Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam.

Once again, huge thanks to LW for beta-reading, especially during the Xmas season!

Also, if you haven't already, please check out my other story, Gemini Fever! It's a parody where the characters of Gundam SEED watch Gundam Gemini and become crazy fans, leading to all sorts of trouble. I wrote it to promote GG and for GG readers (no knowledge of SEED is required) so please give it a go!


Gundam Gemini

Episode Seventeen

The Scarlet Admirer

Part A

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The tall, black gates walling off the Aurelia estate from the public were exactly as Ursula had imagined. More than just a barrier to repel mere mortals, the rows of wrought iron bars tapered off into intricately laced loops and formed the shape of two wolves meeting in the middle. It was both imposing and elegant, just like the masters of the domain, thought Ursula.

The black gates were affixed to equally impressive walls of towering white stone which stretched as far as the eye could see on either side of Ursula. They dwarfed even the mansions of the upper-class suburb past the main road behind her and the LIRA captain let out a shaky breath as the butterflies in her stomach multiplied. Just beyond those gates was a thousand acres of land and forest – enough for House Aurelia to build their own fiefdom if they so wished – and even in the distance she could behold the grandeur of Aurelia Manor.

Ursula could not help but weigh it against her family's meagre estate and its dilapidated manor which all but paled in comparison. Still, the daughter of House Roland stood tall, puffed out her chest and, after a deep breath, pressed the intercom button mounted on the stone wall.

"…Yes?" the voice of an elderly man answered and Ursula felt herself perspire under the stare of the intercom camera.

"G-Good afternoon!" she stuttered nervously, almost biting her tongue. "My… My name is Ursula Roland. I… I received this invitation…?"

Fumbling through her pocket, Ursula clumsily produced the invitation and showed it to the camera. Her name was handwritten on the front in elegant cursive and the back had a red wax seal stamped with the wolf crest of House Aurelia.

"Ah! Lady Ursula," the man – a servant, she presumed – exclaimed in recognition. "We've been expecting you, milady. I shall open the gates now." There was a pause. "…Forgive me if I'm wrong but... did you not come by car?"

"Er, no…" Ursula replied, and cursed her penny-pinching habits as she felt her cheeks flush. "…I caught the bus."

"Oh my…! Then I shall send out a car to pick you up immediately!"

Ursula tried to protest but the servant said it would shame their house if they let her walk the kilometre-long driveway and soon she found herself the passenger of a sleek black limousine. Unused to such luxuries, Ursula squirmed in her seat and distracted herself by admiring the pristine woods and green meadows passing by outside the window. Before long, the scenery gave way to an expansive clearing as Aurelia Manor came into view and the sight supplanted her worries with wide-eyed awe.

The manor was like something out of a fairy tale – a lofty castle of unyielding red brickwork, framed by exquisite lattice windows that cascaded down four stories and crowned with shimmering black shingles layered across its arched roof. Ursula couldn't even take in the whole building at once, such was its enormity, and as she turned her head side to side she observed the lower manor walls were coated with insulating jade ivy grown from the charming gardens below. Rose bushes and perfectly trimmed hedges also decorated the grounds, creating a sprawling maze around the manor, and Ursula was astonished to see a large fountain bubbling with clear water as the centrepiece – an extreme extravagance considering the liquid's rarity on Lux.

Before Ursula knew it, the limousine had stopped on the paved driveway right beside the manor entrance and the chauffeur was opening her door. Swallowing her nerves again, the woman stepped out, smoothed the creases in her LIRA uniform and readjusted her cap before craning her neck back to take in the full majesty of Aurelia Manor up close. If the experience so far hadn't been surreal enough, Ursula was rendered speechless when the great, oaken double doors opened and a dozen maids and butlers greeted her.

"Welcome, milady," they chorused and bowed, almost knocking their guest over from the shock. Unsure of what to do, Ursula froze on the spot and her senses were overwhelmed by several extraordinary details at once.

First, a sparkling crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling of the round entrance hall which was remarkably spacious. Second, a magnificent set of twin staircases curved around the sides of the hall from the second floor like sculpted oak, its steps draped with red carpet. Third, nestled between the stairs on the weaved timber floorboards of the ground floor was a gorgeous pair of arched, glass doors which presumably led to the manor's great hall. Fourth, the sides of the room were lined with picturesque landscape paintings, some of which hid the occasional wolf, except for the lifelike portrait of a beautiful, raven-haired woman hanging in the centre above the staircase. Lastly – the final detail which literally shook Ursula out of her dazed state – was the giant black wolf which ran up and tackled her from out of nowhere.

"Ah! S-Stop! Um… Heel!" Ursula yelped as the wolf stood on its hindlegs and leaned on her, eliciting some smiles from the servants, but was relieved to find the animal was in fact quite friendly. Like a greeting, it brought its long face close to her own and she became lost in its amber eyes.

"Sirius! Paws off our esteemed guest!"

The pet obediently sat down on command and Ursula looked up to find Vega at the head of the stairs. The daughter of House Aurelia was fashionably dressed even in her own home and wore a sleeveless red cotton sweater, slim white pants cropped at the ankles and, of course, red velvet heels. As she sauntered down the stairs while caressing the sloped banner, Ursula's brown gaze was drawn to the woman's smiling lips, long silver hair and her eyes…

…which were still hidden behind a white mask. The bated breath Ursula had held in anticipation was released with a long sigh of disappointment instead. So the Scarlet Wolf even concealed her face at home.

"Welcome to Aurelia Manor, my dear Ursula," Vega beamed as she reached the bottom of the stairs and dismissed the servants with a wave of her hand. "I had anticipated you would arrive early… but I never would have guessed you would arrive by public transportation! If you had difficulty reaching the estate, you only needed to ask and I could have easily arranged for a car to pick you up…"

"N-No, I couldn't dream of troubling you! I don't mind, really..."

"Or perhaps I should have the bus drive you directly here next time? I must say, the idea of you disembarking the coach in full view of Lux's nobility sounds oddly entertaining…"

"Don't you dare!"

Vega chuckled and Ursula pouted, knowing she had fallen for another one of the woman's jests. Seeing his master so pleased, Sirius sat by her red heels and was rewarded with a mollifying head pat. Observing the contented animal with unease, Ursula still could not tell whether it was a dog or a real wolf.

"Your pet, Sirius… It's not a real wolf, is it?"

"Sirius? No, of course not. Sirius is a domesticated hound of the finest pedigree! Aren't you, boy?" Vega laughed again and crouched down to cuddle the lucky black beast to prove her point before her tone turned ominous. "Although, that's not to say the blood of wolves doesn't flow through his veins. The stories passed down in House Aurelia do tell of wolves living on our estate and of the unnatural pact our ancestors formed with them. I've never seen any wolves in the forest myself but sometimes, on the night of a full moon… you will hear a howl."

"N-Nonsense! You're just trying to scare me!" Ursula snapped. As she watched Vega run her hands through Sirius' glossy fur coat, however, she found she could really believe that the noblewoman had tamed an actual wolf.

"Now, shall we head to my room Ursula?" Vega asked and released the hound who scampered off down the corridor.

"Your r-r-room?" Ursula stammered, her imagination suddenly running wild. "Y-You don't mind…?"

"Of course not. If anything, it's necessary you come!" Vega coaxed her. "I mean, you're not seriously thinking of attending the soiree in your uniform, are you?"

"The invitation didn't apprise me of a dress code…" Ursula quickly argued, ashamed to admit she had never been invited to such a function before. "What's wrong with my uniform?"

"It would be such a waste, my dear Ursula! Think of the occasion! I know I have a dress somewhere in my wardrobe that will suit you," Vega put her hands on her hips and insisted. "You come too, Dorothy."

"Yes, milady."

Ursula whirled around and was gobsmacked to find one of the maids standing right behind her. The LIRA captain hadn't even noticed her presence but before she could say anything, Vega had grabbed her by the hand and started dragging her up the staircase.

"Fortunately, we have plenty of time before the soiree begins," the masked woman grinned and ignored the protestations of her guest. "Fear not, dear Ursula. I'm no fairy godmother but with some effort, I'll make a Cinderella out of you yet."

Hearing that, Ursula's apprehension only worsened.

.


.

As Ursula discovered, the wardrobe Vega had mentioned earlier was actually an entire room dedicated to her mountain of designer clothes and other apparel. The daughter of House Roland was bundled inside and given only a moment to gawk at the hoard of fashionable garments which hung from endless rows of clothing racks before Vega stopped at a section where her gowns and dresses were stored. Having never seen Vega so much as wear a skirt, Ursula raised a curious eyebrow only for her eyes to bulge when she saw the dresses the silver-haired woman was picking out and handing over to Dorothy.

The captain felt her cheeks warm with every lacy frill, plunging neckline, thigh-high slit and open-back outfit that passed her gaze but she was ushered into the next room before she could object. An adjoining door led to a voluminous bedroom decked with soft white carpet and the finest trappings – Vega's bedchamber, Ursula's inner voice screamed with excitement. Unaware of her guest's line of thought, her host began holding up the chosen dresses to Ursula's body in front of an ornate gold full-length mirror. Using her lurid imagination and hand gestures, a passionate Vega described dress by dress how each would best complement Ursula's figure, legs or derriere, and her blushing subordinate replied to each in turn with a resounding 'No!'.

