Ch. 13

The hours passed by so slowly that Heero swore time had stopped. He paced. Sat down. Paced again. He couldn't sleep. Not until she woke. Not until she said his name once more. He hated being like this. Weak. And helpless. Weak to have someone mean so much to him. Helpless to do anything for her.

When he found her, held at the throat by the assassin, he saw red. His world stopped and so did his control. He sprinted forward and stabbed the assailant. The man cried out, dropped her and Heero saw to it that her would-be killer would never have the chance to hurt her again. She had hit her head. There was a deep gash on her temple where blood had stained her golden hair to dark crimson. Her skin was pale. Her breathing shallow. When she finally said his name, he felt his heart beat again. He carried her to his horse. Held her all the way to the castle. He needed to know that she would be alright. Dark bruises marred her neck but the gash was what worried him. The doctor said she had a concussion; the next twenty-four hours would be crucial. Between the concussion and being choked, the doctor feared permanent damage.

He waited. Watched. Paced. Held her hand. Pled with whatever God would listen. Finally, he heard it. A sigh of awareness. She was waking up. He sat next to her, smoothed her bangs from her face.

"Relena?" Her eyes fluttered open. Tired, aqua pools met his and he couldn't help but smile.

"He-Heer-o-" her voice was soft, and hoarse. He shushed her.

"Relena." He leaned in and down and kissed her with all that he was.

"Wh-what happ-"

"Don't try to talk." Her gaze went to the canopy of their bed as though deep in thought.

"Middie-"

"She's alright. Minor concussion. Trowa is with her." Typical Relena. Even in her condition her first thought was for her friends. He watched as she took in his words. "Sally and Wufei are alright as well." She smiled and sighed. He pressed his forehead to hers, the adrenaline fading, his tension and worry subsiding.

"I'm sorry." He said.

"For what?" She whispered.

"I promised I'd protect you. But you almost-" she shushed him this time and smiled, cupping his face in her hands.

"You did." Her eyes moistened. "You… saved me." Her smile widened. "My hero." The play on his name made him nearly chuckle. Instead, he kissed her, gently. When the kiss broke, he reluctantly pulled back.

"I will go tell the others that you're awake. They'll want to see you." He spent another moment holding her hand before leaving.

Her friends were relieved to hear the news and all but ran to see her. As relieved as he was that his wife was alright, he did not fully relax until the doctor informed him that she would make a full recovery. The following days, he spent by her side, ensuring that she had everything she needed. Their room became his study where he did all of the work. When she was given the 'all clear' to be up and about, she did exactly that. Never one to be discouraged, his dauntless wife went right back to her duties like a true queen. She used every free moment of the day to catch up on what her medical leave forced her to neglect. Heero did not like the idea of her being too far away, however, and so she remained under close watch on the castle grounds. If she needed to inspect anything, then Heero made sure to go with her.

But there was still the business of the assassin. His most trusted advisers were quite irritated when they found out he killed Relena's assailant.

"We needed him alive, Heero!" Trowa stated. Heero didn't even flinch.

"He was killing my wife. I acted as needed to save her."

"But dead men don't talk, buddy! Now we'll never know if those two bastards sent him!" Duo added.

"I think you're being a bit hard on Heero. Relena was dying. We all know what the doctor said. Heero's actions, helpful for our cause or not, saved her life." Quatre defended him. The assassin's death was a huge setback. If he had the proof, Tuberov and Septum would already be-

"So what are we going to do now?" Duo asked.

"The same as we were." Heero answered. "Regardless of his death, I am certain they are behind this. Her survival will make them either give up or get desperate. They will make a mistake. Keep watching them and be ready to act. I have something in mind that might push them over the edge."

"What are you planning, Heero?" Quatre looked at him.

"I'm not sure yet." He said, but he was determined to figure something out.

Heero woke earlier than usual. In spite of lying beside her with her safe in his arms, it was a restless night. He hated the idea of there being anything that Tuberov and Septum could use against her and even More so the fact that there was no proof against them. The idea of having a way for her to be taken from him in any way made his blood boil and his heart constrict. There had to be a way to solve both problems.

If the two years passed and they hadn't been able to produce an heir, she would legally be allowed to leave. The contract would be null and void. She could return to Sanc, to her life with her brother… The idea caused him more pain than he ever felt. He needed to know… would she stay?

'Is there a chance… that she might want to?'

He glanced down at her sleeping form. She looked so peaceful… content… he leaned down and kissed her. She sighed at the contact and her eyes fluttered open.

"Heero…" she smiled. "What time is it?" He caressed her cheek.

"It's still early. Go back to sleep." She shook her head.

