(AN): Thank you to all who reviewed.

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

Chapter Fourteen

Josh-a

Josh-a Town Entrance

They started riding again, they were now in front of the Main gate to the town in Josh-a. Kira saw Nicol waiting by the gate with a few Knights. Kira looked back over to Lacus and noticed she was having a good time which made him very happy. Kira rode right next to Nicol.

Josh-a Entrance a few minutes before Kira was in sight.

Nicol and a few of his knights were patiently waiting for there King to arrive. Nicol was excited to see his friend again. All were getting anxious it was a little past when they were supposed to arrive, which was making everyone a little nervous.

"Lord Nicol, do you think they were delayed?" A knight asked.

Nicol looked at him, "I hope that is all it was, but I wouldn't be too worried, His Majesty has a lot of capable guards."

"It seems the whole town has gathered sir," a knight said.

Nicol looked around and smiled, "Yes it will be quite a celebration later, we could definitely use it, especially after the last battle."

Nicol was glad his people seemed to be doing better; there morale was very low even though ORB won that battle, people still feared all out war. Kira's presence here was going to definitely change that. When people saw there King visiting, it would mean that everything must be alright.

"Sir, do you know if the rumors we heard are true?" His first knight asked.

Nicol smiled, "That is a great question, and we will have to find that one out."

"I heard that it is causing uproar in some of the council members," the other knight said.

Nicol thought for a second, "Well, it doesn't really matter, all I have to say is it's about time he settled down."

All started laughing at there Lords comments. They stopped laughing when they saw a very large escort.

Nicol smiled, "He has arrived."

All knights looked, they saw there King and something else they didn't expect.

"Sir I guess it is safe to say those rumors are true," The knight told him.

Nicol smiled, "This is wonderful, we have to give thanks that it isn't that Allster girl."

"Just look at her Sir, all I have to say is wow," the other knight replied.

Nicol looked, "Your right we have to be sure to congratulate him."

Josh-a Entrance Kira's arrival

"Is that Lord Nicol Kira?" lacus asked.

Kira smiled, "Yes I see he has been waiting, it has been a while since I last saw him."

Kira entered the gates and all the people were extremely grateful to see there King. All started cheering.

Kira rode right next to Nicol.

"It has been to long my friend," Kira told him as he extended his hand.

Nicol smiled, "It has My Lord," Nicol replied as he shuck his hand.

Kira smiled, "There is no need for formalities my friend."

Nicol laughed, "You haven't changed one bit, except the fact you look a little happier." Nicol told him as he looked over to Lacus.

Kira blushed, "Well you are right let me introduce you, this is Lacus Clyne."

"It is an honor to meet you Lord Nicol," Lacus told him.

Nicol looked over to Lacus, "It is a pleasure My Lady I welcome you to Josh-a, but please there is no need for formalities."

Lacus was still embarrassed about all the people and knights staring at her. When Nicol addressed her like a royal she blushed madly.

Nicol laughed, "This is great Sire, so the rumors are true."

Both Kira and Lacus blushed at this, they were shocked to here the rumors got all the way here.

"I see they reached all the way here," Kira said.

"That's correct, I had to admit I was a little shocked," Nicol replied.

Kira smiled.

"Well it is getting late let us get to the estate," Nicol told him.

"I agree," Kira replied as he rode beside Lacus again.

The town was packed, people from all over Josh'a turned out for this event. Kira naturally wanted to greet all of them, but Mu didn't want him to be out in the open that long since night was fast approaching. They rode to the estate gates and went inside. Once they were inside Mu first had half the royal guard surround the estate. A quarter of that half would patrol the inside of the estate. The last half would rest until it was there turn to guard. Mu made no exceptions when it came to Kira's security, when they were on the road.

Inside the Estate Grounds

Once they were inside the gates, Mu gave the assignments, all the guards were in place and Nicol gave the order to close the gates for the night. Nicol got off his horse first followed by Mu.

"It has been awhile Sir La Flaga," Nicol told him.

Mu smiled and greeted him.

"So how long has this been going on?" Nicol asked as he pointed to Kira and Lacus.