"Forgive me…" Vega trembled, attempting and failing to hold in her laughter after a see-through gown caused Ursula to look absolutely scandalised. "Truthfully, I never intended to have you wear any of these…"

"I knew it… You just wanted to see my reaction," Ursula glowered and glanced at the stacked pile of discarded dresses on the bed with a sigh. Nearby, even Dorothy politely giggled at the brunette's expense and she realised the maid must have been in on it too.

"Indeed… but I did have one dress in mind that I believe would be perfect for you," Vega smiled and gestured to Dorothy who produced a red ball gown from the closet. Unlike some of the other dresses, this one had a more modest decolletage as well as off the shoulder straps, a slimming bodice and a high-low bouffant skirt decorated with intricate lace roses. It was simple yet elegant and even Ursula couldn't hide her adoration of the gown.

"It's beautiful…" she whispered and ran the back of her hand over the satin material as her brown eyes flickered with wonder. "To be perfectly honest, I'm surprised you have any dresses at all, major, let alone one like this."

"They were all gifts from my late mother who valiantly endeavoured to have me wear each at least once – one for every soiree or party," Vega revealed the memory with a mournful smile and Ursula recalled the portrait of the raven-haired woman at the entrance hall. "I'm ashamed to say she may have only seen me wear a dress once or twice before she passed…"

"But Lady Aurelia was so pleased when you did," Dorothy reminded her mistress who nodded with a chuckle.

"I remember mother was terrible with technology so she had you operate the camera and take hundreds of pictures for her."

"Thanks to the late madam, I am a veritable master photographer now who knows all of milady's good sides. Thoroughly."

Dorothy's blue eyes glinted and Vega chuckled again. Ursula got the sense they had known one another for a long time and felt a pang in her chest. Was she… jealous?

"Oh! Shoes!" Vega suddenly proclaimed, eyeing Ursula's black LIRA issue boots with disdain. "Dorothy, quickly – the matching red heels with straps from the wardrobe. You know the ones I mean."

"Right away, milady. And may I suggest, in the meantime, you change into your own attire for the soiree?"

They followed the maid's gaze to the balcony sliding door and realised evening had already beset them.

"Ah, the soiree must already be underway. Never mind, we shall be fashionably late, Ursula," Vega roguishly declared. "Now go ahead and change."

"H-Here? With y-you?" the brunette stammered, looking around the bedchamber like a wary animal out of its enclosure while Dorothy quietly slipped out through the adjoining door unnoticed.

"If that makes you feel more comfortable," Vega teased. "Ah, but it appears Dorothy has had the foresight to put up this changing screen! How thoughtful of her."

The paper changing screen did partition the room in two but that hardly placated Ursula's fraught nerves. She was going to undress in Vega Aurelia's bedchamber – in the Scarlet Wolf's lair – and Vega herself would be disrobing in the same room only metres away. Imagining what Vega might try to do while they were naked and alone, Ursula clutched her chest as her heart threatened to hammer its way out of her ribcage.

"Oh, but you had best wait for Dorothy's help before you change into that gown," Vega said with a sigh as she disappeared behind the screen. "How unfortunate… My eyes were looking forward to gracing themselves with your slender figure but I suppose I will change first. Don't mind me, Ursula, and make yourself at home."

Ursula scowled at the woman before turning her back on her with a huff. She wasn't feeling disappointed at all, she told herself. Taking the red ball gown from the hanger, she held it up to herself in the front of the mirror again and swayed her body side to side. The dress was beautiful, there was no doubt about that, but the expression of the would-be wearer reflected in the mirror appeared doubtful.

Ursula's eyes were a boring brown and her hair was cropped into a straight, uninteresting bob cut. Running her fingers through her brown locks, she wondered whether she should try growing her hair out. Perhaps she should dye it red. Just a little.

Recalling red was Vega's favourite colour, Ursula made the mistake of glimpsing at the changing screen through the mirror's reflection. She discovered the voluptuous silhouette of her superior officer could be clearly seen through the paper and Ursula almost gasped with embarrassment. Forcing herself not to peek, she searched for a distraction and looked around the room instead.

She spied tall shelves filled to the brim with books, the mahogany dresser and wardrobe, an antique writing desk and a flatscreen television mounted on the wall. The rose-patterned wallpaper matched the velvet curtains as well as the silk sheets of the impressive, queen-size canopy bed. To her surprise, Ursula also noticed a white dressing table just within view past the changing screen; it was true the Scarlet Wolf always looked her best but the captain never expected such a feminine piece of furniture inside her room.

Even more surprising were the open jewellery boxes and drawers on the dressing table which were bursting with sparkling rings and ornate necklaces. Perhaps Vega had inherited the jewellery and dressing table from her late mother, Ursula concluded. But if so, the small, brown wooden box that caught her eye seemed out of place amongst the other ostentatious trinkets. Something of Vega's, then?

Before Ursula's inquisitive examination of the wooden box could go any further, she spotted Vega's white mask lying on the dressing table and suddenly realised she had a rare chance – a chance to see the Scarlet Wolf unmasked. Instinctively, she attempted to peek at Vega through the reflection of the dressing table mirror before she recalled her honour and stopped her shameful actions with a groan. Red-faced, she surveyed the room instead and saw photos on the bookshelves.

Ursula's eyes lit up with delight like a bear uncovering a hoard of delicious honey and she rushed over with anticipation. She had actually only been two years behind Vega when she had enrolled into the Royal Military Academy but the daughter of House Aurelia had already begun wearing her mask by then and was never seen without it. Finally, however, she would get to see her face and solve the mystery once and for all.

But as Ursula scanned the photos her bottom lip slowly began to wilt and her brow furrowed with bewilderment; Vega was wearing her mask in every one of them. No matter whether it was school or private photos, the mask never left her face. To top things off, there weren't even any pictures of her from before her third academic year or as a child.

"You've got to be kidding me…" Ursula grumbled and never noticed as a certain maid snuck up on her.

"Handsome, isn't she?" Dorothy whispered into her ear and Ursula spun about with a muted shriek. "Oh, don't mind me, Lady Ursula. Please, continue your ogling of my mistress as though you were still completely alone."

The woman giggled and, upon catching her breath, Ursula took a moment to finally consider the maid of House Aurelia with a cocked eyebrow. She was young – about Ursula's age, she guessed – but a little shorter and had brown hair that was a shade lighter than the captain's and had been tied back into a ponytail. Her curious eyes were coloured sapphire blue and, like her mistress, her comely features appeared to be fixed into a permanent, smiling poker face; in other words, she was the kind of person Ursula had the most trouble dealing with.

"Dorothy… was it?" Ursula inhaled and made sure Vega was still changing with a glance as she lowered her voice. "Does your mistress not keep pictures of herself when she was… younger?"

"You desire photographs of milady when she was… a child?" Dorothy asked and cocked her head innocently before covering her mouth. "My… You certainly have quite the acquired taste, Lady Ursula."

"No…!" the horrified woman almost yelled before she brought her tone back down to a hushed whisper. "I mean, isn't there a photo where you can see her… without a mask?"

"Ah, you wish to gaze upon the splendour that is milady's uncovered features?" Dorothy guessed correctly and nodded with understanding. "Sadly, milady has hidden them all away. But even if I was in a position to help you, I could not betray my mistress. It's truly a shame since she is even more beautiful than you can imagine underneath…"

"You've seen her? Unmasked?" Ursula pressed the maid and found herself leaning forward.

"Oh, my apologies, Lady Ursula. I am afraid I cannot divulge that juicy bit of information…" Dorothy smiled while her guest suppressed a groan. "Now, shall we get you out of those clothes and into this gorgeous gown?"

Ursula timidly followed the maid back to the full-length mirror where, under great duress, she allowed Dorothy to help her disrobe. Ursula had always dressed by herself, shunning the indulgence of letting others clothe her even when House Roland still had servants, and found her first experience to be quite odd. Perhaps sensing her guest's unease, Dorothy worked quickly and efficiently so Ursula was naked for as short a time as possible, putting the LIRA uniform away before helping the toned woman into the ball gown.

"We'll slip it on from the feet up, milady… We don't want to get your pretty makeup ruined after all," Dorothy astutely pointed out as she kneeled on the floor with the bunched-up gown while Ursula blushed. As her siblings had teased her before she had departed, it must have been some occasion for the strict daughter of House Roland to wear even light makeup. Putting her embarrassment aside, Ursula stepped into the gown and watched her reflection as Dorothy gently pulled the fabric up.

In an instant, Ursula was transformed. The red ball gown fit perfectly and accented her slender figure while the high low skirt showed off her long legs. Her bosom was still slightly exposed by the low neckline but the red satin material contrasted well against her skin and was pleasing to the eye. An astonished Ursula couldn't even recognise the fashionable – not to mention feminine – woman in the mirror and kept touching her bare arms to make sure it was her. Meanwhile, Dorothy quietly stood behind her and adjusted the bodice.

