

"Does Gilbert know about this?" Talia questioned.

"I believe he is aware of this, and he does believe it is a problem, so he hopes to shatter there hope by crushing ORB." Natarle told her.

"We will have to see how this plays out, keep me informed," Talia told her.

"Yes My Lady, Natarle replied as she left the room.

Onogoro Streets

Miriallia was up early that morning she was hoping she would get a chance to talk to Lacus today. She kept hearing rumors about the king having some sort of Lady by his side. Those rumors by the castle staff have already reached the streets. Miriallia was waiting patiently for Lacus.

"Hey Miria you heard anything yet?" Tolle shouted as he approached.

"Tolle I am still waiting don't you have patrol duty today?" Miriallia asked.

"Yeah but, I was still hoping to hear something before I started." Tolle replied.

"I can't believe she is with the King." Kuzzy added as he walked up beside Tolle.

"Listen morons as soon as I hear from her I will tell you, now go away," Mirialla told them in a joking matter.

"Okay, let's go Kuzzy." Tolle said as he grabbed Kuzzys arm and left.

Miriallia just shock her head, "You better give me good details later Lacus."

Onogoro Castle

Kira and Lacus were just walking around the castle. Kira was showing her everything, they were talking and laughing. All the staff members of the castle were getting a good look at them as well. Kira showed her everything, but he wanted to save the garden for last. They arrived at the garden and Lacus couldn't believe her eyes.

"It's gorgeous," Lacus told him.

Kira smiled, "Yeah I thought you would like it."

Lacus looked at everything she could tell it was at least ten times bigger than the one at the Allster estate.

They spent a few hours there just enjoying each others company. Talking about everything, it probably would have gone on forever if one of Kira's aides hadn't interrupted him.

"Forgive me sire, but I just wanted to remind you of the visit to Josh-a in a week." The man said as he knelt.

"Very good, thank you," Kira told him.

"Sire," the man said as he left.

Kira walked back over to Lacus and hugged her.

"Kira," Lacus said with a blush.

"Lacus I have a trip to take in a week to Josh-a," Kira told her.

"I see," Lacus said as she felt a little sad he would be gone for awhile.

Kira noticed and smiled, "I was wondering if you would like to join me?" Kira asked.

Lacus smiled, "You mean I could go with you?"

Kira nodded, "Of course I would love for you to join me."

Lacus smiled, "Of course I would like to go."

Kira smiled again and they kissed. It was a pretty long kiss, but it was interrupted by another servant.

"Sire they need you in the…" The man paused as he quickly turned around.

Kira and Lacus both stopped and blushed.

"I understand I will be there." Kira told him.

The man nodded and he left.

Lacus realized that her family might be worried now as well since she wasn't home all night and mostly the day.

"Kira I think I should return home now, my family must be worried." Lacus told him.

Kira nodded, "I understand I also have duties to attend to so I will take you home myself."

Lacus blushed, "I don't want to trouble you I can make it home myself."

Kira smiled at her, "It is no trouble I would be glad to do it."

Lacus just blushed and they kissed again.

To be continued…

(AN): I hope you have enjoyed this chapter. Next chapter should be up by Friday. See you later.