Mu looked at him, "Ever since he got back from the battle."

Nicol smiled, "This is cause for celebration."

Kira and Lacus finally stopped there horses, two of Nicols stablemen held them for them. Kira got down first and went over to Lacus's horse to help her down. Lacus smiled and was grateful to him. Kira held her by the waste and helped her down. As soon as she was down they shared a small kiss. All inside the estate saw that and were in a little shock.

"I see they are advancing fast," Nicol said.

Mu smiled, "Believe me I know," Mu said as he remembered all the times he walked in on them.

After there kiss Kira and Lacus went over to where Nicol and Mu were. All personal that was outside bowed as they passed.

"Please let us go inside all of you look very tired," Nicol said.

All smiled and they followed him inside the estate.

Inside the Estate

All four walked inside the estate, it was almost as impressive as Onogoro Castle.

"We are all grateful for your presence Sire," Nicol said.

Kira smiled, "Nicol it is just us now please address me by my name."

Nicol smiled, "Well then Kira, I am grateful you came back alive, I heard you lead that attack yourself."

Kira looked at him, "Yes I just hope that will be the last of it."

Nicol looked at Lacus, "Lacus was it?"

Lacus looked at him and nodded.

Nicol smiled, "So tell me what you see in this man?" Nicol asked jokingly.

Lacus blushed.

"Nicol," Kria said.

Nicol laughed, "What I am just trying to find out what is going on."

"He is what I have been waiting for," Lacus replied.

Nicol thought for a moment, "So how did you to meet?"

Kira and Lacus looked at each other they then told Nicol the whole story.

"I have to say that is something," Nicol told them.

"Yes it has been the greatest time I have ever had," Kira said.

Lacus smiled, "I wouldn't trade it for anything."

"Well I think it's wonderful, so wonderful that we will have to celebrate this." Nicol told them.

Kira and Lacus smiled.

"It is getting late should we retire and take this up tomorrow?" Nicol asked.

"Yes I have to agree, I would like to go over the matters with you tomorrow, and tour the grounds."

Nicol was surprised he wanted to get everything done in one day, but he knew he would want to spend the remaining week with Lacus so it didn't surprise him that much.

"Alright Kira, we should be able to finish that tomorrow, Guard please show them there rooms." Nicol said.

"Yes sir," The knight replied.

"I will see you tomorrow Your Highness, and it has been a pleasure meeting you My Lady," Nicol told both Kira and Lacus.

Both smiled and replied to him. The knight showed them to separate rooms, but they knew that they would not stay in separate rooms. After the guard left Lacus went to Kira's room.

Messiah Castle

Rau was in his chambers deciding who to take on his mission. He would have to leave in a few days so they could prepare. Getting into ORB was going to be tough, but since he was only taking a small unit he decided not to send all of them at once. Every day he was going to send some of them to there position. By only sending some of them they shouldn't cause suspicion. He was deep in thought when he heard a knock at his door.

"Enter," Rau said.

Rey and Shinn entered his chamber and shut the door.

"General we heard about this mission and would like to join you," Rey told him.

Rau turned to face them.

"Yes general that guy made me look like a fool." Shinn added.

"Your request is denied," Rau told them.

Both looked shocked.

"Why general," Shinn almost shouted.

"I believe we can do it general," Rey added.

"Both of you failed the last time," Rau replied.

"I can do it I will kill him," Shinn added.

Rau stood up, "You failed, if you went know he would recognize you and since you left your sword back in Onogoro he without a doubt knows you're from ZAFT." Rau shouted.

Shinn stood quiet after that.

"General I agree we apologize for disturbing you," Rey said as he grabbed Shinn and left the room.

Rau smirked to himself, "A great battle should take place that day, and I will fight you again Mu."

Josh-a Estate

Kira and Lacus were in there room. They were both in there robes since there traveling clothes were no longer necessary. Kira was laying in the bed with his back on the edge sitting up. He was looking over and saw Lacus standing by the window starring out. He loved watching her. She had her long hair down, and the moonlight was coming through the window almost making her shine. Kira thought she looked like a goddess. He could have stared at her for hours.