"Something is bothering you. I can tell." She looked into his eyes. "Please, tell me?" After a moment, he sighed.

"If the two years go by… and there is no child, what will you do?" Her eyes widened and she sat up.

"Heero… what do you mean?"

"The terms allow you to go home." she looked down, frowning.

"You think I would leave you?"

"Relena-"

"You would let me go so easily?" She sounded so… hurt.

"If that is what you want." She became very quiet for a small eternity.

"I see…" she didn't look at him. "After all this time… after we've already…?" She looked up at him, the beginnings of tears in her eyes. "You would let me walk away?" He felt his heart constricting in his chest. He could barely breathe.

"I forced you into this…" he looked into her eyes. "I… just want you to be happy."

"Heero…" her eyes lightened, tears still there, but a smile came to her lips. "I am happy. Here, with you." The first tear fell.

"But… you're crying?"

"Yes." She laughed. "At first, it was because I thought you wanted me to leave… but now, it's because I'm happy." She took his hand in hers. "Heero… this is my home. With you. Contract or no… I'm yours." She paused and looked into his eyes. "I… I love you." Those words. Those three words he never dreamed he'd ever hear. He wanted to say something. Knew he should, but… He leaned down and in and covered her lips with his. She loved him. That fact alone made him desire more than a simple kiss, but he couldn't. Not now. There was something he needed to do; for her and for their marriage. He pulled back and caressed her cheek, wiping away the tears.

"I have something to do in the study this morning that can't wait. Join me for supper there tonight."

"Alright." He kissed her again and began to dress. She helped him with his buttons, sneaking a few more kisses in, testing his resolve. When he made it to the door, he looked back at her and saw the love she spoke of in her eyes. He smiled and left for his study, determined to draft the new document immediately.

Pulling out the parchment, he sat down with the previous marriage contract and put his plan into action. If he was right, then it could serve another purpose as well. He copied by hand every important detail regarding trade agreements, resources and technology. He kept the elements in there about being free of war or battles for one year and made sure to add that that time period was able to be extended per the need to continue rebuilding their cities and strengthening their forces. And when it came to the last detail, he left it out completely. It took three long hours but it would be worth it.

Duo, Trowa and Quatre entered at their usual times to check in with him. He stood and looked at each in turn.

"Hey buddy! Looks like you've been hard at work already." Heero nodded.

"I need you all to look over this new document. Read it and sign it." The three nodded. Each took turns but none signed immediately.

"Heero, are you sure about this?" Trowa asked.

"I think it's great that you're taking that whole issue out. You two have enough to deal with without worrying about that." Duo added.

"I think it's wonderful." Quatre said and smiled. "I'm happy to sign it." He dipped the quill and set his name to the paper.

"Me too, though I think Mr. Stick up his ass and Mr. Frog-in-his-throat aren't gonna like it much." Duo said as he signed.

"It doesn't matter. Heero is king." Trowa signed as well.

"I am showing this to Relena. I want to draft a letter to send to her brother inviting him to come and sign it."

"Sign what?" Tuberov called from the door as he and Septum made their way in.

"I have drafted a new treaty with Sank Kingdom regarding my marriage."

"Oh?" Septum stepped forward. "Are you adding demands? I certainly think it would be wise to impose stricter conditions."

"Indeed." Tuberov added. "Taking a firmer stance with that land would be to our ultimate benefit."

"I'm removing terms." Heero stated and held out the new document. "One in particular." Tuberov took the paper from him and he and Septum read through. The father they went, the more visibly upset they became.

"You removed the two-year clause?" Heero nodded.

"It is unnecessary."

"But it was crucial to ensuring our control through genetics!"

"Somehow, gentlemen, I doubt that that was the true purpose of that particular clause."

"Are you doubting our motives?" Septum decried.

"I have witnessed your disrespect of and blatant contempt for my queen. It has given me reason."

"That woman has made you weak, my king!" Tuberov declared. "You were a fierce warrior! A force to be reckoned with! Now you hide behind the skirts of your pacifist princess while she slowly dismantle everything we've worked so hard to achieve!"

"Enough!" Heero's eyes narrowed. He glared as cold and hard as steel. Tuberov and Septum were visibly shaken. "You will sign the document."

"We will not." They protested.

"Then you are hereby relieved of your duties." The two mens' eyes widened.

"You can't do that!"

"I can and I have." Heero watched them closely. They both seemed to be plotting something. After a moment, they both composed themselves and bowed.

"As you wish." With that, they turned and left the room.

"Well, that went well." Duo leaned against the wall.

"Heero, do you think this will spur them into action?"

"For their sake, it had better not." Heero growled.

