(AN): I want to thank all who reviewed.

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

Chapter Fifty-Three

Presenting

The day of the Ball

Onogoro Castle

Kira's Chambers

As Kira awoke this morning from a restless night, Kira didn't know why but he really couldn't sleep that much. Kira looked over and saw Lacus sleeping peacefully next to him; he leaned over and kissed the top of her head gently as he returned to his thoughts. The past night he had awoke a few times with a strange feeling. Kira kept thinking about this feeling it was like something was going to go wrong. No matter how hard he tried he could not get this feeling out of his mind. He didn't know what it meant but it was not making him feel right.

He watched as Lacus slowly started to stir next to him, she held on to him tighter as she rested her head on his chest. Kira slowly put his arm around her and rested it on her shoulder. Kira thought for awhile and Lacus had finally woke up.

Lacus opened her eyes only to find that Kira was already up and he seemed deep in thought. Lacus looked up at him and smiled, as she used her free hand to reach up and touch his cheek. Kira's thoughts were broken as he felt Lacus place her hand on his face. Kira looked down and smiled at her.

"I see you're awake," Kira told her.

Lacus smiled and they shared a brief kiss like they did every morning, this one grew a little fiercer though. After a few minutes they broke it.

"I am awake but did you get any sleep at all?" Lacus asked.

Kira smiled at her, she was always able to read him.

"I got a few hours," Kira told her.

Lacus looked at him, "What is bothering you Kira? I can tell something is wrong," Lacus asked seriously.

Kira knew he couldn't lie to her, "I just have a lot on my mind, and I have been getting a terrible feeling about something."

Lacus looked at him in concern, "Is it something to do with ZAFT?" Lacus asked trying to get him to talk about it.

Kira smiled, "I don't really know, but I don't like it."

"You have the wait of a country on your shoulders, you are probably worn out this ball might be a good thing," Lacus told him.

Kira smiled and kissed her again, "That is the answer I love hearing from my future wife."

Lacus blushed, "Than you should take the advice from your future wife and focus on tonight, and just for one night forget about ZAFT."

Kira smiled, "As you command my Queen."

Lacus and Kira got a chuckle out of that when the doors flew open revealing a very angry Merna. Kira and Lacus both looked at her.

"I swear are you two going to lie in bed all day, it is almost midday and you both have to prepare for this evening," Merna told them angrily.

"I don't have anything to do the rest of the day Merna, so I can afford to stay in bed, besides my future wife said I had to relax," Kira told her.

Merna almost started bawling, she loved the fact that they were getting married and since was one of the few that knew she instantly ran over and hugged them both. Kira and Lacus finally calmed her down after a few minutes.

"Alright Merna we will get up," Kira told her.

Merna let both of them go, "I understand sire, I must go and wake the princess know and if I come back and you two are still laying around you will get the special." Merna said as she left the room.

Kira looked at Lacus, "I really need to find a way to keep that door shut."

Lacus smiled, "At least we didn't have one of our special nights."

Kira blushed that was something both were grateful Merna didn't see. They laughed a little bit and got up. They finished putting there normal clothes on and Merna brought their breakfast. Kira and Lacus stayed secluded for most of the day until the evening hours.

Around the castle

Mu woke that morning to find himself still in the dinning room he had one bad hangover, but he would have to ignore it as he needed to do the security check for the castle. Mu got up and immediately took the royal guard around the castle. They looked over everything, and Jibril's subordinate was the one assigned to the balconies. He was not a royal guard member but Jibril had some influence to get him to look after the balconies.

Mu went through all the security with the front gate guards, guests who arrived from the city would have to be unarmed to enter the castle. The only ones allowed to be armed were the royal guards, and a select few guest members Kira chose himself.

Mu went to the ballroom and told each guard member where they were to stand and what to do in case of an emergency; it was his policy always to be ready. Mu got all the guards together and all of them gave them their reports on the check, and Jibril's subordinate gave his as well and he was sure everything would go to plan.