"How long have you been with House Aurelia?" Ursula, impressed with the maid's work thus far, found herself asking.

"Oh, for a little over a decade now, milady. Since Lady Vega was a young girl and I was asked to be her playmate," Dorothy smiled at the memory while tightening the strings of the bodice. "The head maid of Aurelia Manor, my aunt, recommended me to Lady Aurelia and I came to live here while learning the proper ways of being a maid. After my elementary schooling was finished, her ladyship officially hired me and I have been Lady Vega's personal maid ever since."

"I see… You must know all sorts of things about your mistress, having been with her for so long…" Ursula felt her heart tighten and simply said what came to mind but Dorothy clearly saw her frown from the mirror's reflection.

"Could it be… you are jealous, Lady Ursula?" The maid's lips upturned impishly and she giggled when the pilot turned beet-red. "My, Lady Vega is certainly popular, isn't she? But I can understand your feelings completely…"

"You… You can?"

"To be perfectly honest, I am the one who is jealous of you, Lady Ursula," Dorothy admitted as her smile turned melancholic. "Since joining LIRA, Lady Vega is often away from home and we all miss her dearly. On the rare occasion milady returns, she will not regale us with tales of the war but rather her misadventures with her comrades instead… and you feature quite a bit, milady."

"I… I do?"

"Very much, milady. Every time, I think to myself, 'I wish I were one of Lady Vega's comrades too so I could follow her into space'. That way I could be with milady all the time…" Dorothy sighed and Ursula felt pangs of guilt for ever being jealous of the maid. "Truly, Lady Ursula… you're so lucky to be Lady Vega's number one girlfriend."

"I know… Wait, what?!" Ursula exclaimed and tried to twist her head only to yelp when she felt all the oxygen being squeezed out of her chest as Dorothy pulled the bodice tight.

"Breathe in, please," the maid in the mirror beamed before tying off the taut strings.

"What… What did you mean by that?" Ursula whispered after she had made sure none of her ribs were broken. "I'm not Vega's g-girlfriend!"
"Oh, there's no need to be shy, Lady Ursula. Milady would not just invite anyone to the soiree… Oh, I'm sure all the other ladies in the Space Wolves must be so jealous!"

Dorothy giggled and distracted Ursula by producing a pair of elegant red velvet heels with ankle straps. The maid kneeled and they continued the conversation while she helped the flustered captain to put them on.

"With her charm and gallantry, Lady Vega has always had a way with the ladies ever since her school days and they are always vying for her attention," Dorothy sighed happily at the memory as she tied Ursula's ankle straps. "I'm sure it must be the same in milady's squadron."

"Just what exactly do you think goes on in the Space Wolves…?" a hesitant Ursula asked and considered the maid strangely. It was a question she would come to regret almost immediately.

"Everything one would expect from Lady Vega's own personal female harem, of course! There must be so much flirting flowers just blooming in the background and… and catfights! Milady's girlfriends must always be competing for her affections until she soothes them with sweet nothings. According to my information, Lady Ursula is milady's current favourite but this Miss Jaeger sounds like a worthy rival!" Dorothy excitedly exclaimed and her personality changed completely as she cupped her warming cheeks. "Oh, just imagining the Scarlet Wolf's forbidden flower garden is like nourishment for my soul… but pairing the mistress and Lady Ursula together is especially scrumptious!"

"N-No… You… Ugh…" Ursula was about to rectify the maid's fantasies but upon seeing her eyes glaze over realised it was a lost cause. The flabbergasted captain had encountered many of Vega's diehard fans over the years but Dorothy didn't just take the cake and run away with it; she took the cake, rebaked it into a wedding cake in her head-oven and force-fed the concoction to everyone. "Whatever you're imagining, please stop…"

"Oh? And whatever could I be imagining, Lady Ursula?" Dorothy teased in a manner so reminiscent of her mistress that Ursula blushed before instinctually lashing out.

"Y-You know very well what I mean, you… you perverted maid!"

Dorothy only giggled in response and they were so caught up in their conversation they never noticed Vega step out from behind the changing screen.

"Oh? Since when did you two start getting along so well?" Vega got their attention with a grin and stunned them with her bold new clothes. She was wearing a red two-piece suit woven from luxurious silk which gleamed as the smooth material flowed down her tall figure and accentuated her curves. A white ruffled blouse protruded out from inside the buttoned, single-breasted jacket and sleeves, and at the end of the straight cropped pants she had surprisingly chosen white heels. The masked woman finished off her stylish appearance by tying her silver hair back into a simple, low ponytail using a red silk ribbon.

"Oh, my lady, you look so dashing," Dorothy clapped her hands together and gushed over her mistress. "Does she not, Lady Ursula?"

"I… I suppose… maybe…" a tongue-tied Ursula dithered but seeing as she couldn't take her eyes away from Vega, the others took it as a compliment and smiled.

"Why thank you, Ursula. But look at you – you are as exquisite as a rose in that dress! It brings out so much of your natural beauty I hardly recognise you," Vega adulated her second with seemingly genuine surprise and Ursula felt her blush deepen as her host looked her up and down. "However, I cannot shake the idea that your outfit needs one final flourish or two… Ah! I believe I have just the thing."

Mystified, Ursula watched as Vega produced two accessories from behind her back with which she proceeded to adorn her guest. One was a red choker encrusted with tiny rubies and the other was a simple red rose clip which Vega used to lift up Ursula's bangs.

"There. Now I daresay you will steal the hearts of everyone attending the soiree, my dear Ursula," Vega whispered into Ursula's ear as they admired her reflection in the mirror. Standing side by side with Vega in matching outfits had Ursula speechless as her mind fluttered between excitement and embarrassment, but the mention of the soiree brought the woman crashing back down to reality. Was she, the mannish first daughter of poor House Roland as she knew the other nobles called her, really going to walk among them like this?

"N-No… I can't. I can't do this…" she murmured and turned on her heels to apologise to Vega only for her to stumble. Ursula fell right into the taller woman's arms which cushioned her fall and she was momentarily transfixed by the scent of perfume.

"Of course you can," Vega whispered back, having heard Ursula, and held the smaller woman in her arms for a moment longer. "You're the proud heir to House Roland and a distinguished LIRA captain, not to mention the Scarlet Wolf's trusted second-in-command. Never mind what the other nobles think; walk into that hall and stand tall, Ursula Roland."

"Vega…"

If Ursula could look into Vega's eyes and be transfixed by them she would, but the Scarlet Wolf's mask got in the way. Still, the gaze she could feel coming from behind the mysterious white visor was spellbinding enough that they became lost in the moment. They were only brought back to reality when a bright flash of light blinded them and they turned to find Dorothy with a camera in her hands.

"Yes! Yes, milady! That was wonderful!" she squealed as her other personality slipped out and she took several more pictures.

"S-Stop! I… I don't want my picture taken!" a mortified Ursula objected and tried to shield her reddened face but the maid was surprisingly fleet of foot in her long-skirted uniform. "Not like this!"

"Don't worry … We'll have the pictures sent straight to House Roland for your family's viewing pleasure," Vega chuckled and teased the panicked woman only to pause when her irate guest gave her a scorching stare. "…Well, you'd best get used to it. I have hired a professional photographer for the soiree, so you know…"

"Oh god…" Ursula grabbed her cheeks and bemoaned her state of affairs until she saw Vega extend an arm to her.

"I'll be right with you, my dear Ursula," the Scarlet Wolf assured her second with a confident smile like she did when they went into battle and Ursula suddenly felt her worries disappear. "Well, then… Shall we?"

After drawing a deep breath to calm her nerves, Ursula took Vega's arm and they left the bedchamber with Dorothy in tow, still taking pictures.

.


.

When Vega and Ursula arrived at the manor's great hall, the soiree was already in full swing. Everywhere they looked, the crème de la crème of Lux's nobility and socialites were either mingling or dancing to the small orchestra playing classical music on stage and waiters wandered about with drinks and finger food. Ursula felt out of her depth at once and her jittery hands balled up into nervous fists. It did not help that they had become the centre of attention as people stopped to greet Vega and the gathered nobles cleared a path for the striking red pair.

While they paused so someone could congratulate Vega on her miraculous survival and return to Lux after the battle at Arcturus, Ursula tried to get her bearings in what was an alien world to the modest daughter of House Roland. She tried to shrink into herself if that were possible but the many gazes flying her way told the woman it was a futile effort. Amongst the curious stares, however, were dagger-like glares and she found they belonged to a clique of fashionably dressed young women.

Vega's fan club, Ursula surmised, who appeared none too pleased that their idol had walked into the soiree with an unknown woman. As soon as Vega was finished speaking, the clique swarmed them like a hive of noisy bees, flirting with the Scarlet Wolf and grabbing at her arms as they tried to separate her from the interloper.