"Kira this is such a beautiful town," Lacus told him.

Kira smiled, "Yes it is if you like you should tour it."

Lacus thought for a second. Kira got up and wrapped his arms around her resting his head on her shoulder.

Lacus sighed sweetly, and leaned back into the warmth of his embrace.

Kira then used one of his arms and gently brushed her hair off of her shoulder; he then leaned down and gently kissed her neck and the side of her head.

Lacus loved it when he did that.

"I apologize that I will not be able to see you that much tomorrow Lacus." Kira told her softly.

Lacus was a little disappointed, but she knew he had work to do.

"I understand Kira," Lacus replied.

Kira smiled, "I will be able to finish everything I need to do tomorrow, so the rest of the week will be ours."

Lacus smiled, "So you could have returned to Onogoro tomorrow, but you really wanted a vacation." Lacus told him jokingly.

"It seems that I'm caught," Kira told her as she turned around and they gave each other a passionate kiss, the kiss was lasting a good five minutes.

They broke there kiss and stared in each others eyes, before returning to there former position. They stood there watching the stars, until Kira broke there position and returned to the bed. Lacus soon followed him. Kira was lying down and lacus laid on her side resting her head on his chest.

"I feel bad about leaving you alone tomorrow Lacus," Kira told her.

Lacus smiled, "It is alright, I think I will take a walk around Josh-a."

Kira smiled, "Make sure you take a few guards with you."

Lacus blushed, "You are worried about me My Lord."

Kira loved when she did that, "Of course, we are not in the castle, I just don't want anything to happen to you ever."

Lacus smiled, "Thank you Kira."

Kira looked down at her, "For what, if anything I should be thanking you."

Lacus then brought her head up and put it into Kira's neck, they also interlocked there fingers.

"I just want to thank you for being with me, I don't think…" Lacus hesitated a little, "I don't think I can imagine life without you." Lacus told him a little worried about his response.

Her fears were put to rest when he held her tighter and kissed the top of her head.

"It is you that has given me peace Lacus, I feel the same way. So I thank you," Kira told her softly.

There eyes met after that and they shared another kiss, this one was a good two minutes before they broke it. Lacus then rested her head back on his neck area and they both fell asleep.

Josh-a the next day

The sun rose very early that morning. Mu was up like always making his rounds around the estate. Mu made sure everyone was doing there jobs, the royal guard made there first rotation that morning. Nicol was also up early; he knew that Kira wanted to finish his business that day. After they were done with business they didn't have anything planed the rest of the week, with exception to the banquet Nicol had planed the very last night they were there. Nicol walked around his estate looking for Kira when he ran into Mu.

"Sir La Flaga, I was wondering if you have seen Kira this morning?" Nicol asked.

Mu turned to face him, "I have not seen him, but I have a feeling he is still sleeping, or he has company."

Nicol looked at him, "Shall we wake him, and he wanted to finish the matters today."

Mu thought for a second, "No way, if he has company I always walk in at the wrong time, if you want to go in there you're on your own."

Nicol smiled, "Well I suppose it wouldn't hurt to leave him alone for now."

Then Nicol had an idea, "I guess we could try something else."

Mu looked confused, "What do you mean?"

Nicol smiled, "I will have on of the maids wake him."

Mu laughed, "You know you have a devious side."

"Well aren't you curious?" Nicol asked.

"You read my mind, lets do it," Mu replied.

Nicol and Mu left and went to the first maid they saw. Nicol didn't want to force something like this on someone so he asked for her help. The maid wanted to help with his plan and agreed. The maid went right to the King's room that was guarded by two knights. At first the knights would not allow her in, but a nod from Mu they agreed. These two guards were with the royal guard a long time, and knew Mu like to pull some pranks like this from time to time, so they allowed her through.

They opened the door for her and allowed her in; they shut the door right after she entered.

The maid was very surprised at what she saw. They were in the position that Merna found them in all those times. She thought it was very cute, but when she got closer to get a better look, she accidentally stepped on a crack in the floor that made a very loud noise. She looked back and found both of them had awakened.