Mu spent the rest of the day going through these checks and when evening was approaching he had to go get ready as he would finally have his date with Murrue.

Evening hours

As evening approached he guest around Onogoro were starting to arrive at the castle the guards did their jobs and checked for invitations and check for weapons. The guests started heading in the castle and the guards were set up so they would be able to head straight to the ballroom. All were amazed at the preparation that went into the ball. The castle looked amazing, they walked into the massive ballroom and the orchestra was playing and a few were dancing. There wasn't any major figures their yet but that would change, as the King would be the last to arrive.

Onogoro Allster Estate

With the evening hours approaching George and Flay had to get ready, it was a small miracle they were invited but Jibril took care of that. Flay was giving the servants a hard time as she wanted to look perfect. In fact she was complaining the whole day. George was getting impatient as he was waiting by the door so they could leave. After a few more minutes Flay had finally come down the stairs yelling at the servant who took to long with her hair.

George looked at her and sighed, "We are going to be late."

Flay looked at him, "It was all her fault daddy, she took to long."

"I am not concerned with that now, lets go," George said in a demanding tone.

They started walking out the door and Flay was still a little angry especially when George looked at her.

Flay frowned and then smiled, "This will be perfect daddy; at least she will finally be gone."

George glared at her, "Under no circumstances are you to act happy when it happens, just follow what I do."

Flay started whining, "But she deserves it daddy."

"Enough just keep your mouth shut and do what I do," George told her as they boarded their carriage.

Flay pouted, "Alright daddy we will do it your way."

George smiled and they started heading towards the castle.

Onogoro

Miriallia was prepared to go to this ball, she wore what Lacus had sent for her, she wasn't really looking forward to it, but she promised Lacus so she decided to head to Lacus' families house and go with them.

Lacus' family's mansion

The day had been a little hectic as all were trying to get ready for this ball, with the evening fast approaching they had to get it done fast.

Eileen was helping Rachel with her dress as Siegel was helping prepare Bill. Mear was surprisingly the first one ready; she had to admit she did love dressing up in these types of clothes. Eileen finished helping Rachel get ready and she swore she looked just like Lacus and Mear. Siegel finished helping Bill with his clothes and both started getting into their own clothes. Both were excited about this night as their eldest daughter would be officially engaged. They did their best to get ready and it didn't take them long. Mear was still waiting when there was a knock at the door. Mear was standing their so she answered it.

The door opened and revealed Miriallia. Mear greeted her and she walked in.

"What brings you here today?" Mear asked, but she saw the clothes and she had a feeling.

Miriallia looked at her, "Lacus invited me to the ball, and I was hoping I could go with you guys."

Eileen walked up to them as she heard the conversation.

"Of course you can, it would be nice to go together," Eileen told her.

Miriallia smiled, "Thank you, I really appreciate it."

Eileen smiled and the rest of them walked down the stairs and joined them at the doors.

"I think we are all ready," Siegel said.

Eileen smiled, as she looked at all of them, she had never seen the whole family like this. As they started having small conversation a carriage pulled up to the gate.

"What is that?" Miriallia asked.

Eileen and Siegel looked confused.

Mear suddenly looked at all of them, "I forgot to tell you, Lacus said we would get a ride there."

"Wow that is some ride," Siegel said.

Eileen smiled, "Let us waste no more time."

All of them agreed and they left the mansion and walked out the gate and boarded the carriage. It was big enough to fit all of them as the driver shut the door and drove off with them.

Safe House

Rau waited patiently the whole day as he waited for this time. He saw evening approaching and he quickly changed into the clothes that were placed there for him. After he changed he picked up his invitation and his sword, he knew it would be impossible to get into the castle, but he decided to stash it somewhere. Rau smiled as he walked out the door and headed for the castle.