"I'll make sure that her security stays vigilant." Trowa offered. "If they are going to do something, then we need to be prepared." Heero nodded. He would keep Relena by his side at all times if he could, but it wasn't practical.

"I will finish the draft of my invitation to her brother before the end of the day. I want our fastest courier to deliver it to King Millard personally."

"I will see if our wives will keep the queen company. They are less likely to attack that way." Quatre proposed. Heero nodded and sat back down at the desk to begin drafting the letter.

Relena Made it to his study around sundown. Initially she wasn't sure if she would make it. One of the wagons broke and she had to take the place of the tally taker. Thankfully, she did, indeed, slip away on time. She cleaned up and changed quickly before heading his way. Heero sat at his desk, utterly focused on his work. She smiled, cleared her throat softly and was rewarded by his deep blue eyes meeting hers. She smiled and he stood, crossed the room and took her hand in his.

"Sorry if I'm a little late." She squeezed his hand.

"It's fine. I'll ring for lunch. There's something I want to show you."

"Ok?" She raised a brow and followed him to his desk. He rang for the food and then pulled a piece of neatly rolled up parchment from the desk and offered it to her.

"Here." She took it, carefully unrolling it.

"It's our treaty." Heero nodded.

"Keep reading." She did. Everything seemed to be the same for the most part.

"You changed it? You're going to stay at peace beyond the initial one year until your kingdom is strong enough?" He nodded.

"Read on." She did as he instructed and as she realized what was missing, her heart warmed and she looked up at him.

"You… removed it." He nodded. "And it's official?"

"On our end, yes. My advisers signed it. All I need is your signature and your brother's."

"My brother's?"

"I'm inviting him here to make it official." He walked closer to her.

"Heero…" she smiled, tears of joy brimming her eyes. "I don't know what to say." He leaned down and in.

"You said you love me. That's enough." She closed the final distance and kissed him, long and deep, wrapping her arms around his neck. He groaned in his throat and would have done more but...

"Ahem." Pagen's voice came from the door. "Pardon the interruption, but I have your lunch as requested."

"Thank you, Pagen." Relena blushed and subtly wiped her lips. As lunch was served, they sat and ate conversing comfortably, all pressure completely removed. Heero had shown her a sign of good faith, but more than that, a sign of his love, allowing for the final wall between them to crumble at last.

They finished supper and he stood and reached for her, she took his hand and allowed him to pull her up and into his arms. He lifted her chin and kissed her softly.

"Shall we… go to bed?" He asked, voice low and husky. She smiled and let out a soft laugh.

"Lead the way." Before either could head to the door, however, Trowa entered with Duo, both dragging Tuberov and Septum behind them in chains.

"Look who we caught conspiring to kill the queen." Relena felt her heart catch in her throat.

"It was wise of you to put them under surveillance."

"What do you have to say about these charges?" Heero questioned them

"We were only doing what was best for the ultimate goal!" Septum growled.

"This woman has prevented you from pursuing your destiny! From uniting all kingdoms into one giant empire!" Tuberov added. "That woman… that… that harlot is holding you back!" Heero grabbed Tuberov by the lapels of his jacket.

"She is my wife and my queen. You will show her respect."

"I would rather die." Ruberov answered.

"As would I." Septum echoed. Heero released Tuberov. Relena saw how tense he was. This clearly wasn't easy.

"Then I will grant your request." Heero growled. Relena knew that wasn't what he wanted. In spite of their betrayal, those men meant a lot to him. She stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder, grabbing his hand with the other.

"Heero." She began. "Do they really deserve that?"

"They tried to kill you! You would have me spare them?"

"Yes." His eyes widened. "Killing them will not change what they did… but it will hurt you." He looked away from her, to them, to her. "Please…?"

"Don't you dare plead for our lives!"

"We would rather die than receive mercy from her!" Heero got really quiet. His body remained still and tense. She squeezed his hand. Finally, he sighed aggressively.

"Upon my wife's request, and due to your years of loyalty, I shall spare your pathetic lives. You will spend your nights in the dungeon and your days in the fields." Heero turned away from them. "Get them out of here." Wasting not time, Duo and Trowa dragged Tuberov and Septum away. Alone and clearly drained from the encounter, his shoulders slumped and sighed, his body shivering. She walked up, wrapped her arms around him and rested her head between his shoulders. After a moment, he relaxed, turned around and rested his forehead against hers.

"I'm sorry." She whispered.

"Why?"

"I know how much you looked up to them… how much this hurt you."

"It doesn't matter. You're safe."

"Heero…" he silenced her with a kiss, one she returned with equal fervor. They walked hand in hand to their room to celebrate the end of a long trial and the start of a new beginning.