"What is the meaning of this?" Kira asked.

The maid was too stunned to say anything.

Kira saw her expression and knew exactly what she was doing. Lacus looked a little confused when she saw Kira smile.

"Tell me it was Nicol and Mu right?" Kira asked her.

"I am terrible sorry Your Majesty I just…" She said but Kira cut her off.

"There is nothing to worry about, they always like to something like this to me," Kira told her with a smile.

The maid felt relieved. "Thank you My Lord, I was also going to tell you your meal is ready.

Kira looked at her, "Thank you we will be down shortly."

The maid smiled and took one last look at them and left. When she got down the hall she saw Nicol and Mu.

"So was he sleeping?" Mu asked.

The maid nodded, "No Sir he said he would be down in a minute." The maid told him as she left. She was grateful for the King's kindness and decided to keep what she saw a secret.

Mu and Nicol saw that she lied, but decided to leave it alone.

After the maid left Kira laid back down with Lacus shortly following.

"That was very kind of you Kira," Lacus told him.

Kira smiled, "It happens especially with Mu, but I suppose we should get up." Kira told her as he put his arm around his shoulder.

"I suppose your right," Lacus replied.

"I apologize again for having to leave you alone most of the day, but I should be done by this evening." Kira told her.

"It's alright Kira; I really want to walk around the town." Lacus replied.

Kira smiled at her as they shared a short kiss. They then got up and dressed into there other clothes. They left the room and went to the main dinning hall and found both Mu and Nicol already waiting for them.

"You two seemed to be up early," Kira told them.

Both looked very guilty.

"Well Kira, I have prepared everything we should be able to get everything finished today." Nicol told him.

"Great work, I appreciate it." Kira replied.

"I apologize for taking him all day My Lady, but please feel free to do anything you wish around Josh-a," Nicol told Lacus.

"I thank you Lord Nicol," Lacus replied.

They had there breakfast and were about to go about there business. Kira and Lacus shared a small kiss and they went about there business.

"I will see you this evening Lacus," Kira told her

Lacus smiled, "I shall be waiting."

After that Kira left.

Kira Nicol and Mu

They left the dining room to head up to Nicol's study. They needed to go over the tax collection, and matters concerning Josh-a defense in case of an attack.

"So Kira when will we see a wedding?" Nicol asked.

Kira looked at him, "What are you talking about?"

Nicol smiled, "It is fairly obvious that it is her you will choose."

Mu found this hilarious.

"I believe we have matters to discuss," Kira told them as he was trying to change the subject. However in his mind he kept that thought of marrying Lacus.

Nicol saw he changed the subject and said no more. They reached the study and sat down at the table, Mu kept his guard by the door.

Kira looked over the economic papers for Josh-a, he was pleased that they were having a good year. Kira was also pleased that if they had a few problems during bad weather months, that Nicol would not raise taxes on his land. He was a fair ruler which is why Kira left him in charge of Josh-a.

"The crop reports keep getting better, I am pleased." Kira said.

Nicol smiled, "Yes Josh-a has very rich soil for farming, but it is the people that keep the crops going."

Kira smiled, "Not only that it is because you keep things fair, which they are able to work well."

"I appreciate your kind words." Nicol replied.

Kira glanced over the documents for a little while longer; he knew Nicol had everything in control so he didn't really expect to have to change anything.

"You have done well my friend, we will have enough product to get through another year, for that I thank you, and the people of Josh-a." Kira told him.

Nicol felt embarrassed, "I thank you for your words, and the people would be honored to hear your words."

Kira smiled, "Well then let us strengthen the defense."

Nicol looked, "Yes it would make us feel better."

They left the study and went out into the stables to grab there horses. They rode out of the estate and went to the borders of Josh-a. They arrived at where ZAFT would have to attack if they did. It was a hilly area, which had given them a disatvantage. If ZAFT was going to attack they would have to do it here or they would fall to the Blitz squad's defenses in open areas.

"If they attack it will be here," Kira said.

Nicol looked around, "I agree, these hills don't do much for farming so we have left them alone."