Onogoro Castle

With the ball beginning, the few guests that stayed at the castle all went down to join the ball. There were a few stragglers.

With Jibril, Nicol, Murrue, and Via

Jibril was already prepared for this ball; it had already begun when he decided to make an appearance. He held the important letter in his hand and all he had to do was hang around near Allster to plant it so he could get away, he would have to wait at the moment Lacus was hit or it would not work.

Nicol was in his room ready as well for the ball, it would have started by know, but he would at least get an announcement. He was really looking forward to it; he looked at himself one last time and walked out of his room and down to the ball.

Via was ready as well in her room, she looked forward to this ball as her son would announce his engagement to someone she believed perfect for him. She was smiling as she thought of that and her door opened revealing Murrue who was also ready for the ball.

Via looked at her, "You look lovely, I take it your going all out for him."

Murrue stared at her, "Please My Lady, it is nothing for that moron."

Via chuckled and they soon left shortly down to the ball.

With Athrun, Cagalli, and Mu

Athrun was prepared for this ball early, he was waiting for Cagalli to finish but he could tell she was stalling. Athrun was one of the few Kira allowed to have a weapon at this ball that was not a guard. After a few minutes Cagalli came out from her room, the ball was already going on and they knew they had to get going. As soon as Athrun saw her he immediately blushed.

"You look magnificent," Athrun said.

Cagalli blushed, "Don't we have to go?"

Athrun chuckled and they both left down to the ball.

Mu on the other hand was very excited; Kira gave him the night off practically. It was not a good night for him to be off, but he really wanted this time with Murrue. Mu wore off from the hangover the previous night and stared at himself in a mirror. Mu wore his sword as he was technically off, but still in charge of operations. Mu smiled and headed down to the ball.

Kira's Chambers

Kira knew that he was the last one to make an appearance but he didn't mind. When it was almost evening the servants around the castle assisted him in his attire, most of the time Kira would do it himself, but Merna insisted that he allow them to do it. Kira was in his fanciest attire, his long cape was the most to stand out, it was not long enough to be a bother, but it would be the longest at this ball. Kira also made sure to have his sword on him. The servant's finished getting him ready, and know all Kira had to do was wait for Lacus. Kira had to admit to himself he was looking forward to seeing her in that dress. Kira waited for a few minutes and Merna entered his room. Kira knew after this night they would officially be engaged and he couldn't be happier, but there was still a feeling in his soul that was bothering him, he ignored it as he heard Merna speak.

"Your Majesty she is ready," Merna said.

Kira looked at her, "Thank you Merna, I expect you will be there tonight."

Merna smiled, "You think I would miss it, but head next door." Merna told him as she left to head to the ball. Lacus dressed in the room that was technically hers, as she wanted to surprise Kira. After Merna left Kira left his chambers and knocked on the Lacus' door. He heard her tell him to enter and as soon as he did his heart went crazy.

Kira walked in and was astonished at how she looked. Lacus' dress was mostly white with a few shades of pink that matched her hair. Kira almost had to pick his jaw off the ground.

"Do you like it?" Lacus asked as she was aware of his reaction.

Kira looked at her, "It's amazing, you're amazing."

Lacus blushed as Kira walked next to her. Lacus didn't think she could be happier; Merna and a few servants spent a lot of time on her as she wanted to be perfect for Kira, and so they would remember this night for the rest of their lives.

"Thank you," was all Lacus could say.

Kira smiled at her and their lips inched closer for a passionate kiss, they knew they were running late, but neither didn't care as both their hearts beats went a lot faster. After a few minutes they slowly parted from the kiss and looked into each others eyes.

"Are you ready to do this?" Kira asked her softly.

Lacus smiled at him, "I have never been more ready." she told him as he held his arm out to her and she graciously took it.

They smiled at each other and started heading towards the ball room. They believed nothing could ever possible go wrong anymore.

