Ch. 8

Heero ran down the hall as fast as he could. Someone had shot at her! Someone tried to kill her! He had been in his office looking over the documents of assessments given to him by the Sank Kingdom officials. There was much to do if his kingdom was to prosper. His heart leapt into his chest the moment Duo gave him the news. Why did the thought of losing her hurt so badly? Why did the idea of her death shake him to his core? He barely knew her. Whether she lived or died, they still received help from her country and yet his heart burned. He needed to see her. To know she was alright...

"Relena…" he rounded the final corner to her room and burst through the door. He found her sitting in one of the chairs of her room, safe and unharmed. She stared at him, eyes wide, and mouth agape.

"Heero?" He stared at her, took in her appearance. Her hair was mussed, skin smudged and red from exertion, sweat dripping down her brow, but still… seeing her safe. Unharmed. He closed the distance between them and his hand raised as if on its own accord to gently rest on her cheek.

"Are you… ok?" Her eyes widened again before they softened and she smiled. She reached up and cupped her hand over his.

"Yes. I'm fine."

"Hn." Realizing his hand was still on her face, he pulled it back, perhaps quicker than he had intended. "Duo said you were out in the fields. From now on, I want you to be under heavy guard wherever you go." He thought she would object or at the very least make another suggestion. Instead, she offered him a small smile.

"I understand." She answered. His eyes met hers and he nodded.

"I'll leave you now." He bowed his head to her and turned to leave.

"Heero." He stopped, turned and looked at her. "Thank you. For worrying about me." Her words surprised him. Nodding again, he left her room. He opened the door to his study and walked to his desk, placing both hands down on its surface. He closed his eyes and sighed deeply.

"Princess had a close call." Duo spoke from behind him.

"Apparently Wufei chased after the assassin. He has yet to return." Trowa stated. Heero nodded.

"We will be increasing security around her." Heero straightened his posture and turned to face them.

"Of course."

"I want armed guards around the clock. Even on her ladies in waiting."

"Bet you're gonna want guard duty over Middie, huh Trowa?" Trowa ignored the braided idiot.

"Whoever we assign must be well trusted by us all. That won't be easy to find."

"I think Wufei will take care of guarding Sally at night. She is his wife." Duo added before a wolfish grin spread on his face. "Speaking of wives, you could do the same for the princess, you know. I'm sure she wouldn't mind either." Heero cast him a glare so cold that Duo visibly stiffened. "Jeeze! It was a joke!" Heero looked away. It was true. He could spend the night in her room. It wouldn't have to be anything more than that. Not that he didn't want to. She was incredibly beautiful. Intelligent and kind. There were times he simply wanted to grab hold of her and-

"I will begin the vetting process in the morning. For tonight, we can all take turns."

"Sounds good to me." Duo said. "We can fill Quatre in when he gets back."

"Back?"

"He went to go check on the ladies. He's better at soothing nerves than me or bangs over there." Heero nodded.

"I would like my wife brought in here for dinner tonight."

"I understand." Trowa said. "I will go get her." Heero nodded. Trowa turned and left.

"You know, buddy, I really was only half joking. You could protect her better than anyone and you know it." He did. No one was better skilled, and having her in his bed at night would be preferable but…

"It's too soon." He said.

"Too soon?" Duo stared at him, eyes wide before rubbing the back of his head in resignation. "Oh well, I tried." He made his way to the door. "I'll go tell the kitchen the change in venues."

"I want you to remain there until the food is finished and then I want you to bring it here."

"You're thinking someone might try and poison her." It wasn't a question. He nodded.

"We cannot take chances."

"Yeah, you're right about that. Sure, leave it to me." Duo smiled and left the room.

Heero turned to look at the map on the wall, eyes falling on Sank. Joining their lands through marriage had proved to be the better option. He only hoped that, in time, the true potential of their agreement could be realized in every sense.

Relena watched him leave, her hand touching her cheek where his hand had been. The skin continued to tingle. He had been worried about her. The thought brought her more comfort than she'd expected. He cared. And it was more than simply the terms of the alliance. Even if she died, the terms still held, so he had no reason to care about her well-being beyond that. Her husband actually cared about her. Whether as a friend or something greater, it did not matter. As long as he cared there was hope for a peaceful marriage.

She took her bath and Abby and Anna came as usual to help prepare her for supper. She looked forward to seeing him. The longer they were wed, the more often Heero found time to be with her. At first, it had merely been at meal times, but over the weeks, he seemed to make conscious efforts to see her elsewhere. He attended as many of her meetings with her experts as he could and, at times, merely seemed content to walk with her through the halls. Every now and then, there was something in his eyes when he looked at her; something warm and reassuring. She dared hope it was a sign of his growing affection.

