A/N: Five for five! My, at this rate I might actually get this story finished by the end of the month haha! Don't want to curse myself though, so please forget I said that :). Anyways, thanks again for the encouraging reviews and support. My heart goes out to all you very lovely individuals. Hope you enjoy this next chapter!


Chapter Four

Relena found herself in a darkened room. The air smelled damp with rot, and the floor felt cold and rough. She struggled to adjust her eyes to the dim moonlight and saw that she was in a place she did not recognize. This building seemed to be very old and in an advanced state of disrepair. Crumbled bits of what she assumed were marble tiles led her to believe this had at one time been a majestic palace.

She gathered herself and began to wander the dilapidated surroundings. Despite its decrepit appearance, for some reason she did not feel anxious or confused. It was almost as if she had been here before, at one time…

Nile blue eyes widened with wonder. The marble walls were blackened and charred, indicating that a great fire had once occurred here. But beneath their fiery exterior, she could make out the remnants of golden frames and intricately carved borders. Yes, this place was surely once one full of grandeur.

"Relena…" a breathy whisper called to her.

She recognized that voice.

"Father?"

She turned around to find Minister Darlian and Lady Mareen staring at her with stern and worried expressions.

"I thought your mother and I told you not to wander off, dear," his tone was reprimanding.

"I'm sorry," Relena said meekly.

But it seemed as if they did not hear her.

"What if something bad happened?"

As soon as he had uttered those words, everything changed. She was no longer in that old palace. Instead, she was back at the home she had known all her life, except this time she did not feel its usual comfort. Everything was a mess. The walls were splattered with an eerie red liquid. Was that… blood?

Relena screamed as corpses suddenly appeared at her feet. The bodies of her mother and father stared back at her with devoid expressions.

No… No!

What happened? They were alive just a second ago!

"Father! Mother!" she cried and shook their corpses, hoping against hope that they were merely asleep.

But they did not respond.

They were gone.

No…

"NO!"

Relena woke with a start.

Her chest rose and fell with rapid, short breaths. Sweat was gathered upon her brow. Her heart was pounding so feverishly she was sure it would beat right out her chest.

What?

Was it all a dream?

Relena breathed a sigh of relief and fell back onto a pair of plush, downy pillows. But just as soon as she let herself relax, her body tensed anxiously again. Something was not right. This bed was not hers, nor was this nightgown. She looked around in confusion. These chambers far more luxuriously decorated than hers, too. Where on earth was she?

The door opened and an elderly man entered the room. He looked at her with surprise.

"You're finally awake," he said with a tender smile.

Relena blinked in recognition, "Marshal Noventa?"

"It's good to see you again, Miss Darlian," Noventa said, "You've been asleep for nearly a day."

"Where am I?"

"The castle, my dear. You were taken here after General Maxwell found you collapsed beside your father."

"My father…?"

All at once, the memories of yesterday flooded back to her. Relena groaned and placed her palms over her head. It was throbbing with pain.

So it was true.

He was dead. The carnage she witnessed yesterday wasn't a horrible nightmare, it really happened.

"I'm truly sorry for your loss," Novena said placing a hand on her shoulder in comfort, "Your father was a great man. Always fought for justice and what he believed was right. The kingdom will miss him dearly."

He could see a storm of emotions bearing down on the poor girl. She was still reeling from the events, and he could not blame her. He too understood what it was like to lose family. It was probably better to shift topics.

"For now you are under the protection of the state," he explained, "I offered to take you in but King Dekim has temporarily appointed himself your new guardian."

"The king?" Relena looked up.

"Your father was one of his highest ranking advisors," Noventa nodded, "I believe he feels some responsibility for your well-being. I imagine he'll also want to know if you remember anything from the incident. I will let him know that you are awake now. He will probably expect you for dinner later tonight."

"I see," Relena said, "Thank you, sir."

"How do you feel? Can you stand?"

She nodded.

"I'll send for a maid to assist you. There is a warm bath waiting for you in that room as well as a fresh change of clothes. Do not push yourself too hard, my dear."

After checking the girl's condition one final time, Noventa took his leave. Relena took a shaky breath and tried to steady her thoughts. Her heart felt indescribably heavy, but for some reason she could not cry. There was just… emptiness. Mindlessly, Relena rose from the bed and stumbled towards the bath.


"Miss Darlian, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. The pain you feel must be unimaginable."