Onogoro Gate and Ball Room

The ball was going on for about a half hour when the major guests started to arrive. Inside the ballroom there was a lot of conversation and some dancing, but the majority of the guests would wait until the King arrived.

At the gate a carriage pulled up carrying George and Flay. The carriage stopped at the front gate.

"Daddy why are we stopping here?" Flay said.

George looked at her, "They won't allow a carriage into the castle grounds tonight Flay."

Flay started to pout, "We have to walk to the castle?"

George sighed and got out of the carriage, followed by Flay. They walked to the gate but were stopped by the guards.

"No weapons sir," The guard said.

George looked at him, "We are unarmed."

The guard stared at him, "I still have to check sir."

George got annoyed but agreed. The guards started to pat him down for weapons and then started on Flay.

"Watch what your grabbing, Daddy make them stop," Flay almost shouted out.

George ignored her. They finished patting them down and they were allowed into the ball room. As soon as they walked in it was a miraculous sight.

"I don't see her yet daddy," Flay said.

George instantly glared at her, "What did I tell you earlier Flay."

Flay gave him her pouting face and George looked around, that was all he could do until it happened.

Just outside the main ball doors in the back was where they would announce the special guests into the ball room. There was a servant who was chose to do the announcing, and he was waiting for someone to appear. There were only a select few who would get this honor and both Lord Jibril and Nicol appeared nearly at the same time. The servant looked at them he knew who they were.

"If I could just have to wait here sirs and I will announce you," the servant said as he opened the doors. Both Nicol and Jibril looked at each other, Nicol didn't know what it was but he always got a bad vibe from this guy, and they didn't say a word to each other. As soon as the doors towards the back opened all stopped what they were doing to get a look at who was coming through.

The servant walked out and starred at all the people. "Now presenting Lord Jibril of Logos, and Lord Nicol of Josh-a," the man said as he stepped aside.

After the announcement Jibril and Nicol walked out almost in unison. While Jibril looked around he spotted Allster and smiled, he kept the letter hidden, but for know he would ignore George until the King made his appearance. Nicol on the other hand greeted all who tried to greet him; he knew a lot of these people so he was anxious to catch up with some of them.

George and Flay saw him.

"Daddy why didn't we get announced?" Flay asked.

George looked at her, "Only a select few will get announced Flay."

Flay started whining, "We are important daddy, I will soon be Queen."

George glared at her, "Let it go for now Flay."

Flay started pouting again and it was starting to be noticed by other guests.

Back at the main gate another carriage appeared by the gate, this one carried Lacus' family and Miriallia. The carriage stopped at the main gate like it did with George.

"Why are we stopping here?" Mear asked.

Siegel looked at her, "It is for security measures, and Lacus informed us of this."

Mear nodded and all got out of the carriage. They started walking up to the gates and the guards stopped them.

"Invitations please, and leave any weapons here," the guard said.

Siegel handed them his family's invitation and Miriallia handed them hers. The guards looked over the invitation and nodded to the other guard who checked them for weapons.

After they were done they waved them into the castle. They stared walking in and the two youngest ones were amazed at the sight. There were a lot of people and it was well decorated from the last time they were there.

As soon as they walked into the massive ballroom they were amazed.

"This is gorgeous," Eileen said.

Siegel looked around, "I would have to agree, but I don't see Lacus yet."

Mear looked at him, "She won't arrive until later, and the King always enters last.

"This place is amazing, when they have a celebration, they surely do celebrate," Miriallia said.

All agreed with her and they started walking around the ballroom, going through all the sights. Eileen made sure the two youngest ones didn't wonder off as they would not be able to find them again in this crowd.

On the other side of the doors towards the back two more guests seem to arrive and this time it was Via and Murrue, they would walk in together but only Via would be announced. The servant saw them and bowed. "Please wait here My Lady."

Via smiled and agreed.

The doors opened again and once again all the people stopped to look who was next coming through. The servant entered and all looked at him.

