Sanc Kingdom

Between stitching with her ladies-in-waiting, and sitting through Arabian lessons with Chief Minister Darlian, Relena's remaining days in the Sanc Castle promised to be very long and tedious. If she could have her druthers, she would soak up every last moment in her childhood home doing only the things that made her heart sing. Such as taking long, leisurely strolls through the gardens, doing her utmost to keep the roses in bloom beyond their scheduled season, if only to stretch their beauty on for even one more day. And she would spend the rest of her time in the stables, grooming Pagan and sneaking him extra sugar cubes, and riding him to the very edge of the kingdom. And then once her imagination went there, it would take off into a canter, and before Relena knew it, she and Pagan would be making a break for it, seeking sanctuary beyond the border; or, better yet, becoming wild and free as the woods that surrounded them…

But then someone or something would demand Relena's attention, and force her from her reveries. There was no escaping her chosen fate, no matter how many other possibilities she was capable of conjuring.

Several days had passed since she had seen Trowa, and Lady Catherine had not returned to the castle, either. Relena wondered if their families had come to an agreement, if the wedding plans were already underway. She secretly hoped that if it were to happen, it would be soon, or better yet while she was on her journey to her new home, so that she would not have to see the new couple together. But, then she and Trowa wouldn't get to say good-bye, and that thought was even more unbearable.

As she went about her daily tasks, Relena carried her sorrow like a weight upon her shoulders. But she was no stranger to the feeling; in fact, she had been keenly aware of her burden for a long time. Only recently had she begun to feel some relief, when she had learned that Trowa returned her feelings, and they began to plan and dream together. It seemed the weight was only lifted at times she felt she was no longer alone.

But without Trowa, Relena knew she must turn to others, else she would continue to turn inward. And if she became lost within herself, how would she fare as a princess in a foreign kingdom? She needed to remain alert, and at her most poised. No matter what awaited her in this strange, new place, one part of her path was clear: she would, one day, be Queen. And if she could not be Queen of her homeland, she would make the most of her title elsewhere.

With that in mind, Relena began deciding what she should pack for her new home. Which turned out to be quite the chore, requiring her to enlist some help...

"How on Earth did you ever come to possess so many dresses?"

Lady Hilde emerged from rummaging through Relena's wardrobe, hefting a large pile of garments, with some loose bits of ribbon, lace and pearls clinging to her dark hair. Relena nearly laughed herself off of her four-poster bed at the sight.

"Goodness, I don't know…" The princess stood and scooped half of the items from Hilde's arms, dumping her share of the pile on the bed. Hilde followed suit. "I suppose one comes to accumulate such things over time," Relena added, shrugging. "Especially when other people keep sending them."

"Lucky," Hilde sighed. "Here I thought you'd commissioned most of these to the dressmakers yourself."

Relena pulled a face. "Why, who has the time? I simply chose from whatever I was sent. You know I much prefer this sort of thing..." She tugged at her simple muslin gown, which was unadorned but fit her comfortably. It was rather plain, but still a pretty shade of cornflower blue, her favorite. Her mother had always said the color brought out her eyes; to this day, Relena wore blue whenever possible.

But clearly, her companion was drawn to gowns of more colorful and elaborate designs.

"Why, this one is simply glorious…" Hilde breathed reverently as she reached for a violet-colored gown of satin, with a bodice of black velvet, and held it against her torso.

"Take it," Relena said, waving a hand.

Hilde's eyes bulged. "My lady, are you sure?"

"Of course. I have far too many as it is. I couldn't possibly take all of these with me… My trunks would break the litters!" Hilde laughed, but then Relena frowned. "Although, I'm not sure you would want to wear that one in Arabia… It will likely be too hot." The princess began sifting through the two piles on the bed. "In fact, many of these are far better suited for winter… and we won't have winter there, will we?" The thought made her sad again, especially when she realized she would miss out on the first snowfall of the year from then on, but she chased the notion away before it could get the better of her.

Hilde had grown quiet. Relena looked up from her sorting and turned to see the dark-haired girl was still clutching the purple dress to her chest, her eyes downcast. "Lady Hilde?"

"Relena… Your Highness," Hilde corrected herself, taking in a shaky breath. "I'm afraid I won't be able to join you at court, after all."

Relena's heart thudded, but she worked to keep her voice calm. "Why not?"

No, no, no, she protested inwardly. She couldn't bear to leave yet another friend behind. Why, she was losing the people closest to her at every turn. How much more would she have to give up before she had nothing left?