King Dekim sat at the end of a long, elaborate dining table upon which a veritable banquet was placed. Relena sat beside him, clothed in a deep violet gown that was more exquisite than any of the dresses she had at home. Her flaxen hair had been done up in an elaborate style of braids twirled into a bun atop her head. The maids had done a fine job at brightening her appearance, but they could not conceal the detachment in her voice.

"Let us have a toast in his honor," Dekim said, raising his glass.

"Thank you, your highness."

"My son is unable to join us tonight. He has business investigating your father's murder with other Oz officials. Rest assured, Miss Darlian, we will do all we can to avenge him."

"Thank you," she replied again, emotionless.

"You must be hungry. Eat."

Relena nodded her appreciation to the king for his hospitality, but despite the sumptuous feast before her she had no appetite. Frankly, food was probably the last thing on her mind at this moment. Her mind was still reeling. Not wanting to seem impolite, however, she took a slice of whatever was in front of her and forced herself to at least nibble at it. Her stomach did not want it, but she willed herself to keep it down.

The king on the other hand did not seem to have his appetite affected in the slightest by the news of his minister's death and ate heartily. Relena was a bit disturbed at this but chose not to say anything.

They were the only diners present. Several servants stood at the ready around the room, refilling the wine and bringing out or exchanging courses as needed.

"When was the last time your father brought you to the castle?" Dekim said between bites, "I believe I've not seen you for almost 10 years now."

"I believe it has indeed been that long." Relena was still struggling to pick at her food.

Dekim narrowed his eyes and studied the girl. She was a very pretty little dove with all the graces and manners of high nobility. There was something about her features, though, something recognizable yet unidentifiable at the same time. Her eyes were a striking, bright, sort of teal color, and her fair-colored hair was completely different than Darlian's rugged, brunet appearance.

"Your mother must have had strong genes."

"Pardon?"

"You don't seem to take after your father's looks at all," Dekim's tone was unreadable, "Not your eyes, face, anything. I don't recall if I ever had the pleasure of meeting your mother. You must be her spitting image."

The girl blushed, "I thank you sire…"

He began to wonder.

"Did your father ever tell you how he and your mother came about choosing your name?"

Relena looked up, surprised. She had not thought about the origin of her name for several years. If she remembered correctly she was…

She froze.

"They named you after the late princess of the Sanc Kingdom, Relena Peacecraft," King Dekim said, "Did he ever teach you about them?"

That was right. She was named after a princess… a princess from a kingdom whom at one time Romefeller considered their mortal enemies. Her heartbeat quickened.

"The Peacecrafts were a cowardly bunch who threatened the stability of the Romefeller Kingdom with their ridiculous policies," Dekim continued, "Especially their king, Marticus Rex, who thought himself some kind of guardian of 'peace' and sought to undermine us by imposing limits on what we could and could not do. Such a ridiculous notion. Eventually, a war broke out between Sanc and Romefeller, as you might have learned in your schooling. Many lives were lost during that time."

"Y-Yes," Relena tried to pick her words carefully, "It was truly terrible."

"Indeed," Dekim put down his utensils to stare intently at her, "So… it was a bit unpatriotic of him to pick such a name for his daughter, don't you think?"

Relena shivered under the king's scrutiny. She had no idea how to respond. For some reason, she felt incredibly nervous.

Dekim smirked at the discomfort rising in his guest. But he could sense no duplicity in her – she was simply a confused and scared girl. There was something else, too. Something interesting.

"Come now, I was only teasing," he laughed, "Your father served Romefeller well for 20 years. Your parents had probably picked that name before the coup occurred, and besides, you had no say in the matter."

Though Dekim's laugh helped break the atmosphere of tension, Relena found that she could not share in his good humor. She reached for a glass of wine to calm her nerves.

They dined in silence for a little while after that. Dekim was once again the one to break the silence.

"Do you remember anything from the other night?" he leveled his gaze at her.

"No," Relena tried to ignore the unsettling effect he had on her, "By the time I arrived everyone was already dead… and the assassin I assume was long gone."

"You didn't see anyone suspicious? Nothing out of the ordinary? You can tell me, Miss Darlian. Do not try to hide anything from me."

She shook her head no.

Satisfied, Dekim leaned back in his chair.

"We believe it may have been rebel forces from the old kingdom who saw your father a traitor to ideals they once held dear, so they sought revenge."

Relena did not want to continue the subject of her father's murder any longer.

"What is to become of me now?" she asked.

"For now, you are under my protection while we come to grips with the situation. Since we don't know if those rebel forces will return for you as well, I cannot allow you to return to your home at the moment."