Kira looked around, "Josh-a would be a prime target if they ever get past the border."

"My squad will be at a disadvantage in closed spaces," Nicol told him.

"That is precisely why we need to construct a small fortress in these hills." Kira said.

Nicol nodded his head, "That would be nice, but we don't have the equipment or builders here for that, all the people are mostly farmers."

"I will send a massager to Boaz for supplies and people," Kira told him.

Nicol smiled, "How is Athrun by the way, I sent him a message to join me but he declined it."

Kira smiled, "I expect him in the capitol in a few weeks, and he is still love struck for my sister."

Nicol laughed, "They still haven't made any moves?"

Kira shuck his head, "I really don't know why, I would be honored for Athrun to be with her."

Boaz was a city like Onogoro, but it was mostly a fort, they had high walls and a lot of defensive equipment. Boaz was almost as big as Onogoro, it was said even by ZAFT knights that it is impossible to take that fort.

Nicol laughed.

"Well then I will send the order, we must defend Josh-a at all costs." Kira told him.

"Yes the knights would give there lives to defend this Kingdom and you," Nicol replied.

Kira smiled, "Let us hope that we are doing all of this nothing."

"Yes, I will hope we continue to have peace." Nicol replied.

They finished going over there preperations in case of an assault and it was already afternoon. Kira wanted to do one last thing; he wanted to meet some of the people. All three of them rode back into town.

Nicol noticed as they were riding Kira had a small smile and seemed to be staring off into space.

"Does he do this a lot?" Nicol asked.

Mu looked at him, "Ever since he met her yes."

"You know I can hear you," Kira replied.

Nicol laughed, "Well than you know what you should do."

"Don't you think it is time for you to settle down as well?" Kira asked.

Nicol felt embarrassed, "I ah well."

Mu laughed, "You kids I swear."

Both Kira and Nicol looked at him.

"I don't think you are in any position to be giving advice Mu," Kira told him.

"Hey I know she wants me, she is just being shy," Mu told them.

Both of them started laughing.

They rode into town and were greeted by some of the town's people. Kira gladly greeted them all Mu was on alert he never felt very good having Kira out in the open like this, but since Nicol had a close relationship with most of the townspeople he knew almost everyone that was greeting Kira. The people were happy to see there King, it made a lot of them feel more secure. Kira spent a lot of time out there talking to them, until it reached evening, and he felt it was time to get back to Lacus.

"Well Kira I'm sure they have dinner prepared, but I have a feeling you want to return for another reason."

Kira blushed, and they rode back to the estate.

With Lacus

After Kira Nicol and Mu left, Lacus was a little sad that they left, but she was really looking forward to exploring Josh-a. She turned around when she saw two guards and an older maid.

"My Lady if you need anything please ask," The maid said.

Lacus smiled, "I was just going to look around the city."

"As you wish My Lady, these are your guards," The maid replied.

Lacus was surprised she was getting guards, but she smiled when she knew it was Kira who was looking out for her.

"I apperiate you coming with me," Lacus told them.

They just bowed at her, which made her feel embarrassed.

"Shall we prepare your horse My Lady?" the maid asked.

Lacus nodded, "No thank you I would like to walk."

"As you wish," the maid said as she was showing Lacus ou of the estate.

They reached outside the estate and Lacus thanked her for her assistance. The maid smiled and thought that Lacus would make a great choice for the King.

Lacus left the estate grounds followed by her two guards; she was amazed at how diferent it was from Onogoro. All the people were looking at her in astonishment. Lacus felt embarrassed, but she continued on. A lot of the people smiled and greeted her. She returned there kindness to them. Lacus was standing in front of one of the shops when a little girl ran up to her, holding a bouque of flowers.

Lacus looked down at her.

"For you My Lady," The girl said.

Lacus was amazed at her politness, "Why thank you there very pretty."

The girl smiled, "Are you the Queen?"

Lacus jumped a little and smiled at her, "No I am not the Queen."

The girl frowned, "But you're nice and pretty, and in the stories my big sister told me, Nice and pretty girls who ride with Kings are Queens."