"Girls, girls, please," Vega chided them with a soft chuckle although it was obvious she was enjoying the attention. "My apologies, Ursula. I'll be right back… after I discipline these unruly minxes."

The minxes in question squealed gleefully at the prospect and Vega herded them off towards an open table, leaving Ursula all alone. Unaware she was pouting, Ursula scared one of the waiters when she snatched some finger food from his plate and began nibbling on them with a vengeance. Once the sugary treat – a delicious vanilla slice, if her tastebuds were correct – had eased her anger, the spurned woman found herself admiring the great hall.

Aurelia Manor was famous for its great hall and Ursula could see why. The wondrous chamber of chiselled white marble was immense – it dwarfed the small hall at Roland Manor which had last held a party generations ago – and fantastic reliefs of gods and goddesses decorated its high ceiling from which hung a glittering crystal chandelier. The reliefs continued down the walls of the room and formed sculpted pillars with wolves on top of them, each in a different pose and holding a light fixture in its jaws. In between the pillars were a dozen pairs of red velvet curtains which had been drawn back to reveal an equal number of arched, window-like French doors. Several of the tall, glass-paned double doors which had been unlatched led outside to the stone veranda surrounding the great hall where more guests had assembled to take a break from the soiree while admiring the night sky.

Back inside the hall, revellers danced on the polished marble floor of chequered black and white tiles while the orchestra played nonstop. Those not dancing or resting their legs milled around the sides of the room where round tables and chairs had been organised for sitting. Also lining the hall was a mountainous buffet of homestyle dishes and exotic cuisines which had to be constantly replenished by the manor's industrious kitchen. Seeing all the nobles dressed in their finest, some of whom she recognised from television or the tabloids, Ursula was glad she had changed out of her uniform – especially when she saw the professional photographer Vega had mentioned making the rounds with his assistant.

"Magnifique! Come, Christina! There is still much beauty we must capture!"

"Right away, Andre!"

The odd, lanky man with the camera passed by with his redheaded assistant on his heels and Ursula stepped out of her hiding place in the crowd with a sigh of relief. Reminded of how unbalanced she felt in heels without Vega's arm providing support, she considered sitting down but was too shy to intrude on any of the occupied tables especially since there was no one she recognised.

"Good evening, milady. Can I offer you a drink?"

Ursula heard a man's voice speak from behind her and prayed he wasn't talking to her. After reshaping her grimace into a pleasant smile, she slowly turned around only for her jaw to drop when she saw who it was.

"…Luke?"

The perplexed man in the dapper suit holding two drinks regarded Ursula with a vacant stare as he tried to place her before his eyes fell out of their sockets.

"C-Captain…?!" Luke cried and appeared to mouth a curse word before his pale features turned apologetic. "I… I didn't recognise you…"

"I know," Ursula bluntly replied and snatched one of the drinks off his hands. While she sipped hers, Luke downed his all at once.

"Luke! There you are!" an irritated voice caused the man in question to flinch, and a girl no more than twelve years old who was wearing a pink dress appeared with her hands on her hips. "You're not trying to hit on more women, are you?"

The raven-haired girl with long twintails and a fiery stare pinched the taller man on his buttocks, and the resemblance between the pair did not go unnoticed by Ursula.

"My spoiled little sister, Eliza Valorie," Luke introduced Ursula to the girl thumping him with her fist while keeping a straight face. "Eliza, this is my superior in the Space Wolves I was telling you about, Captain Ursula Roland. Remember?"

"C-Captain Roland?!" Reacting like a perfect copy of her pale brother only seconds ago, Eliza's gaze widened at the sight of Ursula who raised a curious eyebrow as the younger Valorie performed a hasty curtsy. "I-It's a pleasure to meet you, captain. My brother has only had cruel… kind things to say about you…"

"Oh, really?" Ursula pointedly glared at Luke who avoided eye contact and quickly replaced his empty glass with a full one from a passing waiter.

"I… I know he can be a layabout but I hope he doesn't trouble you too much, captain…"

"Well, it's difficult for your brother to trouble me when he is often nowhere to be found…" the woman gave Luke another scowl before she sighed and took pity on his sister. "…And Ursula is fine. House Valorie has a much higher status than House Roland so you needn't be so formal, Miss Eliza."

"Then… Miss Ursula?" Eliza breathed with relief and finally smiled. "You're different from what I imagined…. I knew I shouldn't have believed my brother!"

"Sounds like we both have it tough," Ursula nodded in understanding before her eyes took on a vengeful glint. "Oh… and he was hitting on me."

While Eliza set upon her brother with punishing pinches and body slaps, Ursula sipped her champagne and enjoyed the show.

"I didn't recognise her, alright?!" Luke blurted in his defence as he endured his punishment. "The captain doesn't usually dress like… like this!"

"Is that how you compliment a lady?!" Eliza snapped and gave her brother one final slap on the arm before turning back to Ursula with the sweetest smile on her face. "You look wonderful, Miss Ursula!"

"Why, thank you, Miss Eliza," Ursula nodded in return. "And I think that pink dress makes you look adorable."

The flattery delighted Eliza enough that she cupped her cheeks and began talking nonstop about her dress, during which Luke took the chance to take a step closer to Ursula.

"Never expected to see you here," he stated the obvious while pretending to pay attention to his sister. "I thought these aristocratic get-togethers weren't your thing, captain."

"They aren't… but it was the first time Major Aurelia ever sent me an invitation so I thought I should at least show up," Ursula rolled out her prepared excuse but it sounded false now that she was wearing her elegant ball gown and Luke raised a disbelieving eyebrow. "Come to think of it, you don't even like these parties either."

"I don't… but someone found the invitation and begged me to take her," Luke explained with mock annoyance as he stared at his little sister and Ursula noticed the pilot's usually untidy locks had been gelled back for once. "Now that you mention it, we're pretty much the only members of the nobility in the Space Wolves whom Major Aurelia could send invitations to. I'm sure she would invite the entire squadron if she could but… I believe the experience would be far too overwhelming for most of them, to say the least."

"No kidding…" Ursula agreed and took another sip of her glass as they watched Lux's nobility dance in the latest fashions without a care in the world. The class-conscious Pavel would probably have a heart attack if he were here, leaving Ursula to babysit a wild-eyed and etiquette-ignorant Charlotte.

"So… where's Lady Vega?" a doe-eyed Eliza asked and looked around the room while fixing her hair, reminding Ursula of a certain blonde protégé.

"Well, the last I saw of her she was enjoying the attention of her female fans…" Ursula curtly informed them and her apparent irritation did not go unnoticed by the Valorie siblings.

"Ah, there you are!" a familiar voice caught their attention and they found Vega swaggering towards them with hand on hip and her usual charismatic smile. "I see you've managed to find each other despite the festivities. Wait, where are my manners? Welcome to House Aurelia's annual winter soiree, where you can dance and make merry to your heart's content! Well? Are you having an enchanted evening?"

"Oh, just smashing, major. It's been one miracle after another," Luke grinned with tongue in cheek before he admired his host's red suit. "And may I also say you're looking quite dashing as always?"

Vega let out a hearty laugh.

"You don't clean up too badly yourself, lieutenant," she returned the compliment with a nod before noticing the girl by Luke's side who was completely hypnotised by the Scarlet Wolf's presence. "Oh? And who is this adorable creature?"

Eliza took a moment to realise that the Vega Aurelia was speaking to her before the stars in her widening eyes faded and she began to stutter uncontrollably.

"I… I'm… Eliza Valorie… L-Luke's sister!" she uncharacteristically stammered.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Eliza Valorie," the suave Vega responded by taking Eliza's hand and kissing it, and as the poor girl flushed to her ears it looked like she was close to swooning. "Vega Aurelia, at your service."

"I… I know! I'm a big, big fan of yours, Lady Vega!" the awestruck Eliza blurted out after finally finding her voice before falling solemnly silent. "My… My brother told me what happened during the month you were all missing. He told me how you saved your entire squadron on Arcturus and led them home. I know he's a pain, but… but we were so relieved when we heard Luke was still alive… so thank you for bringing my big brother home, Lady Vega…"

Eliza had begun to sob as she spoke but bravely finished what she had wanted to say before succumbing to her tears. While keeping a tight hold on Luke's sleeve with one hand as if she was afraid he would suddenly disappear, she clumsily reached for her handkerchief with the other only to find Vega offering her own. Stunned, Eliza could only stand there as the noblewoman kneeled and gently dabbed her wet cheeks.

"Do not cry, little Eliza…" she smiled, drying her tears. "I only did what any squad leader would… but if I had known Luke had such a cute little sister I would have delivered him back to you much sooner. Perhaps I could have spared you these tears that spoil such a pretty face..."

As Vega worked her charm, Eliza's entire face heated up like a boiling kettle and steam almost whistled out her ears. The girl scurried behind her brother and grabbed the jacket of his suit, holding him in place so she could hide from the Scarlet Wolf's bewitching gaze.

"E-Eliza?! What are you doing?"

"Quiet, stupid bro! I… I can't let Lady Vega see me in this state!"