"I… well…" A blush crept over Hilde's cheeks. "Duo Maxwell and I have an agreement…"

"Oh, Hilde, how wonderful!" Relena clapped her hands together, delighted for her friend. She wrapped her arms around Hilde's shoulders and hugged her warmly. "I'm simply elated for you! Both of you. You two are a perfect match."

Relena thought of friendly, funny Duo, and how he was always the first guard to crack a smile whenever he was in her company. And how relentlessly he had followed Hilde around when she first came to court. In truth, Relena had expected an announcement from the two of them eventually, but in the midst of her own marriage plans, it came as a surprise.

Hilde gave her a faint smile. "Thank you, my lady… your joy means so much to me. But, now, I shall have to remain in Sanc." Her blue eyes were troubled.

Relena pursed her lips. "Did you want to come to Arabia with me? Truly? Or was it only for my sake that you agreed to leave here?"

Hilde fidgeted. "Well, I didn't want to leave Duo, but I did want to go with you, my lady. Truly," she said, insistent. "I thought it was my chance to see the world. I told Duo I would go and serve at court for a while, a few years at most, and then he could come to Arabia, and then propose. It would have been terribly romantic." She sighed, her eyes distant and dreamy. "But, he said he couldn't wait to marry me." Hilde's flush deepened.

Relena loosed a sigh of her own. "Well, what girl could say no to that?"

She thought of Trowa, and the bashful way he'd brought up marrying her. "Of course, you'll need a consort," he'd said, when they were first talked of how Relena would one day be Queen, since her brother had chosen to abdicate the throne. "I would gladly volunteer for the job…"

But Relena forced her attention back to Hilde.

"Duo did say we could travel together to visit you, once we've saved some money…" Hilde continued to twist her hands together. "My dowry should be enough for us to start our life together, but as a guard, Duo makes a modest living…"

Relena reached over to clasp Hilde's hands in hers. "It's quite all right, Hilde. Whenever you and Duo want to visit, write me first, and I will ensure that your journey is paid in full."

Hilde's face reddened. "Oh, no, your Highness. I could never ask you to do such a thing-"

"Nonsense. I want you to feel free to come to my new kingdom, any time." Relena had to wonder what her new King - her soon-to-be father-in-law - would have to say about her open invitation, but she couldn't imagine why it would be any trouble. Especially if all that Minister Darlian had spoken of the Crown Prince was true. Why, certainly he would want Relena to feel welcome, and extend that welcome to her friends - wouldn't he?

Which gave Relena an idea…

"Hilde," she gasped suddenly, causing the other girl's eyebrows to dart upward.

"Yes, my lady?"

"Why don't you come to Arabia with me, as planned… and bring Duo?" Relena grinned, splaying her hands. "Don't you see? He could join the royal guard there, and you could still be one of my ladies..."

Hilde's eyes danced, and Relena could tell she was immediately taken with the idea. "But… but then I would no longer be a lady-in-waiting. After Duo and I are married, I mean."

"No, but you would be one, still, when you arrive. And then who could blame you for marrying one of the King's companions? That sort of thing happens all the time… Why, look at Lady Catherine and-" Relena stopped herself before she could go getting all upset again. "But see? This could work." She squeezed Hilde's hands.

"You're sure Duo would be allowed to travel with us? And just… join the Arabian King's guard?" Hilde's brow furrowed. "What if the King sees Duo as a threat?"

Relena frowned at that. "I don't see why he would. After all, he will be sending a whole slew of his guards to escort me, and I don't know any of them. And how do I know for certain they truly mean to keep me safe, and not take liberties with me, or my ladies?" Hilde's eyes bulged as Relena spoke. "Does he expect me to go on their word alone? I should think I would be allowed at least one of my own men to accompany me, if not more, if I were to insist upon it."

"But the Minister Darlian will be accompanying us, won't he?" Hilde asked, still frowning. "Perhaps the King supposes that should be enough to appease you..."

"Well, it's not. And anyway, the Minister hasn't been trained in the arts of combat. How would he protect us if something should go awry? No, I will speak to my father about this at once." Relena's face broke into a wide grin. "You and Duo will both be able to join me in Arabia; I have no doubt."

Hilde released a tiny squeal of excitement, and the two girls began to talk excitedly, laughing together as they rifled through more of Relena's clothes. It felt good to laugh again. Relena didn't know what she would have done, embarking into the unknown without a friend like Hilde by her side. And with Duo and even Dorothy Catalonia as part of her company, Relena could feel the mounting pressures of the journey ahead start to ease.