(AN): Thank you to all who reviewed.

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

Chapter Eleven

Departure

After the councils meeting the rest of the week went smoothly. Kira and Lacus saw each other everyday. The entire castle and staff now knew who Lacus was. The city was also aware that the King was seeing someone. They were still unaware who the King was seeing. The rumors didn't stop either, many thought the Kings acquaintance was a noble, others heard it was a servant. They knew they didn't have to wait long as it was official that whoever she was, she would be accompanying him to Josh-a. The castle staff was becoming very fond of Lacus; they believed she would be an excellent choice for the King. Lacus still used Kira's entrance to get to the castle. Lacus wanted there relationship remain just between her and Kira for as long as possible, she knew once her name was officially announced as the King's companion, people would start treating her different. Although it would be tough, it was a price she would gladly pay to be with Kira. The week went by very fast, it was now the night before there departure.

Onogoro Allster Estate

Lacus's House

Lacus was at her house to spend a little time with her family, her trip to Josh-a would last a week and she was never apart from her family that long. She was a little excited to go; she had never before left Onogoro. Lacus was going to stay at the castle that night; it would be very hard for her to sneak in once the streets were crowded with people to see the King's departure.

"Lacus are you sure you want to do this?" Siegel asked.

Lacus turned to face her father, "Yes father, I have been looking forward to this."

Siegel sighed, "Lacus what I mean is after tomorrow you will be know throughout the whole nation, do you want that?"

Lacus nodded, "It will be tough father, but it is a small price to pay, I know what my heart is telling me to do."

"Well said dear," Eileen told them as she entered there conversation. "You should always follow your heart, no matter what the path you chose will bring you."

"Mother," Lacus said.

Siegel looked at his wife then back to Lacus, "Your mother is right Lacus, The path you have chosen will be difficult and your life will be in danger, but if that is what your heart desires than you should never second guess."

Lacus smiled, "I really appreciate what you have done for me father, mother, you have always given me support and I'm glad you support me on this."

Lacus's siblings were all watching her get ready as well.

"Lacus, when will you be back?" Bill asked.

Lacus looked down to Bill, "I will be back in a week, and you will be good won't you?"

Bill nodded, "I sure will, I have been training very hard."

Lacus smiled at him, "Yes you have, and it shouldn't be long for you."

"Will you bring me back something?" Rachel asked.

Lacus loved the way her youngest sister would act.

"I will if you promise to look out for everybody," Lacus told her.

Rachel agreed and gave her sister a hug.

"Well the queen now leaves to depart with her king," Mear told her jokingly.

Lacus looked right at Mear, "Mear I am not a Queen, I am just going with someone I care very much about."

Mear grinned, "You may not be a queen now, but I have a feeling that will change, and when it does don't expect me to call you your highness."

Lacus blushed then laughed, it than hit her. All Lacus wanted was to be with Kira, she never thought of herself as possible becoming a queen. At the moment the thought scared her, so she didn't give it any more thought.

"Well I should be going now, I will see all of you when I get back," Lacus told them.

They said there goodbyes and Lacus left the house. Siegel and Eileen watched there daughter leave.

"I really hope everything works out for her, she deserves it." Eileen told her.

"I suppose your right, but the thought of our daughter as a queen," Siegel told her.

Eileen looked at him, "That is not what she desires Siegel."

"I know she truly loves our King." Siegel replied.

"Yes I can tell she is in love, how strange it is for you to call him King, he may be our future son in law." Eileen told him.

Siegel eyes got big, "I know how am I supposed to do my fatherly duty of lecturing him about taking care of our daughter."

Eileen giggled, "I don't think you will have to worry, he does a great job taking care of a nation of people, I know he will do more when it comes to Lacus."

"You should like you know him personally," Siegel told her.

Eileen looked at him, "No don't need to meet a person in order to tell how they are, Actions are a lot better than words, and I saw when it came to Lacus he will do anything for her."

Siegel smiled, "Somehow I know your right."

"Grownups sure say strange things," Bill said as he heard what they were saying.

Mear looked at him, "You're just too young to understand."