From the sounds of heavy breathing and squealing coming from behind the older Valorie, Eliza was flitting between embarrassment and starstruck rapture. Ursula thought she could hear the phrases 'Oh my god, Lady Vega called me pretty!', 'Oh my god, I'm never washing this hand again!' and 'This was so worth tagging along with you, stupid bro!' on repeat. The younger Valorie was certainly a fan but Ursula couldn't hold it against her as she had a younger sister who was also crazy about the Scarlet Wolf.

"Oh my… Adorable, isn't she?" a chuckling Vega whispered to Ursula who recalled she was meant to be angry at her superior and tossed her head to the side. "Ursula? Oh… could it be you're angry I left you all alone?"

"Not at all. I'm sure you prefer the company of your rabid fans anyway…" Ursula pouted, not even bothering to look at Vega.

"Oh, my dear Ursula…" Vega shook her head. "You misunderstand. I was trying to spare your feelings. Those 'rabid fans' as you call them can be terribly cruel to those they don't approve of, you see…"

"Oh… then… you were thinking of me?" Ursula ventured, her tone softening.

"The entire time…" Vega whispered and leaned in so she could place a soothing hand on the reddening subordinate's back. "It took all my strength not to push them away so I could come back to be with you…"

"She's good…" a spellbound Eliza muttered, peeking out from behind Luke's back just as Ursula turned into a useless pile of pink mush.

"What did I tell you?" Luke smirked, and wished Charlotte was here to add to the fireworks. Perhaps he should inform her later?

"Milady, your drinks as requested."

A voice announced itself from behind the bewildered Valories who parted in fright to reveal the ever-smiling Dorothy carrying a tray of drinks.

"Ah, Dorothy. Excellent!" Vega grinned and Dorothy took their empty glasses while handing out the fresh drinks. "It's a few weeks overdue but I thought we could have a toast to celebrate our survival and safe return to Lux."

"But… I'm not old enough to drink," said Eliza, sniffing her glass.

"I took the liberty to fill your glass with root beer, Lady Eliza," Dorothy informed the pleasantly surprised girl with a smile. "Your favourite, if I am not mistaken."

An impressed Ursula wondered if there was anything Dorothy didn't know… and, as if reading her mind, the maid glanced her way and giggled as the pilot almost dropped her drink.

"Then, without further ado," Vega began and raised her glass of red wine before looking at each of her friends in turn. "To our continued good health, good fortunes… and everlasting smiles."

The gaze of the gracious host settled on Eliza last who blushed profusely as they all touched their glasses together with a resonating clink. The group then downed their drinks at the same time and, as expected, Vega savoured her red wine the longest in her euphoric, drawn-out manner – much more than usual, even. After drinking the last of her precious supply on Arcturus and subsequently being forced to go cold turkey for almost a month, it appeared Vega was now treasuring every drop that passed her lips.

"Oh, sweet ambrosia… What would I do without you?" she finally released the bowled rim from her lips and crooned before noticing a familiar figure through the glass. "Ah, father! Good timing."

Ursula immediately put her glass down and straightened upon hearing Lord Aurelia himself was near. Following Vega's gaze, she saw a tall and lean nobleman with white, parted hair approaching them. Despite the walking stick in his hand, he still cut a commanding figure, proving that while he might be past his physical prime he was not as elderly or frail as he seemed. His sharp facial features and pale eyes in particular reminded Ursula of a highly disciplined veteran soldier who guarded their emotions at all times. Finally, if there was still any doubt this was one of the most powerful men in the empire, the wolf crest on his grey suit and the silver wolf's head forming the handle of his walking stick made it clear this was Lord Aurelia – Vega's father.

"Father, allow me to introduce you to my subordinates from the Space Wolves; this is Captain Ursula Roland and this is Lieutenant Luke Valorie," said Vega, gesturing to Ursula and Luke who bowed their heads on cue. "And this adorable little creature is the lieutenant's sister, Eliza Valorie."

While Eliza kept her head bowed to hide her heavy blush, the others withstood the intense scrutiny of Lord Aurelia's pale eyes. It was far from the chilling experience of General Cypher's dead stare but they did feel as if they were being dissected and categorised.

"…Space Wolves, eh?" Lord Aurelia finally spoke, revealing a deep and humourless voice. "I've read the reports about what happened on Arcturus; you have quite the luck. But then again, anyone who willingly follows my fool of a daughter around must have it in spades…"

"Father!" Vega simply chuckled at his words but the others had a more mystified reaction. Had Lord Aurelia just insulted them?

"I see age hasn't softened your thorny tongue, Felix," a sonorous voice interrupted them and a familiar reed-like figure with a curled moustache stepped out from behind Lord Aurelia. "Don't mind the duke; he's not one for compliments. I believe he was congratulating the Space Wolves on your safe return and… praising your loyalty to his only daughter?"

"C-Commodore?" Ursula and Luke exclaimed, and the captain of the Blue Crow who had exchanged his uniform for a blue suit and bowtie smiled at them in response.

"Thank you, Fox. I don't recall hiring a translator but it relieves me to know a second and brilliant career is open to you once LIRA finally retires your old hide," Lord Aurelia informed Jonas with what seemed to be the utmost courtesy… except his words were laced with faint, almost undetectable sarcasm.

"Forgive me, my lord, but I'd sooner throw myself into a raging supernova than slave away under your thumb for the rest of my days, if that is what you just implied," Jonas shot back with equal scorn and jest, and the two men considered each other like old sparring partners.

Ursula and Luke were so stunned they could only look on with their jaws unhinged. They knew Sparrhorn was an old acquaintance of House Aurelia but could never have imagined he was this close to the family – enough to be on a first-name basis with Lord Aurelia himself. Judging by their sharp-tongued rapport, the two men had a history and, despite their barbs, were more than comfortable in each other's presence. Although one was a duke and the other a commoner, it was almost as if they were old friends.

"Commodore! I didn't realise you would be coming to our little soiree," said Vega, accepting his presence much more calmly than the others as more drinks were provided by an elderly butler.

"Of course I came. Wouldn't miss it for the world," Jonas told her before raising his glass to the others. "House Aurelia's soirees are famous for good reason so enjoy it like there's no tomorrow!"

"Y-Yes, sir," Ursula and Luke replied out of habit, almost saluting the commodore who downed his drink with gusto.

"Oh, that reminds me. We were just talking about you before this, Vega…"

"Yes," Lord Aurelia confirmed with Jonas. "We happened to meet a mutual friend of yours…"

"A mutual friend?"

Vega paused in her drinking, cocked her head and wondered who they could be speaking of. She received her answer in the form of a heavy-set man who forced his way into the group with the subtlety of a meteorite. His barrel chest was so broad even Pavel could not compare and he towered over most in the hall. When they craned their necks back to look at his face, they found stern eyes and a thick handlebar moustache that rivalled Sparrhorn's. But what astonished them most was the man's LIRA uniform which was black with green scales – the colours of the Imperial Guard.

"Oh my goodness…" Vega whispered and the eyes of her mask appeared to light up as she gave her glass to Dorothy to hold so she could spread her arms out in a warm greeting. "If it isn't my old squad leader, Captain Alistair Wallace! No, excuse me… Colonel Wallace. It's been far too long."

"Vega Aurelia…" Wallace growled like she was the last person on Lux he wanted to see. "I'm sorry to say, major, but it hasn't been long enough… at least for me."

"Is that your way of saying you missed me?"

"No! Gods…! This is why I didn't want to come…"

While Vega laughed at her former commander's expense like five years hadn't passed at all, Ursula and Luke huddled for an emergency meeting.

"Is that… Breaker Wallace?" Ursula whispered, staring at the man like she had seen a legend in the flesh. "I thought he was retired?"

"Me too. After years of breaking in new pilot recruits fresh out of the academy, they say the major was the one who finally made Breaker Wallace consider retirement…" said Luke, repeating the well-known story for the benefit of his sister. "But now he's part of the Imperial Guard… and a colonel. That's pretty remarkable for a commoner."

"Ah, colonel, allow me to introduce you to some of my fellow Space Wolves," Vega suddenly walked over to them and brought Wallace with her. "You can be sure I've been instilling them with the same harsh instruction and valuable discipline that you taught me all those years ago."

"Rubbish, Vega! You never learned anything from me you didn't immediately toss into space!" Wallace barked and cast his eyes upon Luke and Ursula who both tried not to wilt under the colonel's steely gaze as they saluted. "Ah, but what madness is this? Unlike their rascal of a commander, these do appear to be model soldiers! Lieutenant Luke Valorie and Captain Ursula Roland, if I'm not mistaken."

"Yes, sir," Luke replied, lowering his salute with surprise. "How did you know?"

"I've worked alongside your brother in the Imperial Guard on occasion. Good sort, always obeys orders and never complains."

"Oh, my much more talented and handsome older brother… Of course," Luke's voice took on a sardonic tone and he chuckled before finishing off his glass.

"And as for Captain Roland… I knew your father."