'I feel like a schoolgirl pining after her first crush.' She mused to herself. In truth, she did not know what she felt for him either. She had every right to hate him; to resent him for all but forcing her into this… but… when he looked at her that way, she felt her heart stir. Perhaps if it wasn't for the final term of the contract, it wouldn't matter to her.

'Is that the only reason?' She wondered. 'Am I forcing myself to feel something for him because of that?' Clasping her hand over her heart, she considered this. Love was not necessary to complete the terms. If she had to, she knew she could, and would do her duty to protect Sank. She had heard from ladies of the court as they gossiped amongst themselves that such activities were far more enjoyable when one was in love with their partner. Two years was plenty of time to try and see if they could develop those feelings.

"I just have to be patient."

"What was that, my lady?" Abby asked. Relena blushed, realizing she'd spoken aloud.

"Nothing. I was just thinking about how much progress we've made in the weeks that I've been here." Abby nodded.

"Such things make you blush?" Anna inquired, smiling.

"I think it's time I head to dinner." Relena stood. "Thank you both again for taking such excellent care in getting me ready."

"It is our pleasure, my lady." They curtsied and stayed behind to tidy up while she headed down the hall. Trowa met her halfway and bowed.

"My lady, the king requests that you eat supper with him in his study. There is much to be discussed." Relena smiled at him.

"Heero wants me to join him?" He nodded.

"Follow me, please." He led her down the hall, but his pace was slow. She soon realized he was trying to get close enough to protect her if need be. She slowed down until he was basically beside her. This was the man who had her lady in waiting so enamored. She could see why. He was handsome, even though half of his face was inexplicably hidden by his bangs. He was kind and quiet and it matched Middie's personality well.

"By the way, Lord Trowa," he looked at her. "I wanted to thank you for helping my Lady in Waiting on the journey here. You have been very considerate." His eyes widened a bit before he offered her a small smile and nodded. They reached the study where Heero stood staring at the map on the wall. He must have heard them enter because he turned. His eyes met hers.

"Your queen, as requested." Trowa stated.

"Thank you." Trowa bowed and left them.

"I was told there are things you wish to discuss with me?" Heero nodded and motioned to a small table in the corner. She joined him there as he scooted out a chair for her, before nodding her thanks and taking her seat. Duo soon entered with two trays of food on a cart and wheeled it to the table.

"Dinner is served, your royalnesses." Duo grinned and winked as he laid the food on the table.

"Thank you, Lord Duo." He frowned.

"I told ya, princess, just call me Duo. That whole 'lord' business just doesn't suit me."

"Of course. I'm sorry, Duo."

"That's more like it." He grinned. "Has he told you about the new security yet?"

"I was about to when you came in and interrupted."

"Well, excuse me for following orders." If she didn't know any better she would swear Heero rolled his eyes. He took a seat and they both began to eat.

"I am arranging for you and your ladies to have guards at all times. My lords are already looking for trustworthy soldiers."

"I see." She looked up at him. "I thank you for being so concerned." He nodded.

"I will also be having someone keep an eye on your food and drink to prevent poison from being an issue."

"You're really taking this seriously." He nodded again.

"You are my wife. I swore to protect you." He locked eyes with her.

"I know." She smiled; the sincerity in his eyes warmed her. "May I suggest someone for the task?" He paused for a moment before nodding. "There is a man I trust above all else who served my father. He wanted to come with me but I didn't allow it, however, I know he would if I asked."

"Send for him." He agreed.

The rest of the supper was spent discussing the improvements made by her projects. He listened intently, speaking little but offering suggestions where he could. It was getting easier to be around him. Their relationship felt more and more natural by the day and she found herself longing for these moments. Just the two of them. Together. She felt almost disappointed when the food was gone and her reason for being in the study was concluded. She folded her napkin, laid it on the table and stood to leave.

"I should be going. We have another long day tomorrow." She smiled and curtsied. "Thank you for dinner." As she straightened back up, he closed the short distance between them and took her hand in his. She looked up at him, startled. "Heero?"

"Relena…" his eyes met hers again, swirling with something she couldn't put a name to. "Stay with me tonight." Her cheeks heated, eyes widening in shock.

"Wh-what?"

"We don't have the guards selected for your protection yet. I can protect you better if you are by my side." The intensity in his eyes mixed with the idea of spending the night with him in his room made her heart race. He did not ask her for intimacy. His tone and words implied merely protection, but still…

"Heero…"

"I need to know that you're safe."

"Heero, I-"

"Forgive the intrusion." Wufei entered the room.

"Speak." Heero answered.