Onogoro Castle

Kira was quickly finishing the last of the documents before his departure; he wanted to make sure everything would be fine while he was away. He was looking forward to this trip; he wanted to make sure everything in his nation was going smoothly. He knew that Nicol was a good ruler of Josh-a, the people all loved him there. Kira knew that there morale might be still a little low after the latest war so he was hoping to change that. The main reason for his visit was to make sure the Blitz squadron was ready to move in case ZAFT planned all out war. Kira was also excited that Lacus was going with him, He looked forward of going with her, he was also looking forward to the surprise he had in stored for her upon there return.

Kira was at his desk filling out his documents when he heard the entrance to his secret exit open. He smiled to himself when he heard the footsteps, he could tell who they belonged to.

Lacus entered the room and noticed that he didn't turn around. She snuck up behind him and covered his eyes with her hands.

"Guess who," she told him.

Kira smiled, "Could it be the most beautiful woman in the world?"

Lacus immediately blushed, "Kira…" She started to say but she was silenced when Kira spun her on to his lap.

"I guess I was right," Kira told her.

Lacus smiled, "You knew I was here didn't you?"

"I could always tell when you're around," Kira replied.

Lacus blushed again and they shared a short kiss.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Kira asked.

Lacus looked at him, "As long as I am with you I will always be ready."

Kira smiled, "I am glad to hear that," Kira told her as they kissed again which was a lot more passionate than the last. It went on for about two minutes until Mu entered the room.

"Hey kid I finished, Wow!" Mu said.

Kira and Lacus quickly separated a little embarrassed.

"I suppose I came at the wrong time," Mu told them.

Kira looked at him, "I would have to agree."

Lacus nodded in agreement as well.

Mu laughed.

"Well I just came to say everything is prepared for your departure tomorrow," Mu told them.

"Are there any problems?" Kira asked.

Mu looked at him, "None, I had the scouts trace the roads they are guarding any part where an ambush can take place, I personally sent men ahead to check the route all the way to Josh-a."

Kira smiled, "You never cease to amaze me Mu."

Mu laughed, "Well that is my duty, and I will see you tomorrow."

Kira laughed as well. Mu left the room and Kira went back to Lacus.

"He seems to care a lot about you Kira," Lacus told him.

Kira nodded, "Yes he is like an older brother to me, and He actually trained me and Athrun,"

"You mean the Lord of Boaz," Lacus replied.

"Yes, Athrun and I grew up together, I trust him like I do Mu," Kira told her.

"What about Lord Nicol?" Lacus asked.

Kira smiled, "Nicol is a close friend like Athrun, but he was never really suited to be on a battlefield, you will understand when you meet him," Kira told her.

Lacus smiled, she was happy that Kira told her that, she was happy he had people who cared about him.

They talked for a little while longer, and then they both decided to go to sleep. They would now only sleep in each others arms; they never were able to sleep good apart anymore. As soon as they were in each others arms they quickly fell asleep.

The next day

Onogoro Castle

The morning was a little bit hectic at the castle. They wanted to leave as early as possible so they could be at Josh-a before dusk. Kira and Lacus were awakened by Merna this morning.

Merna was getting a little annoyed that those two were still sleeping. She quickly went to Kira's room. She didn't even bother to knock. She went right in and found both Kira and Lacus in each others arms. Which she was used to seeing, Lacus stayed at the castle a lot during that past week, but every time she saw them she always thought they looked cute together. Merna however was the only one who knew Kira and Lacus always slept in the same bed. She decided to keep that between the three of them. She would have liked to have left them alone, but they had to be on the road as soon as possible. Merna walked up to the bed and was going to gently shack them awake. She first gently started to shack Lacus's shoulder. She found it fascinating how she responded. Lacus gave a little whimper and just snuggled herself closer to Kira.

Merna thought to herself, "Even in her sleep she doesn't want to be away from him."

Merna decided to leave her alone then she went for Kira. As soon as Kira something shaking him he quickly grabbed his sword that was next to his bed and held it to what he thought was an intruder's neck.

Merna knew something like this would happen, "Your Majesty it is me," Merna told him.

Kira finally opened his eyes; Lacus woke up when she felt him jerk. Kira then realized he had a sword pointing at Merna's throat.

"I'm sorry Merna," Kira told her.

Merna turned to him, "You're sorry you do this every time, this time I actually thought you would do it." Merna said holding her hand to her heart like she had a heart attack.