"You knew my father?" Ursula echoed with interest and the large man nodded.

"I trained him. Talented pilot and officer. A real leader. Shame what happened to him in 296…" Wallace lamented with a distant look and sipped his drink before addressing Ursula again. "If he knew his daughter had followed in his footsteps to become a pilot just like him… He'd be proud."

"Thank you, colonel…" Ursula smiled, almost lost for words but also feeling warmth at the memory of her beloved father. "That's kind of you to say."

"I mean it. I've kept an eye on your record, captain. Impeccable. Accomplished. Not to mention you've managed to put up with this oddball for the last three years…" Wallace cast an irritated glance at Vega who grinned as if she had just been complimented. "If you ask me, you should get a medal just for that… and a transfer. You'll probably rise higher in the ranks on your own. And live longer. Trust me."

"Oh no, colonel. Ursula isn't going anywhere; I need her. She is indispensable to the everyday workings of the Space Wolves," Vega haughtily pronounced and made her point by wrapping an arm around her blushing subordinate. "But speaking of promotions, congratulations on yours – a colonel in the Imperial Guard! Unless my memory betrays me, last we spoke I thought you were retiring. How did this come to be?"

"Don't play dumb, Aurelia! You know damn well how this came to be!" Wallace growled but held his tongue when he saw Sparrhorn and Lord Aurelia watching on with amusement. "Five years ago, just when I had all my paperwork in order to leave my military career behind, I received a royal notice informing me of my immediate induction into the Imperial Guard. Can you imagine my shock? I went from dreaming of a carefree, happy retirement to contemplating even more years of babysitting brats and greenhorns in only a matter of seconds…"

"But… you accepted?" Luke hazarded a guess.

"…Of course. I couldn't pass up the salary," Wallace replied matter-of-factly. "Paid for my new house. Plus, as it turned out, after a few promotions I mostly just push pencils. Not as strenuous as drilling the younger guards and keeping them battle-ready, which seems to be why they hired me in the first place, but my blood pressure has never been better."

"My, what a heartwarming story. It almost makes me regret rejecting that position in the Imperial Guard earlier this year… Imagine, colonel; we could have been working together again. Just like the old days!" Vega grinned with excitement at the prospect while her former commander appeared to physically recoil and his moustache bristled at the mere idea. "Still, whatever could I possibly have to do with your good fortune?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Wallace grunted and glanced towards Lord Aurelia. "There's no way a commoner got into the Imperial Guard without being recommended by a noble house, let alone promoted. Likely, a house with close ties to the Imperial Family has been supporting me..."

"As an officer in LIRA with a commoner background who was sponsored by a noble house myself, this is quite a credible tale," Sparrhorn agreed and turned to Lord Aurelia with a pointed look. "Well, what do you have to say to that, my lord?"

"I may have mentioned the then Captain Wallace's name to the emperor or the head of the Imperial Guard on occasion but I honestly do not remember," Lord Aurelia brushed off the insinuation with his stony expression before raising his glass to the colonel. "Still, I'm sure both your induction and meteoric rise in the Guard was all due to your own achievements, colonel. Any noble house seeking to support you would find they did not need to do much at all... Not like this stray fox we picked up."

"Now just a second, my lord," an indignant Sparrhorn intervened. "I may have been young at the time but I was no stray. In fact, though it may be hard for you to admit, I'm one of the greatest investments House Aurelia has ever made."

"Greatest investment? Perhaps you forget, Fox, but I seem to recall having to cover your sorry behind on more than one occasion…"

The old men argued like children and never noticed as Wallace raised his glass to Lord Aurelia in silent gratitude.

"Now if only Pavel could get promoted…" he muttered.

"You know Lieutenant Ivanov as well?" Ursula asked.

"I trained him too. He should be a major by now if not for his low birth. How is he?"

"Still flying Wargs like a papa bear, sir," Luke answered. "He looks out for everyone in the squad – especially this one pipsqueak cub who sometimes gets in over her head."

"Hah! That sounds like Pavel!"

While Wallace roared with laughter and told Ursula, Luke and his sister old stories about Pavel, Vega interrupted her father and Sparrhorn before they made a scene.

"Father, you never told me Colonel Wallace had been invited to the soiree," she said with mock admonishment. "What a pleasant surprise."

"I didn't invite him," Lord Aurelia bluntly told his daughter. "The colonel is here on Imperial Guard business."

"Unofficial business," Sparrhorn added, wriggling his bushy eyebrows. "I believe he has a letter... addressed to you."

"To me?" a genuinely puzzled Vega repeated, but before she could ask for details the peaceful atmosphere of the soiree was disturbed by the voracious barking of Sirius.

"N-No! Bad dog! Get back! B-Back, I say!"

Recognising that snobbish voice anywhere, Vega turned to find Narick Ambion cowering in the doorway as Sirius prevented him from entering the great hall. The blonde scion wore a white suit fitted with gold buttons befitting his vainglorious nature and he might have cut a relatively dashing figure if his expression wasn't twisted with wide-eyed terror. His date, a long-legged blonde in a blue dress, had somehow escaped Sirius' ire and watched with concern inside the hall as the wolf-like hound threatened to tear Narick to pieces with his gnashing fangs. The comical spectacle had Vega covering her mouth to avoid rude laughter but when she removed her hand her red lips were still greatly curved with pleasure.

"Who invited him?" she asked, keeping her question brief to avoid choking with laughter again. If Vega had known Narick was coming, she would have prepared some kind humiliating prank to welcome him … but this was simply marvellous too.

"Your mother always sent an invitation to the Ambions out of courtesy… So I did," said Lord Aurelia and even his emotionless face had a hint of delight at witnessing the misfortune of an Ambion. "Not that they've ever responded… Until now."

After savouring the sight of Narick in distress a moment longer with a glass of red wine, Vega sighed before she strode in and restrained Sirius by the collar.

"Sirius! Is that how you welcome one of our guests? For shame!" she chided the whining wolf at first only to kneel down so she could whisper into his flattened ear. "Good boy, Sirius; just like I taught you. There's a treat waiting for you in the kitchen."

Standing back up, Vega handed Sirius off to Dorothy who walked the dog out though one of the open French doors. From afar, Ursula could have sworn she heard Dorothy tell the pet 'Well done, the mistress was so pleased' and that Sirius had a proud bearing to his canine gait. With the commotion over, the soiree went back to normal and, after straightening out his suit and hair, Narick finally strode into the hall with his date on his arm.

"Narick, welcome to the House Aurelia's soiree," Vega greeted him with a smile that suggested she was barely suppressing a laugh at his expense. "You must excuse Sirius. I don't know what came over him…"

"That mutt has always had it in for me! He should be put down!" Narick growled and didn't believe Vega's innocent apology for a second. "You're lucky that mongrel didn't bite me or… or worse!"

"Oh, Sirius would never harm anyone. Especially not the famed survivor of Arcturus," said Vega with an esteemed tone that sounded almost genuine and the subject matter caused Narick to visibly flinch. "I must say, on my return to Lux I was startled to discover you had become a national hero… and that rumours of my death had been greatly exaggerated. Whatever did you tell everyone?"

"I… I was misquoted!" a sweating Narick faltered and struggled to find a convincing explanation. "Those damned journalists, spinning my words just so they could get a front page story… It's their fault, not mine!"

"Is that so? Well, those articles had taste at least. I especially love the lie about my supposed final moments, where I melodramatically handed over the mantle of Lux's ace to you before dying a fiery death," Vega recounted and smiled as she watched the nobleman's face turn ever paler. "Oh, but… now that everyone knows I'm alive, does that put a spoke in the legend of Narick Ambion, Hero of Arcturus? You must be under terrible scrutiny from those vultures in the media."

"Well, yes… I mean, yes! It's like they want to blame me for all the falsehoods they wrote. If they had any honour, they'd take responsibility for their own blunders!" Narick declared with a straight face and gritted his teeth as he reluctantly went on. "Of course, I tell them to report on your… miraculous… survival instead. That they should be focusing on the good news stories and it is just… wonderful… to have you back. But these tabloid publications are relentless… They're dragging my good name through the mud!"

"My, how… awful," Vega crooned with sympathy even as she celebrated underneath her facade.

Of course, Vega knew all too well the hit Narick Ambion had taken to his reputation because she had arranged most of it. Immediately upon hearing the nobleman's tall tales about his achievements on Arcturus which had only been amplified by LIRA's propaganda machine to distract the populace from their devastating loss at the planet, she had used House Aurelia's contacts in the media industry to counter his story with her own true tale of survival and heroism. The Scarlet Wolf's interviews went viral and the results were near instantaneous. Narick was deemed a boldfaced liar and scrutiny turned to his previous claims of valour. Vega, meanwhile, took back her throne as Lux's beloved national hero and ace, and the people rejoiced at her survival and homecoming.