Also because he did not want her to leave his supervision. Une was a quick and thorough assassin who excelled in stealth, so most likely Relena had not caught sight of her. But just in case she did, he could not have her revealing that knowledge to anyone else. There would be a riot if the other ministers found that their king had assassinated one of their own.

He also wanted to keep her around just in case she would prove useful in the future. Her father was beloved, after all, so perhaps his daughter would be able to wield the same sphere of influence if need be. She also shared the same name as the late Sanc princess, so perhaps any loyalists who Dekim could not reach would be swayed by her. But first, he needed to devise a way to keep her close and guarded against other influences.

"Did your father ever discuss your future with you? Most noble girls at your age are usually already married or engaged."

Relena nearly choked on her wine. These sudden changes in topic were making her very confused.

"We briefly discussed such arrangements after my mother's death, but it was not a major concern," she explained, "My father had much more stressful business as Vice-Minister to attend to."

"Is that so?" Dekim raised a brow, "I'm surprised. I would have thought someone as meticulous as he would have settled the business of your marriage long ago."

This situation was turning out better and better. His mind was already figuring out a solution. The fact that her father had not yet secured her future gave him more room to persuade the girl into following his plans.

"I know you are still grieving," he began, "But you may soon want to give thought to such matters for the security of your future. And to put your father's mind at ease from beyond the grave."

Relena could scarcely believe what was happening. Her father was murdered only a day ago, and the king expected her to think about marrying and moving on? What was the meaning of all this? Why did he care so much about her future situation?

"Forgive me, my king," she whispered, "I don't feel well. I beg you must excuse me."

Dekim nodded his approval and a servant escorted Relena from the room.

As soon as she was gone, Dekim nodded to a nearby servant.

"Call for my ministers," he said, "I have important business to discuss with them."


To the east of the castle resided several large structures. These were the housing barracks and training grounds for Oz. Romefeller prided itself in the size of its standing army, which was the largest in all the land. Most of its soldiers were spread out among the different regions but the most elite forces were located in the capital.

Between the barracks was a smaller building which held the offices and meeting halls for Oz's most important officers.

Prince Treize Khushrenada sat at a table in one such hall looking through several letters and documents placed before him. Across the table was General Yuy and generals Maxwell, Barton, Winner, and Chang. Beside him, Lady Une stood at attention.

"Do we have any leads as to what happened?" Heero began.

Prince Treize folded his hands together, "Intelligence suggests it was a rogue rebel force from the Mars regions. Une gathered that they infiltrated Minister Darlian's residence to seek revenge for what occurred in the colonies."

"Why would they target Minister Darlian?" Duo said, "He was the one who fought for their right to negotiate!"

"The Mars campaign told them otherwise," Treize continued, "They saw his actions as disingenuous. Yes, he had promised them a week of negotiations, but the battle proved it was all a lie to get the rebels to relax their defenses."

"But what led them to believe that?" general Maxwell pressed on, "Is there any concrete proof it was the rebels?"

"We heard from very reliable sources," Une said, "The evidence is clearly outlined in these documents if you care to look, general."

"What of his daughter?" Quatre said, "Was she harmed?"

"No," Treize said, "My father has taken her into his personal protection."

"She was spared?" Wufei raised a brow, "Why? If they sought revenge then why did they not seek her life as well, or at least hold her for ransom?"

"Perhaps they were not aware he had a daughter," Une said.

"That doesn't seem in accordance with their usual modus operandi."

"Correct, general Barton, which is why they were considered rogue from the main rebel organization."

Duo sat back, unsatisfied. Something seemed totally off about this entire situation, but he couldn't figure out what. He had seen the documents and the evidence was there, but… the execution just felt wrong. He had dealt enough with rebels to know they almost never entered and left an engagement so quietly.

"What a mess," Quatre sighed sadly, "Diplomatic relations are probably going to be unstable for some time."

"What do we do from here?"

"An appropriate response will be planned," Treize said, "Once we positively identify the civilian names of those involved, we can launch a counterattack. But for now we need to wait. My father will handle the politics and appoint a new interim Vice-Minister."

As they left the hall, Duo still couldn't shake the unsettling feeling he had during the meeting. He saw Heero and the other generals up ahead and jogged after them.

"Hey, guys," he said in a hushed tone, "Don't you think the situation is a little strange?"

Quatre turned to him with a perplexed expression, "Strange? What do you mean?"