Kira put his hand on his head, "Well you should know how I am by now."

Lacus watched as they got into a little argument, she found it amusing and laughed.

"Alright Merna you win, will you forgive me?" Kira asked her.

Merna thought for a second, "I will forgive you only if you get up, I already have your breakfast prepared on the balcony."

"What would I do without you Merna?" Kira told her.

Merna shuck her head, "Well you're the easy one, now I have to go wake up that sister of yours."

Kira chuckled as he watched Merna leave.

Kira then turned back to Lacus and gave her a good morning kiss. Lacus returned it and they both stared at each other for a second.

"Are you ready Lacus?" Kira asked.

"As ready as I will ever be Your Highness," Lacus told him jokingly.

Kira instantly smiled he loved it when she would play around like that. Kira decided to join in.

"It sounds like your mocking me My Lady," Kira told her.

Lacus smiled, "I would not dare Sire," Lacus said as she tried to get up.

Kira immediately grabbed her and started tickling her sides. Lacus started laughing really hard.

"Alright you win," Lacus said as she was laughing.

Kira laughed at her, "Only if you say please," Kira told her as he stopped and leaned down to give her a very passionate kiss. Lacus returned it with a little more passion.

Kira then made his way to her neck. Lacus was at first shocked, but she loved the feeling. She let out a small moan, Kira focused on her neck for a few minutes. Lacus never felt happier. Kira made his way back to her lips and they kissed again. His hand was now on her leg. Lacus blushed and wrapped her arm around his neck. They kissed for a good five minutes. They broke the kiss, and Lacus noticed his robe was opened exposing his chest. She loved the look of his chest she decided to take a chance and put her hands on his chest slowly removing his robe. Kira noticed what she did, and he was happy she did that.

Kira throw his robe on the floor and kissed her again, they were all over each other, Kira and Lacus both knew that it was way to soon to be doing this, but they just couldn't stop themselves. Kira now had his hand on Lacus's robe he started to hesitate, he didn't want to do any thing that made her uncomfortable. He looked in her eyes and noticed that she didn't protest. Kira kissed her again and started to remove her robe, but before they were able to continue the ever fateful Mu came rushing into the room.

"Hey kid you ready, "OH MY GOD!" Mu shouted.

Kira and Lacus immediately stopped and looked at Mu both were really red.

"I think I'll come back in a minute," Mu said as he left.

Kira grabbed his robe and put it back on, he looked over at Lacus hoping that she wasn't regretting that they moved to a little more passion.

Without looking at her fully, "Lacus I'm sorry if…" Kira started to say, but Lacus cut him off.

"I don't regret anything Kira, but I am a little glad Mu came when he did because…" Lacus now started hesitating. "Because I don't think I would have been able to stop myself." Lacus told herself hoping he felt the same way.

Kira loved how she was able to read him, "I don't regret it either Lacus, and I agree I think it is too soon that we go that far. Mu did save us because I wouldn't have been able to stop myself either." Kira told her.

Lacus smiled, "I am glad we understand each other so well."

Kira returned her smile, "As am I Lacus, but we should really get moving or we will have to face Merna again."

Lacus chuckled and they both got up. They quickly changed; Lacus was now able to dress in fancy attire without requiring much help. After they were changed they quickly ate and left Kira's chambers.

"Kira what do we do first?" Lacus asked as she held his arm.

Kira smiled, "I have something to show you first."

Lacus smiled at him wondering what he was going to show her.

After Mu left he Kira's chambers, "Why do I always have to walk in on them when there doing that, but I think this time something really would of happened if I didn't, I have made up my mind I will never enter his room without knocking," Mu told himself.

Josh-a Amalfi Estate

Preparations in Josh-a were coming to a close, people were already gathering in the streets hoping to catch a glimpse of the king. Nicol was in his estate finishing the last of the arrangements he had for his friend's arrival. Nicol was going to hold a small dinner for him at the estate. There weren't many high class citizens in Josh-a, most were in the capitol. Josh-a was a providence that was mostly filled with farmers, the estate was surrounded by shops that was considered the rest of the land Nicol ruled was open land for the farmers. Josh-a is producing most of ORB's agriculture. If they were to lose this land a lot of there people would starve. Nicol knew of the responsibility, and that is why Kira makes frequent visits to his land. Nicol was much honored that Kira trusted him to rule this land. Nicol was preparing to have some of the local farmers at the dinner he had planned for Kira. He knew that Kira wouldn't object to meeting the people who work hard for the nation.