Last the daughter of House Aurelia had heard, Narick was lying low at his estate to avoid the media scrum following him around. Being homebound and restless as well as having temporally become persona non grata to other noble houses, he had probably seen the invitation to House Aurelia's soiree and decided to swallow his pride for an enjoyable night out. Despite the whispers already going around the great hall about the arrival of the 'liar Ambion', Vega was sure the overconfident scion would barely notice and turned her attention instead to his date.

"And who is this extraordinary creature? I thought I knew all the beauties on Lux," Vega unleashed her honeyed tongue before she kneeled and kissed the blushing woman's hand. "Perhaps you could save a dance for me? Later?"

"Oh no, Aurelia!" Narick cut in and tore his date away from the female Casanova. "Not this time! Now, if you'll excuse us, I believe a spot just opened up on the dance floor."

Narick marched off with his bemused date in tow whose amorous gaze lingered on Vega before she secretly blew a kiss which the masked woman deftly caught. Watching on from afar, Ursula found herself frowning with disapproval and took a large swill of her glass. She never noticed the elderly gentlemen that had crept up to her side until he spoke.

"Handful, isn't she?" said Lord Aurelia and gestured to his daughter with his walking stick. "Hard to believe she was so obedient as a child. It must be a full-time job – being the Scarlet Wolf's second, that is."

Ursula froze, unsure whether to agree or not, and all she could manage was a feeble answer. "Er… Yes, my lord?"

She watched Lord Aurelia's face closely and held her breath as he emitted a low grunt. When she realised that was the stony-faced duke's rendition of a chuckle, her taut features relaxed.

"I appreciate your honesty, captain. I know that my daughter chose you because she values your frank character," he said and finally turned to look her directly in the eye. "I hope you can continue to be her friend far into the future."

The pale grey orbs of Duke Aurelia should have radiated power and authority befitting one of the most powerful men on Lux, but what Ursula found was the soft gaze of a father wishing for his daughter's safety. She was a little taken aback by the request at first, being the mere daughter of a baron, but nodded firmly in response and had the sense she was swearing a heavy oath. Despite that, however, she did not feel herself regretting it.

"Getting along, are we?" Vega suddenly joined them and there was a glint of humour coming from the eyes of her mask. "Although I believe Ursula is a bit young for you, father."

Less than amused, Lord Aurelia grunted again and turned to Ursula just as the exasperated woman finished rolling her eyes at her commander.

"I remember raising a wolf but I don't remember giving her that barbed tongue… She must get it from her mother," he remarked, completely ignoring Vega and making her wait before addressing her. "You have a fine friend in Captain Roland, Vega. I would advise you to hold on to her."

"Oh, don't worry, father. I fully intend to do just that…" Vega smiled and, upon hearing the orchestra start up again with a new song, seized Ursula by the hand. "Come, my dear Ursula. You must dance with me!"

"What? B-But…"

"No buts! I have been waiting all night to ask you!"

Before Ursula could protest further, she found her glass had been snatched away by a smiling Dorothy and Vega guided her to the dance floor without resistance. Finding herself hand-in-hand with the famed daughter of House Aurelia, the dark brunette blushed as they passed the other guests and drew their attention, including that of an amused Luke and his envious sister Eliza. They also passed Sparrhorn and Wallace who were deep in conversation, and Ursula recalled then that she had a request for the imperial guard.

"Oh, Colonel Wallace? I would love to hear more about my father – if you could spare a moment later!" she managed to blurt out before she was pulled from their sight.

"It would be my pleasure," Wallace replied, shaking his head alongside Sparrhorn as they watched Ursula get whisked away by a red wolf.

The pair weaved through the maze of other dancers on the floor until Vega found an open spot in the middle and she finally turned around. In one smooth motion, she put her right hand around Ursula's back and grasped her other hand, smiling when the startled woman cried out. Knowing Vega was taking pleasure in her unease, Ursula pursed her lips before placing her own hand around the taller woman and they began to dance.

They waltzed to the music in their matching red attire and the skirt of Ursula's ball gown billowed like she was floating. The other dancers and guests found their gazes drawn to the beautiful couple, including that of the Scarlet Wolf's green-eyed fan club who were biting into their handkerchiefs out of spite. However, Ursula barely noticed the attention and it was as if the pair were in their own little world.

"You dance well," Vega whispered a compliment into her ear as they twirled.

"M-My mother taught me the basic steps before I left," said Ursula, praying Vega wouldn't hear her pounding heart. The major was so close as they danced that just an inch more and their bodies would be pressed together.

"That reminds me, I did promise to visit and see your siblings," Vega murmured, growing reattached to the idea. "And now I must give my regards to Lady Roland for raising such a talented daughter…"

"Thank you, but there's already enough scarlet fans in House Roland without you converting my mother too," Ursula sighed while matching Vega's movements, developing more confidence with each step. She also noted with a raised eyebrow that her dance partner knew the man's steps perfectly.

"Oh my, so you've seen through my wicked plan," Vega chuckled with a throaty hum which somehow sent electricity coursing through Ursula's body. "The moment I secure Lady Roland, the entire house of bears would be in my palm."

"Really now... W-Wait, the entire house?" the eldest daughter of House Roland exclaimed, almost stumbling. "A-Aren't you getting ahead of yourself, assuming I'm one of your f-fans?"

"Am I wrong?" Vega innocently cocked her head and asked. "Do you… dislike me?"

The question caught Ursula off guard and she fumbled for an answer. No matter what reply the flustered woman thought of, it felt unfair and she was sure Vega was toying with her as usual. But feeling the noblewoman's expectant gaze from behind her mask, Ursula's sincerity won through and she settled on her answer.

"…I don't dislike you," she whispered, unable to make eye contact.

A wide smile spread across Vega's cheeks and she began to laugh. Like a child overcome by happiness, she increased her pace and almost carried Ursula away as they waltzed like a jubilant storm. Ursula cried out as the room began to spin but followed Vega's lead and before long even the captain was giggling. When their steps finally slowed back down to a more normal pace, the embarrassed brunette coughed and reset to her straightlaced expression only to find her partner staring intently at her.

"Are you free next week?" Vega suddenly asked.

"I… I might be," Ursula stuttered, wondering why her heart just jumped. "W-Why do you ask?"

"I just received an interesting message from Colonel Wallace asking for my presence," Vega explained nonchalantly. "Apparently I have an admirer."

"…Eh?"

Ursula's mind went blank but her body continued to dance like a red rose twirling amongst the other flowers of the soiree. Even the enchanting orchestra music which ebbed and flowed as it filled the great hall with its ringing notes could not wake her. If she had, as Ursula learned later, she might have noticed the constant barrage of camera flashes aimed her way.

.


.

Dragnel, the capital of Lux, held not only the distinction of being the seat of power in the empire but also the privilege of being where the Serpentine Imperial Family had established their royal residence. The magnificence of Dragnel Castle, high up on a lone mountain, could be admired from everywhere in the city and as such the metropolis had been constructed with a splendour befitting the royal capital. Surrounding the base of the mountain, the shiny, modern skyscrapers of the business district gave way to a sprawl of compact suburban housing which stretched all the way to the edge of the city. Forests, meadows and creeks in turn spouted within the suburbs and on its borders, and the rare plots of nature existed almost exclusively on the private land of nobles.

Encompassing the entirety of Dragnel was a giant dome so high and large it was almost invisible from the inside. The cutting-edge material which made up the dome – transparent enough for sunlight to pass through but strong enough to weather the harsh storms of Lux – allowed the city to keep oxygen levels stable and control their climate to a degree. Without the domes, the Luxites and their key cities would be ravaged by the planet's unforgiving landscape which had killed so many of their ancestors. In its natural form, Lux was a wasteland unfit for human colonization with noxious gases that clouded the infertile lowlands and weak sunlight from the system's distant star which bathed the planet in eternal dusk.

Fortunately, not only was the air inside the domes clean and the land bountiful but the glass was also able to reflect and refocus the sun's faint rays. The result was that bright, sunny days could be recreated under the right conditions along with projected images of realistic blue skies and white clouds. For those privileged enough to dwell inside the domes, it was as if they lived in another world and the thought of what went on outside scarcely concerned them.

It was on one of those rare days, when the dome gathered enough light to fashion a bright yellow sun, that Ursula Roland found herself in the business district of Dragnel. The frugal captain wouldn't usually be found in the extravagant area with its high-rise buildings, ritzy restaurants and brand name malls which also made it a popular tourist spot but she had an appointment. Catching her reflection in the window of a nearby boutique, the woman stopped in the busy street to check her appearance.

Lady Roland had assured her daughter the blue fit and flare dress suited her perfectly but Ursula still had her misgivings. Like the red ball gown a week ago, she wasn't used to such finery or showing off so much leg. At least this time the dresses' half-sleeves covered her shoulders and arms, and she wore a more comfortable pair of flat blue shoes. After she adjusted the brown leather belt her mother had added to accentuate her waist, Ursula fiddled with her bangs, never noticing the short, blonde menace approaching her until it was too late.

"Well, someone is all dolled up for a special occasion…"

The familiar caustic voice caused Ursula to whirl around in surprise and she found its owner standing right behind her.