Trowa and Wufei also gave him their attentions but Heero continued to walk forward.

"Minister Darlian was a very important official," Duo continued, "The last time something like this happened the king immediately tightened border controls and increased military pressure everywhere. Yet we're still sitting on our asses 24 hours later probably letting the culprits get away!"

"Those were different circumstances," Trowa said.

"Hey, you were at the residence too. You all were! Didn't you guys notice something strange? Usually, when rebels attack, they leave some sort of message. Paint on the wall, a letter, or anything really. This time there was nothing, just dead bodies."

Heero stopped and looked the general in the eye, "What are you implying?"

Finally, he was listening!

"I'm implying," Duo whispered, "That something just seems very wrong about this and maybe we should be digging deeper."

But Heero was unfazed, "Our orders are to wait."

"Heero's right," Trowa nodded.

"You're thinking too hard about this, Maxwell."

"Wufei, are you ever going to take me seriously?"

Quatre furrowed his brow, "Are you implying this was inside work?"

"Even if it is, that's none of our business," Heero said, "We do as we are told. Let the politics handle themselves."

Duo nearly threw his hands up in exasperation. Sometimes he wondered if he was the only crazy one or if everyone else was. Grumbling, he reluctantly let the topic drop and followed his peers back to the barracks.


A week passed by uneventfully at the castle. Relena kept mostly to her room or the gardens. It felt as if her life was passing in an incomprehensible blur. She was there but not there at the same time – just going through the motions of trying to resume a normal life.

Since the day she discovered her father's body, she had not cried. She didn't know why. There was still a heavy cloud weighing down on her conscious, so it was not as if she did not feel anything. In fact, it was almost as if she felt so much that her mind could not decide how to process all the thoughts and feelings.

Natalie and Sylvia had come to visit her once on separate occasions, but neither stayed for very long. Marshal Noventa also came by every day to make sure she was alright. She always assured him so, though her mind said otherwise. Besides those few instances, she found herself left alone for much of the day until the evening when she would dine with King Dekim, Prince Treize, and whoever else was a guest at the king's table that night.

Relena was grateful for it, though. Since that first dinner with the king, Relena always felt uncomfortable alone in his presence.

Unbeknownst to her, the king was regarding her from his study on one of the castle's upper floors.

Dekim watched the girl sit idly upon a bench, staring out at the gardens with a blank expression.

Yesterday an advisor had informed him that Lady Mareen had distant relatives in the old Sanc territories who had heard of Minister Darlian's death. They were willing to take the girl in since they were the only family she had left, but he could not allow it. His instincts told him it would be wiser to keep Relena in the capital.

There was a knock at the door.

"Come in," he called.

The door opened with a creak and a certain general appeared at the entryway. He was dressed in full armor, probably just returned from performing his rounds of the palace grounds.

"You sent for me?"

"Yes," Dekim's smiled, "Heero, just the man I wanted to see. Please come in."

He motioned at the chair across from him.

"How is your training?" Dekim asked, pushing aside a stack of papers, "Are the sessions with Master J still useful?"

"Everything is proceeding as usual," Heero answered curtly.

"You find the Wing One upgrade usable?"

"Yes."

"Good, very good."

Dekim leaned back in his chair to get a better look at Heero. The young man was what, twenty or twenty-one this year? Dekim remembered the very first time he had seen Heero. He had been accompanying Oz to survey the remains of a village they had just captured. The army had found no survivors except for one determined little boy. He remembered how Heero had glared at him with deep, blue eyes so full of ferocity and intensity. Even at the age of 6, his battle aura was formidable. This was no ordinary child, he could feel it.

So Dekim tested him. He had the boy enlisted in Oz even though most recruits were taken in at 13 or 14. How right he had been to do so. The boy exceeded increasingly well in the military. Upon his promotion to general, a mere 9 years after he was first found, all resistance Romefeller faced began to crumble spectacularly. The years did not dampen the boy's fighting spirit either. If anything, he only became stronger. More impenetrable, unaffected by the carnage he lived with daily.

Truly, the best weapon Dekim had ever invested in.

"How do you like that manor Treize gave you some years back? Do you visit it often?"

"I prefer to stay near the barracks."

The king was not surprised. Treize had given it to the young general a couple of years back as a reward for his services to the kingdom. It was seen as a great gesture at the time since Heero had come to Romefeller as an orphan with nothing. He was lowest of the low along the societal hierarchy, yet he had managed to work his way up to a post of the highest dignity and now held veritable worth to his name.