Lacus really felt embarrassed, she didn't know what to say when she saw a girl about her age run up to the little girl, and she then looked at Lacus.

"I am so sorry My Lady, I hope she wasn't bothering you," The older girl said.

Lacus smiled, "She is no trouble, and I have a brother that age."

Lacus felt a little better she was around someone her age and decided to talk to her a little more.

"I should introduce myself I'm…" Lacus started to say but she was cut off.

"Your Lacus Clyne, some say the future Queen," The girl said.

Lacus was shocked at both things not only that people knew her name, but at the Queen thing as well.

"A little surprised, word travels fast in Josh-a," The girl replied.

Lacus giggled a little.

"I am sorry my name is Jessica and I am a servant in the Amalfi estate," She told her.

Lacus looked, "I am sorry I havent seen you."

Jessica smiled, "I have these last two days off, but I will be there the rest of the week."

Lacus smiled and was happy she made a new friend. Lacus invited her to walk with her and she agreed. They were walking around Josh-a talking.

"So what work do you do in the estate?" Lacus asked.

"I mostly do garding and cleaning, Lord Nicol is very kind so I love my job." Jessica said.

Lacus thought just how much this girl was like her.

"I to am a servant in Onogoro," Lacus replied.

The girl looked at her, "So the rumors are true about the King with one of us."

Lacus nodded she knew what she meant since they were both former slaves.

Jessica saw her reaction, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you."

Lacus smiled, "No it is alright, and I know a lot of people in Onogoro are against this, but I…" Lacus said but was cut off.

"But you love him as a man and a King right," Jessica finished for her.

"Yes I do, and that is all I want," Lacus replied.

Jessica smiled, "Well I don't blame you he is wonderful, what I wouldn't give to be in your position."

Lacus looked at her, "I am just happy he wants to be with me."

"I'll say any woman in this country would like to have a chance at that." Jessica replied.

Lacus looked confused, "What do you mean?"

Jessica looked at her, "When I was a slave he came here with his father the late King Ulen and he would always treat us normally, when I would be beaten by someone he stopped it."

Lacus found this interesting.

"He always treated us like real people; he freed us and now he even loves one of us."

Lacus blushed and thought al little, "You loved him didn't you?"

Jessica nodded her head, "I couldn't help it, it just happened I saw the way he looked at you when you came into town yesterday and I couldn't help but want that to be me, even though he never really spoke to me, I'm sorry," she started to tear up.

Lacus smiled and took her hands in her own, "You have nothing to apoligise for, and I fell for him almost the same way."

Jessica smiled, "When he saved me from being beaten I made a vow to myself that I would look out for his happiness, and I'm glad he has you Lady Lacus."

Lacus smiled and they both continued walking, "That is why you wanted to meet me am I wrong?"

Jesica smiled, "Yes I confess that, but I'm glad I did I know know that you will make him happy."

They kept walking and talking until it was evening Lacus knew that she had to get back.

"I am terribly sorry, but I must be going I hope to see you in the estate," Lacus said.

Jessica smiled, "I do as well."

They said there goodbyes and Lacus went back to the estate.

Josh-a Estate

Lacus arrived first she immediately went to the dinning room. Not long after the doors opened, and revealed Kira. She immediately got up and hugged him very tightly.

"My, what is this for?" Kira asked.

Lacus smiled, "Just for being as wonderful as you are."

Kira smiled and there faces got closer and they kissed. It last a good five minutes until Nicol and Mu entered to room.

"You see what I mean they always do that when I enter the room," Mu told Nicol.

Nicol laughed, "I understand, you guys should go upstairs for that."

Kira and Lacus broke there kiss and giggled. They all sat down to dinner after dinner they retired for the night.

Messiah Castle

Rau on the other hand was very susy that first night he was sending his chosen people into ORB to set up. He planed on doing this every night until the end of the week when he would leave himself. He planed a very well organized ambush that he was sure was going to work.

To be continued…

(AN) I hope you enjoy this chapter; it was the longest one so far. The next chapter will take place the last night there in Josh-a. I hope to have it up by Monday. See you later.