"Lord Amalfi," a man called out.

Nicol looked to the man, "Yes."

"Are you sure it is alright for us to attend a Kings Dinner sir?" The man asked.

Nicol smiled, "Yes His Majesty would be very glad to meet you."

The man hung his head, "My Lord we are just simple farmers, surly our King would have better things to do than to see the likes of us."

Nicol frowned, "You people are responsible for our country's prosperity, if it wasn't for you a lot of people would starve," Nicol now smiled, "He knows how hard you people work and I'm sure he would like nothing more than to meet you."

All three farmers Nicol chose looked at him. "We thank you sir," they said in union.

"I suggest we get ready I suspect he will be here by dusk," Nicol told them as they all left the room.

Onogoro Castle

Kira and Lacus continued walking through the castle. Lacus couldn't help but feel curious what Kira wanted to show her. She was a little surprised he led her to the horse stables.

There were a lot of horses; Lacus couldn't believe what she was seeing. On there tour she never did see the horse stables.

"Kira what are we doing here?" Lacus asked him.

Kira smiled, "Well, you don't think we will be going to Josh-a on foot do you?" Kira told her.

Lacus blushed, "What do you mean?"

"Do you see any horse you would like Lacus?" Kira asked her.

Lacus smiled, "But I couldn't accept something like this Kira."

Kira chuckled, "You need not concern yourself with that Lacus, and I love to see when you're happy."

Lacus blushed again, "Alright, but I do not ride very well, and the only time I was on a horse was when you rode me home."

Kira smiled, "Well I guess I will have to teach you."

Lacus happily nodded and started looking at all the horses. Kira watched every move she made; he could watch her for hours. His consontration on Lacus was broken when his stablemen Arnold approached him.

"Your Majesty, I gathered all the best horses like you requested," Arnold told him.

Kira looked at him, "I appreciate that Arnold."

"If you need any thing else please call me," Arnold told him.

"Very well you are dismissed," Kira replied.

Arnold bowed and left.

Lacus looked at every horse, she then found the one she thought was perfect for her, and it was pure white. It was a really pretty horse, a horse really suited for a Queen.

"I think I have found the one I like," Lacus said.

Kira smiled and walked over to her.

Kira looked at the horse, "Arnold," Kira called out.

Arnold quickly came back out side, "Yes Your Majesty."

"What do you think about this horse?" Kira asked him.

Arnold looked at the horse, "Well sire this is a fine animal, it is a little hyper, but it really has potential. It just needs to be rode for awhile, that should break it in."

Kira thought for a minute, "Well Lacus what do you think?"

Lacus looked at Kira, "I think he is a fine horse, I really like him."

Kira smiled he couldn't resist her, "Alright Arnold have him ready for a tryout."

"Yes sire," Arnold replied.

Arnold put the saddle on him, and prepared the horse. He noticed Lacus really seemed to like this horse.

"You made a fine selection My Lady," Arnold told her.

Lacus couldn't believe someone just addressed her like a royal.

"If you don't mind sir does he have a name," Lacus asked.

Arnold nodded, "Yes My Lady, his name is Haro."

"That is a lovely name," Lacus replied.

Kira smiled, "Arnold make sure Tori is prepared for later."

Arnold looked at him, "Yes sire, I will take care of that immediately." Arnold told him as he left.

Kira turned back to Lacus, "Are you ready for a try Lacus?"

Lacus felt a little nervous, Kira helped her up on the horse and started explaining to her how to ride. He at first rode with her, then after awhile he let her try on her own. She was doing great; Lacus couldn't believe how quickly this horse was tamed. She continued for a little while longer until both Merna and Arnold came into the stables.

"Your Highness, it is time to prepare to leave," Merna told him.

Lacus heard what was said and she rode back to Kira, Kira helped her down and he motioned for Arnold's presence. Arnold quickly went over to him.

"Arnold prepare Haro and Tori for departure," Kira told him.

"Yes sire, Tori is prepared I will get Haro ready as well," Arnold replied.