But what did Heero care for these things? He never had any interest in anything, other than training and carrying out his orders.

"Your service to Romefeller knows no equal," Dekim chuckled, "Even my own son will soon be outmatched by your prowess. Since the first day you came into Oz as a little orphan boy, you showed so much potential."

Heero said nothing and watched the king with a steady, unfeeling gaze.

"You were able to control your emotions perfectly and persevered through all your training even when those older and stronger than you passed out from exhaustion. Even when my finest generals were sent to torture you and test the limits of your resolve, you did not bend. Not a single complaint or word of protest ever. Your life up until this point has been nothing but battles and bloodshed."

"But," the king changed to a much more serious tone, "You are no longer a boy, now, General Yuy. You are a man, and a man has other duties to the kingdom besides winning wars. When Minister Darlian died, he left behind a daughter. About the same age as you, nineteen or twenty. Her father was a very influential man, so I suspect she will be a great asset to the kingdom later on."

"I want you to take her as your wife," Dekim continued, "You will guard her and keep her close so that we may make use of her should the need arise. And, you will fulfill your duty to the kingdom and sire sons with her, thereby carrying on your legacy. Am I made clear?"

He paused and allowed the statements to sink in.

But, perhaps unsurprisingly, Heero's face held no change in expression.

"You're allowed to voice your opinions, general," Dekim smirked mirthfully.

"Is that all?"

Really? That was all he had to say? Incredible.

"Truly, nothing?" Dekim almost laughed. Well, it was easier this way, anyways.

"The wedding will be in a week's time. My advisors will handle all the necessary plans so you needn't concern yourself with the particulars. All you will need to do is meet with them a day before to rehearse your role. Following the ceremony, I expect you to make the estate Treize gifted you your permanent residence from now on. It would be unbecoming of a married man to continue to stay in the barracks away from his wife. My advisors can also assist you in arranging whatever necessary furnishings you still require."

"Has she given her consent?" Heero said.

"She will." She has no other options, otherwise.

"I see."

"Very well," Dekim said, "You are dismissed."


Duo frowned. At the other end of the yard was Heero, resting beneath a tree after a particularly exhaustive workout. Outwardly, he looked no different than usual, but having known Heero for the better part of 10 years trained Duo to recognize even the most minute of changes in his friend's disposition.

"What's up with him?"

"What do you mean?" Quatre blinked in confusion.

"Look at him," Duo moved his head in Heero's direction, "He's been grumpy ever since this morning."

The blonde man quirked his head in curiosity. Yes, he had noticed Heero's aura seemed stormier than usual today, but normally he did not inquire into the general's business.

"If it was anything worth your notice," Wufei remarked, "He would have told us by now."

"HEY!" the second general began marching over to where he sat, "Heero, are you just going to keep sulking or tell us what's up?"

"Duo!" Quatre exclaimed and hurried after him. Wufei and Trowa looked at each other with chagrin and followed suit.

Heero scowled at the intrusion.

"You're never this way after a meeting with the king unless it's something really bad," Duo huffed, "And if it's bad enough to make the great General Yuy gloomy, then it's probably something that will affect the rest of us too."

"…"

"Well? Spit it out!"

Heero closed his eyes. There was no point in concealing out. They would find out soon enough.

"I am to marry Relena Darlian."

There was complete silence.

"…What?"

Each of the four generals could scarcely believe their ears. Did they hear that correctly? A million questions flooded their minds but they hardly knew where to begin. Duo's face seemed to be permanently fixed in exaggerated shock.

"The wedding will occur in a week's time."

"You decided this?" Trowa furrowed his brows.

"The king arranged it."

"This is to the late Minister Darlian's daughter?" Wufei asked.

"And she consented?" Quatre added.

Heero nodded.

Duo was dumbfounded. His jaw felt slack and unable to form coherent phrases.

"W… Wha…" he blabbed, "Her father was just murdered! How did this even come about?! Isn't she still grieving? How can you agree to such a thing so soon? Did you talk to her about this?"

"I haven't spoken to her."

Trowa and Quatre both had to hold back the fuming general.

Wufei frowned, "What was the reasoning for this?"

"She is a noblewoman who has lost her family and source of protection," Heero said, "I can provide both."

"Heero!" Duo struggled against his restraints, "You're the one who literally said that bonds were a source of weakness! And now you're claiming to be able to provide her with a family? You hardly know her, what if you two can't learn to respect each other? You'll condemn the both of you to a lifetime of unhappiness, just because the king asked you to?"