"I could not find the assassin. He escaped on one of the rooftops. But I did recover the arrow. The fletching and craftsmanship could give us a small lead."

"Well done." Heero turned to face the man. Wufei nodded and left the room. Heero turned back to her. "I will sleep outside your door tonight. It is the least I can do."

"Heero-" she wanted to reach out to him; to ask him to stay with her… but she couldn't. All she could do was nod.

"Thank you." He nodded in return.

"I will walk you back to your room." She smiled and they walked together out into the hall and to her room.

They walked in silence. She cast the occasional glance at him and considered his words. Her life was in danger and he would be ideal to protect her. He had asked her so earnestly to join him in his room. His eyes held no hint of ulterior motives and there was no deception in his tone. He wanted to protect her. The fact that they could be alone. Together. In her bedroom… 'He is my husband. There would be nothing inappropriate or untoward. Even if we did…' She couldn't finish that thought. Her cheeks heated and she shook her head.

"Are you alright?" His voice broke the silence.

"Yes." She smiled, butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

"Your face is red."

"I must just be tired after what happened today." He nodded.

"That's understandable." They reached her door. "I will stay out here and guard you."

"Out here? In the hall?" He nodded. That idea suddenly seemed so silly. She felt the blush stain her cheeks. "Heero… I… I want you to stay… in my room… with me." His brow raised, eyes widening.

"Are you sure?" She smiled.

"The bed is more than big enough for us to share… that is, if you want to." Heero's eyes locked with hers and she saw something flash through them. He nodded, the corners of his lips curling up ever so slightly. As she opened the door, he gently pushed her aside and walked in, checking under and behind anything where an assassin might hide. He dumped her water out the window and, once satisfied that he'd checked it all, he motioned for her to enter.

"Please, make yourself comfortable while I get ready for… for bed." She blushed again. 'I have a feeling I'll be doing that a lot more too.'

"Need any help?"

"What?" She felt her heart leap in her throat.

"With your dress. Laces. Bindings."

"Are you well acquainted with such procedures?" She meant it as a joke; perhaps due to her own nervousness. She felt incredibly foolish and regretted them the moment they left her lips. She saw his shoulders tense.

"I have had... some." He answered honestly. She felt a stab of jealousy; small but there.

"I see." She tried to keep her disappointment from her voice. She walked behind the partition and noticed he turned his back.

The fact he thought to ask this told that he had some experience with women's clothes. More specifically, taking them off of someone. 'Not that I blame him. Of course he's done that before.' She suddenly felt very self conscious. Was she, or they, prettier than her? She glanced down at her figure and frowned; her breasts were not what could be called large by any means, but rather proportional. Her figure was slim, but lithe and toned. Altogether, she knew she wasn't unappealing.

She finished changing into her nightgown. It wasn't what one would call attractive, but it would serve its purpose. She walked out from behind the partition and over to the bed.

"Alright." She gave him the signal to turn around. He turned to face her and his eyes widened, roaming down from her face to her toes and back up. There was a repressed heat in his eyes. She blushed under his gaze and made her way to the bed. He removed his boots, and unbuttoned and removed his vest. He reached down and pulled his shirt up and over his head. It was her turn to stare.

His chest and abdomen were well muscled and toned. Various scars from past battles randomly marred his otherwise perfect skin. She found herself wanting to touch his skin to see if it was as smooth as it looked. Her cheeks heated and she looked away. He walked to his side of the bed but stood, waiting.

"They were whores." Heero stated suddenly.

"What?" Relena found herself taken aback by his frankness.

"The women that I…" he stopped himself. "Dekim Barton chose me as his successor. His own sons died during his conquests. He said I needed to become a real man." Relena heard the shame and anger in his voice. "I had no choice." She felt her heart ache.

'Such a hard and terrible past…'

"It doesn't matter. Your past cannot be changed." She smiled softly at him. "And you have nothing to be ashamed of."

"I do." He said. "Even without Dekim, I've done things. Things that I…" he stopped again and his eyes stared blankly ahead.

"Heero." She walked to him, reached out and took his hand in hers. "Your past cannot be changed. But your future can be whatever you make it. And I…" she paused, her face heating. "I hope you will let me help you make it a great one."

"Relena…" his eyes locked with hers and she saw so many things swirling in them all at once. He squeezed her hand and she thought, for a moment he might… but he nodded.

She smiled and he released her hand. She walked to the side of the bed, sat down and pulled back the covers to climb in. He followed suit, doing the same but still leaving a respectable distance between them. As she pulled the comforter over her, she could feel his presence in her bed as though he were right by her side. In spite of the newness, something about this- about him, felt right. She smiled to herself and sighed, surprisingly content.

"Goodnight, Heero."

"Goodnight, Relena."