Kira smiled, "Great work today, the horses you gathered were excellent."

Arnold thanked him and bowed, he then went to prepare Haro for the trip.

Kira extended his hand to Lacus which she responded by putting hers in his.

"Well I guess we should get ready," Kira told her.

Lacus smiled, "I agree," she told him as they kissed again.

Merna sighed, "This is very adorable sire, but if you don't hurry we will be behind schedule."

Kira and Lacus broke from there kiss and chuckled at Merna.

They were quickly lead back to there chambers, Kira asked Merna to assist Lacus if she needed help. Kira changed into his Light armor, not his battle armor, h is light Armor was not as heavy, and he quickly put his sword in his sheath. He made sure not to forget his two daggers. He then put a cape over his armor that had ORB's symbol on the back. He wore no helmet since he wasn't going to war. He simply had a small crown that went on his head, not a very big one since he was traveling. He would never really wear anything on his head, but when he was traveling he made exceptions.

Lacus needed Merna's help on this one. She was given a very fancy traveling dress. It was very light and maneuverable. It was pure white with a little bit of pink on the ends, she loved it. Merna helped with her hair, Merna did her hair very fancy. Lacus also had a small cape, not as big as Kira's. It was exactly identical to his it was only smaller, it also had ORB's symbol on the back. The last piece was a small circlet that went on her head. Lacus refused to take off the hair clip Kira gave her, but the headpiece was small enouch not to bother it. Merna glanced at her and she couldn't believe how she looked. She was going to say something, but they were really short on time so she hurried her out of the room. Lacus left the room and saw Kira waiting for her, she blushed she couldn't believe how good he looked. Kira saw Lacus and he almost fainted.

Kira approached Lacus, "You look beautiful."

Lacus blushed, "Thank you, you don't look bad yourself."

They both shared a small kiss and then she locked her arm around his as he led her to the main entrance to the castle.

Allster Estate

George Allster was in his study think about the events that had happed at there meeting the other day. He heard what happened between Flay and Kira. He was really angry at his daughter, he told her only to make her presence known to him not to argue with him. He knew that the person he was meeting later would be his last chance in getting his daughter on the throne. George knew that he and that man would have to attend the King's sendoff later; it was after that, he would have his meeting.

His thoughts were interrupted, "Daddy," Flay called out.

George looked at her, "What do you want Flay?"

Flay lowered her head, "I didn't mean to do that the other day it just happened."

"We have a very stubborn King Flay, but I think our problem will be cured after my meeting later," George told her.

Flay was a little excited, "What plan Daddy?"

George turned his head, "You don't need to know, all you have to do is stay out of it, and let me handle it then you will be queen." George told her.

Flay went silent after that. George didn't want her to know what he was planning because he feared she would screw it up.

Flay looked back to her father, "I want to help Daddy."

George sighed, "Alright I will let you in be at the meeting, but when your queen, you can help by producing an heir quick so we can get rid of that King, then until your son is able to rule, I will take over ORB."

Flay smiled, "I will still be queen right?"

George looked at his daughter, "Yes Flay you will still be queen."

Flay started jumping up and down; all she wanted was to be queen.

George had to leave the estate because he had to be there for the king's departure. Flay wanted to join him, but he felt she would do something stupid, so he declined her request to join him.

Onogoro Streets

The streets were really starting to fill up for the King's departure. People also wanted to see this mystery person who the King had constantly by his side lately. Miriallia was in this crowd, but she knew who the person was. She just listened to near by people exchange rumors they heard to each other.

Miriallia sighed, "I know you are really happy Lacus, I just hope you will be able to stay that way when everyone in the country knows your name." Miraillia told herself as she waited for them to depart.

Onogoro Castle

Kira and Lacus were heading down the grand hall. The whole castle turned out to see them off. All the staff saw Lacus and thought she was a goddess. Kira loved watching her get embarrassed by people watching her. They were reaching the main entrance were Mu was waiting for them.

"Well you two ready for this?" Mu asked.

Lacus nodded as she griped Kira's arm tighter.

Kira smiled at her, "It will be alright Lacus." Kira told her as he nodded to Mu to continue.

Lacus felt better after Kira's reassurance.