"Now presenting our former Queen Lady Via," the servant said as Via and Murrue walked through the doors.

All did love her very much as she was who they believed made the King who he was today and that was a gentle King. Via walked towards the podium and all guests bowed a little bit as she walked by. Via smiled and greeted them as she walked by. Via arrived at her assigned position on the podium and sat down. With Murrue always by her side, but as soon as Mu arrived she had to change that.

As Via was walking towards her seat. Flay starred at her.

"See daddy she is the former Queen, which will make me the new Queen," Flay said.

George didn't bother to answer her.

Siegel and Eileen watched her walk in.

"I never knew who much he looked like her," Eileen said.

Siegel nodded in agreement, "Not only looks but from what I heard personality wise as well."

They both agreed and looked on a while longer.

Onogoro

Rau knew it was his time to get into the castle but first he had to hide his sword. Rau knew the area around the castle and decided to hide his sword in a small opening near one of the buildings by the castle. Rau smiled as he placed his sword down. Rau smiled as he straightened his outfit and headed towards the castle, he knew he had to avoid Mu until his task was complete.

Castle gates and Ballroom

Rau walked up to the gates and the guards stopped him as well.

"Invitation and weapons sir," the guard said.

Rau handed him his invitation and said he had no weapons.

"I know this will sound strange, but have we met?" the guard asked.

Rau looked at him, "You must have me confused with someone else."

The guard stared a little longer and then checked him for weapons, they saw he had none and let him in. Rau walked into the ballroom and quickly glanced around for Mu but didn't find him. His target wasn't their but he spotted Jibril. Rau knew he had to mostly remain out of sight. He checked the stairs as he walked in and saw Jibril's subordinate watching over them, and all he had to do know was avoid Mu and wait for his target.

Outside the main doors towards the back three more figures arrived at the door. The servant bowed as it was Athrun, Cagalli, and Mu. Mu earned the right to be announced but he declined it.

"Please wait here," the servant said.

The doors opened again and all once again stopped to look at who it was. The servant walked out and stopped.

"Now presenting Princess Cagalli, and Lord Athrun of Boaz," the servant said.

Athrun and Cagalli walked out along with Mu, and as soon as they walked out Mu almost stopped, as he had a terrible feeling. Mu started looking around but as soon as he saw Murrue he forgot about it. It was a feeling he always got when someone was around, but Mu forgot about it once he saw Murrue. Murrue noticed him and sighed.

As soon as the crowd saw Athrun and Cagalli they both bowed and clapped as all in the kingdom knew of their engagement and for Athrun being a major part in stopping the invading force at his gates. They walked through greeting the people until they took their seats on the podium near Via. They smiled at her and sat down. All that was left was the King to enter.

Flay saw them and pouted, "Daddy she doesn't even like being a princess, I should have been the one to be announced since I will be Queen."

George still ignored her.

Jibril was looking around when he spotted Rau. He was at first shocked, but Rau seemed to want him to know of his presence. "So he is here, well this should be accomplished for sure." Jibril told himself.

All around looked at them and in a short time went back to their business.

Outside the main doors towards the back the final two figures arrived at the door. The servant knelt this time. "It is an honor Your Majesty."

Kira looked at him as he and Lacus stopped. "Rise, you do your job well."

The servant rose and looked at him, "Should I do it know sir?"

Kira looked over to Lacus and she nodded in agreement.

Kira kissed her hand that was know holding his and they waited.

The doors opened again and all stopped what they were doing the servant entered and whispered something to the guards and the horns sounded around the ballroom. All in the room knew who was coming.

"It is my honor to present, His Majesty Kira Yamato, and Lady Lacus Clyne," the servant said.

The ballroom kept their eyes on the door, Kira and Lacus smiled at each other and then walked out the doors.

To be continued…

(AN): I hope you liked this chapter; the next one will be out by the weekend. Bye for now.