"Duo, please," Quatre whispered.

But the man refused to listen and wrested himself free. He gripped Heero by the collar, "I can't accept your agreeing to this arrangement. Out of respect for both Minister Darlian's daughter and you, you need to call this off."

Heero glowered at the general, a dangerous threat lay unspoken on his expression. He lifted a hand to grab at Duo's arm beneath the wrist, squeezing hard on the bones and tendons there.

Duo hissed and recoiled, releasing his hold.

Without another word, Heero stormed off towards the barracks, his demeanor a great deal more menacing than before.

Quatre went to help Duo up. The latter cursed heavily under his breath.

"Let it go, Maxwell," Wufei said, "These are orders from the king himself. You know as well as I he can't object."

"Wufei is right," Quatre nodded, "Miss Darlian seems like an admirable girl. Forcing him into this arrangement might actually be beneficial. And you know as well as we do that Heero is a good person. He might not show it, but he'll respect Miss Darlian more than any other man. If it's his duty, he'll make sure of it. Have more faith."

Faith? Duo could have snorted. Among the five of them, he was the only one who came from a background of faith. He had been raised in a church, for crying out loud. It wasn't like he was voicing his concerns from a position of ignorance.

He had figured it out. Everyone else was crazy.


"Have you thought more about your future, Miss Darlian?"

"Pardon?"

"I was referring to our conversation we had a few days ago," King Dekim said, "When you told me your father had not made any plans for your marriage."

"Yes," Relena recalled, "Well, my father and I talked briefly about it when I was younger, what kind of husband I would like… But nothing seriously. I actually have not been able to give it much thought either, since our last conversation."

"So what kind of husband would you like, then?" Dekim swirled a glass of wine in front of him pensively.

Relena blinked in surprised and had to take a minute to think about it.

"Someone… I suppose someone who is kind, gentle, and good. Someone who is well-educated and who I am able to hold a conversation with. His background would not matter so much, but ideally we would have some things in common and be able to respect each other's ideals."

"What about a man like General Heero Yuy?" King Dekim offered, "Are you familiar with him?"

Relena was taken aback. Unless she was sorely mistaken, he was the exact opposite of what she had just described.

"Yes of course," Relena said, perplexed, "General Yuy is a hero, it would be impossible not to know his name. I'm afraid I have not had the pleasure of conversing with him personally, but I have heard he is a very noble, honorable man."

"I am glad you have a high opinion of him," Dekim straightened himself and placed the wine glass back on the table, "Because I have arranged for him to marry you."

Relena dropped her fork with an unceremonious clatter.

"W… What?"

Her face flushed a deep crimson as she clumsily recovered from her unbecoming behavior in the presence of the king.

Dekim ignored her shock and continued, "The general has already consented to the union. You needn't worry about his good opinion, I think you'll find him a loyal and obliging husband."

Relena could scarcely follow the king's words. Arranged to be married? To… To General Heero Yuy? What, how did this even come about? Had the general ever really spoken to her before, let alone agree to be married to her for the rest of his life?

"Your majesty," she tried to keep her voice from shaking, "With all due respect I'm not sure if I am in the right state of mind to agree."

"General Yuy is a good man. He will respect and protect you."

"Yes, however-"

"Miss Darlian. You are a single young woman with no family, no income, and no protection. It's unacceptable for me to allow you to return to your home alone. According to the law, since your father had no sons or living male relatives, his properties will be inherited by the state unless you are married. Is that what you truly wish?"

Relena was silent.

"Will you agree to the union?" Dekim pressed again.

"I…" she swallowed with difficulty.

He was the king. She could not object to his arrangements. And he was correct, she didn't have any other choices. The girl cast her eyes down and gripped nervously at her napkin.

"Yes, of course," she whispered, "It would be an honor to wed General Yuy."

"I'm glad," Dekim smirked, "The wedding will be in one week's time."

"One week?" So soon?

"The castle staff will handle all the plans so you needn't worry yourself, but you may participate if you wish," he said, "It will be a special occasion, after all. I will send for guards to accompany you and retrieve your belongings from your home. Gather a separate trunk of essentials and it will stay with you here at the castle. The rest of your things will be sent ahead to General Yuy's estate."

He motioned for a servant to fill their glasses.

"To a happy marriage," Dekim announced, "May you two live long and prosper together."

"To a happy marriage," Relena whispered, clinking her glass with his. The wine tasted so bitter now.