Mu laughed at these two and he told the staff to announce there arrival.

Courtyard

The courtyard was filled up awhile ago. Cagalli, Via, and Murrue were naturally there. The main part of the council was also there. George Allster was a little late, but he arrived on time. The council was a little anxious; because this would be the first time they would see Lacus as well. All members of the royal guard were in the courtyard preparing for departure. There were two horses at the front, which were Tori, and Haro. Mu sent some of the guard ahead so they could obsereve the city. Mu didn't like that Kira was only taking the royal guard with him. So he had a squadrin stand by outside the city to join in the escort to Josh-a. The Blitz squad was taking over the security once they reached the Josh-a providence.

George Allster was pleased the man he was supposed to meet was there. George gave him a little nod, which the man found annoying, but he need Allster to fulfill his goal.

Cagalli was talking with her mother and Murrue; all went silent when they heard the horns sound announcing the King's arrivial.

Kira looked over to Lacus and smiled at her. Kira then motioned Mu to continue. Mu gave the guards there signal and they opened the two main doors. Mu went out first, followed by Kira and Lacus.

As soon as Kira and Lacus walked out, the people in the courtyard all bowed then stared right at Lacus. Lacus noticed this and felt uneasy.

The council couldn't believe there eyes, she was extremely beautiful, but that wasn't enough to convince the two who doubted her from the start.

George was extremely furious looking at Lacus. The man he was supposed to meet as usual showed no emotion.

Cagalli smiled at her, as did Via and Murrue.

"They look great togther," Cagalli said.

Via smiled, "Yes, I believe they will do fine."

Murrue looked at them, but she noticed Mu staring at her again and just turned her head.

The rest of the castle staff that was out there saw them as perfect. Practically all the maids were gossiping about Lacus and Kira, which was pretty normal. The knights were in astonishment about everything.

Kira smiled at Lacus which she returned, they then started walking down the stairs to there horse's. Kira smiled and greeted all who they passed. Lacus was happy that all the people seemed to treasure Kira. Lacus then to greeted all who said anything to her. They kept walking until they stood by there horses. Cagalli and Via were waiting there as well.

"I guess your leaving on your little romantic vacation now right brother?" Cagalli joked.

Kira looked at his sister, "Cagalli I am leaving on business, and if you keep it up I will send you to Boaz to stay."

Cagalli turned bright red; she knew what Kira was talking about so she kept her mouth shut.

Via greeted Lacus, "You look marvelous dear; I hope you will enjoy your time away."

Lacus smiled, "Thank you, I am really gald to have your support."

"You truly care for my son, so I will always support you," Via replied.

Lacus blushed.

Kira then walked over to his mother.

"I must be going mother, I will see you in a week," Kira told her.

Via smiled, "I am proud of you my son, you do a wonderful job with the nation, but you better take care of her."

Kira blushed, "I know mother, and only a fool would hurt her."

Cagalli walked over to Lacus, "Take care of my idiotic brother Lacus; he needs all the help he can get."

Lacus chuckled, "I will Cagalli, and I thank you for always treating me kindly knowing what I am."

Cagalli looked at her, "You are just Lacus to us, so you need not worry what others think in time they will understand."

Lacus smiled.

Kira and Lacus finished there goodbyes. Kira lead Lacus over to her horse and helped her up. Kira then got on his horse. Mu shortly followed after trying to hit on Murrue a last time before leaving, naturally she blew him off.

The guard was also ready to depart. Kira with Lacus by his side lead them to the gates entrance. Mu was right behind ready to do his job. There were two other gurad members that were right in back of Kira and Lacus as well, they were the chosen two who held ORB's flag. Wherever the King went they always held the flag, be in peace or battle. Kira gave a quick glance over to Lacus.

"It is time are you ready Lacus?" Kira asked.

Lacus smiled, "Yes, I am just glad you're here with me."

Kira smiled and the two leanded over to dhare a small kiss. All in the courtyard saw that. A lot of people were happy except George and a few council members.

Kira and Lacus broke there kiss and Kira told the guard to proceed. The castle guard members then opened the gates.

To be continued…

(AN): I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The next chapter will contain the people seeing Lacus, and ZAFT's own war meeting. It will be up sometime next week, I don't know when, but it will be next week. See you later.