"C-Charlotte…!" she almost yelled but managed to disguise her displeasure in time. The young prodigy had her arms crossed against her white, sleeveless A-line dress and wore long, red striped socks on her legs which were spaced wide apart in a defiant pose. Judging by her disgruntled red stare, the feeling was mutual.

"Oh, I'm sorry, captain… Did I interrupt you?" Charlotte smiled sweetly before the façade fell and she hissed like a viper. "Wouldn't want to get in the way of your… date."

"D-Date?!" Ursula blushed to her ears. "I am on no such t-thing!"

"Don't lie! Luke told me everything!" Charlotte snarled and whipped out a magazine from her cute little wolf backpack. "You danced with Lady Vega at the soiree and after that you made plans for a secret rendezvous! You… You thieving cat! Why did Lady Vega invite you and not me?!"

Charlotte stamped her foot and waved the magazine in front of the taller woman's gaze which became absolutely scandalised. Along with countless pictures of Vega at the soiree within its pages, Ursula found herself featured almost as much and an entire spread was devoted to the pair dancing together. Dramatic headlines such as 'Vega's New Mystery Lover!' and 'How Long Will This Fling Last?!' were plastered all over the photo. If that wasn't bad enough, the look on Ursula's face as she danced with Vega had been captured in a close-up shot and some might say she appeared… infatuated.

"W-W-What the hell is this?!" the brunette cried, grabbing the magazine and using it to hide her glowing cheeks even as she flipped through it. "T-This… This has pictures of me! A-At the soiree! With V-V-Vega! And everything they're saying is… is…. WE'RE NOT L-LOVERS!"

"It's the Lux Daily. Any Vega fan worth their salt knows that," Charlotte smirked with superiority. "They always have articles about Lady Vega and this one sold out in under two hours. Luckily, I bought three copies."

"Wait, the Lux Daily? My mother reads that!" Ursula cried out with horror. "No wonder she's been smiling at me nonstop this whole week…"

"Forget about your mother; what about Lady Vega?!" Charlotte snatched the magazine back and demanded to know. "Is it true you made plans to meet her today? Luke said you were as giddy as a schoolgirl… You!"

"First of all, I was not as giddy as a schoolgirl. You really have to stop believing everything Valorie says…" Ursula sighed and made a mental note to slap Luke with even more menial tasks when she next saw him. "And second… Yes, the major did ask me to come out today. But it's probably not what you think…"

Ursula briefly recounted the contents of the letter Colonel Wallace had passed on to Vega and watched as the Scarlet Cub's face turned blue.

"A secret admirer?!" Charlotte screamed, her tiny mouth falling open in shock and her eyes bugging out. As expected, she was not taking the news well.

"They said they would wait for Vega at the Venus Hotel and the major asked me to come along," Ursula explained and folded her arms as her gaze fell. "But I suspect she only invited me to be her… camouflage."

"Camouflage?! There's no way anyone would believe Vega's lover is a frumpy woman like you!" Charlotte adamantly declared before making a noise like an angry chipmunk. "Why, Lady Vega?! Why didn't you choose me?!"

"Yes, that would've been more convincing, wouldn't it?" Ursula dryly quipped as she stared at the pouting, child-like figure of the shorter girl while ignoring her 'frumpy' comment. "It's unusual though… I never took Major Aurelia for one who needed assistance to ward off unwanted admirers. It makes me wonder if that letter, passed on by an Imperial Guardsman, was written by someone even she would find difficult to rebuff…"

"Y-You don't mean… royalty?!" Charlotte physically reeled back before she got a hold of herself and started shaking her fist in anger. "Who is it? Who dares to sully Lady Vega? Is it that playboy prince? I'll bite his head off!"

"Shh! Not so loud!" Ursula chided her, looking around to make sure no one heard them. "Do you want to go to prison? And it's impossible for it to be the prince because he's on deployment."

"A likely story, considering all the wartime secrecy…" Charlotte bit her thumb. "Well, there's only one way to find out. Venus Hotel, did you say?"

The determined blonde strode off on a warpath, leaving Ursula to chase after her and make sure she didn't do anything stupid. Although it was situated on the edge of the district, the towering Venus Hotel was a swanky establishment that almost exclusively served the upper class and the captain was almost certain a lone child would not be allowed entry no matter how cute she might be. When they arrived, however, instead of going inside they skulked out in front of the glass entrance like sleazy paparazzi.

"Why can't we just go inside?" Ursula whispered, shielding her face from curious onlookers.

"And lose the element of surprise? Perish the thought!" Charlotte replied as her red eyes darted about searching for potential unwanted suitors through the glass before locating the object of her affections instead. "Look! It's Lady Vega!"

Ursula repositioned her head on top of Charlotte's and saw the unmistakable figure of Vega sitting on a white sofa in the hotel's reception area. As expected, she was wearing a red designer sweater under a trendy grey winter coat and the pants of her skinny white trousers were tucked into red knee-high boots. In the place of her customary white mask, however, was a pair of aviator sunglasses which covered her eyes with giant, impenetrable mirror lenses the colour of the setting sun.

While no one in the lobby appeared to recognise the Scarlet Wolf without her mask – a fact proven by the lack of frenzied autograph requests – there was still keen interest in the silver-haired woman sitting by her lonesome. With one long leg crossed over the other, Vega passed the time while waiting for her secret admirer by reading a magazine and Ursula thought she spied a tiny smile on her red lips.

"Oh, Lady Vega… She looks marvellous today too…" Charlotte crooned with dazed eyes, completely forgetting why they were there as she started taking covert pictures with her phone.

"Oh god, she's reading the Lux Daily…" Ursula realised with a mortified cringe before she noticed a large party coming out from the elevator. "Wait, is that them?"

Amongst the group was a mysterious figure whose face was hidden by the hood of their long, velvet green cloak which trailed behind them across the carpeted floor. The conspicuous newcomer approached Vega who stood at once and bowed her head to the shorter stranger. Finally, the secret admirer threw back their hood and revealed herself to be a young woman of flawless beauty no older than Ursula's younger sister who was seventeen.

"Red hair and eyes…" the captain murmured in astonishment, watching as the redhead took hold of Vega's hands and smiled. "So the secret admirer is a woman…"

"They're obviously fake! Anyone can dye their hair and wear contacts to match Lady Vega's tastes – to seduce her!" Charlotte growled, almost biting into her fingernails. "You tramp! How dare you touch Lady Vega while I watch! I should storm in there right now and give you a piece of my mind!"

"Wait, why does it feel like I've seen her somewhere before?" Ursula muttered, wracking her brain, and only noticed Charlotte was gone when it was too late. "Charlotte?!"

The Scarlet Cub marched into the Venus Hotel like a woman on a mission and made a beeline for Vega. Like a jealous lover, Charlotte interrupted their conversation by physically getting between the two with her arms outstretched and stared down the surprised admirer with her own fiery red eyes.

"Get away from Lady Vega, you… you hussy! You shameless strumpet!" she began screaming, silencing the entire lobby as heads were turned. "If you think I'll let you work your wicked wiles on Lady Vega, well, you have another thing coming bit–"

Charlotte's colourful tirade only stopped when she found two giant men in black suits had grabbed her by the arms on either side and lifted the shorty into the air. Like a small, wild animal rebelling against its restraints, the outraged girl responded by childishly kicking her legs and calling the men names but they did not let go. When Ursula finally caught up, the bizarre scene had the horrified woman reaching for her face and she met Vega's gaze through her clawed fingers.

"Sorry, major... she followed me," Ursula apologetically whispered over Charlotte's swearing and she would have throttled the blonde if not for the presence of the redhead. Instead, the captain was left shaking her head as she prayed for mercy and her relatively short life flashed before her eyes. "That little idiot… Does she know what she's done...?!"

"Everything will be alright, Ursula. Let me handle this," an amused Vega coolly replied and quickly pacified her thrashing protégé with a smile. "Charlotte, my dear… allow me to introduce you."

Hearing her precious Lady Vega's voice, Charlotte quietened down instantly and watched as the Scarlet Wolf gestured to the redhead in green who looked equally amused by the events.

"This is Her Imperial Highness… Princess Claudia Serpentine."

The news she had grossly insulted a princess took a moment to register, but when it did Charlotte paled and her jaw dropped like a stone. Ursula, having already realised the secret admirer's true identity earlier, groaned as she buried her head in her hands and prayed their punishment would be light. Vega for her part looked totally unconcerned and merely covered her clearly widening grin while Princess Claudia simply smiled, her red eyes appearing to dance as they regarded the three women with playful curiosity.

"…Charmed, I'm sure," the princess finally said with a hint of mischief.

.

END OF PART A


Author Notes

Sorry for the delay on this one, I forgot to send my beta the chapter and there were RL issues (on top of all the effort I put into Gemini Fever...). I really wanted to complete the whole episode by Xmas (which is both funny and sad because the episode actually takes place during Lux's end of year holidays) but it looks like this be the last update for this year.

So, to everyone reading, I wish you a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year! Hopefully, I'll see you again at Part B sometime in January 2021!