His Excellency wants to see you. He had prepared tea and lemon cake.

It sounded like a decent invitation. Yet, at the same time, soldiers surrounded her with guns. And how did they know that she's here? She peeked at Howard and then returned her attention to the soldiers.

"Are you here to arrest me?" Relena asked bluntly.

"No, His Excellency invites you for tea and lemon cake," a man in his mid-thirties replied. "Lieutenant Nichol."

"What if I decline his invite?" Relena questioned. In her hand, she was holding the pistol Heero had given her even though she knew it was no match against these soldiers. "Are you going to shoot me then?"

Lt. Nichol gestured the soldiers to lower their guns. "His Excellency insists."

"Want and have are two things," Relena said. "You can tell his Excellency that if he is inviting me, he should've used a kinder way." She pointed the pistol at herself. "If he dares to force me against my will, I will end my life right here. I'm sure his Excellency will not be happy to see that."

"Well said, Relena!" Treize walked in, wearing his blue military uniform with a cloak over his shoulder. All soldiers saluted. Treize glanced at them and rebuked, "I have told you to invite Miss Relena for cake and tea. I did not tell you to come arrest her. How dare you approach Miss Relena this way?"

"My apologies sir!" Lt. Nichol replied.

"You will have your penalty," Treize said and turned his gaze to the pistol in Relena's hand. He gestured Relena to hand it to him.

Relena looked at Treize. He was still looked the same as the last time she saw him - tall, handsome, and charming. Yet, a chill came to her heart. This man, whom she once saw as a friend and even a knight in shining armor, was now clearly a dangerous man. While she may have an understanding of his intentions to protect Earth and bring peace, she was aware that he is using her as his pawn. If needed, he would have her "taken care of" without hesitation.

"What are you doing here?" He asked, waiting for her to hand over the pistol. Knowing that she didn't have much of a choice, she complied and gave it to him. He smiled and took the gun apart. "You should've used it to protect yourself, not to hurt yourself." He then noticed her feet. "Where are your shoes?"

"I lost them," Relena replied.

"Where is your husband?"

Howard made a loud hiccup upon hearing that. Obviously, he knew Treize is referring to Heero.

"I don't know where he is," Relena said. "He doesn't speak to me. I went out for a walk and got lost. I don't know how to get home. I don't have any money for taxi. This man is being nice and allowed me to stay here and rest my feet."

"Thank you Howard," Treize said with gratitude, as if Relena were his beloved sister.

They know each other? Relena was shocked. But Howard is on Heero's side, or is he? How else in the world did Treize know I'm here?

"It's good to see you again Colonel," Howard replied.

"Howard is an old friend of mine," Treize explained to Relena. "I met him back when I was in the military academy with my friend Zechs Marquise. He's a genius in mobile suit design. I would've offered him a position if he's willing to take it. But I think he's happier at where he is now."

"As am I," Relena said.

"You shouldn't be here," Treize said. "You are coming with me." He removed his cloak and draped it on her shoulders.

"What are you going to do to him?" Relena asked as she sat in the car with Treize.

"Howard? You think I'd have him killed?" Treize chuckled. "His talents are too valuable and he provided you shelter when you are in need. I owe him nothing but gratitude." He then changed the subject. "How have you been?"

Relena did not answer.

"Is Heero good to you?" Treize asked.

"Not at all," Relena said. "You know he destroyed the bracelet you gave me for my birthday? He broke it into pieces with his bare hands."

Treize laughed. "That is mean. I will set him straight."

"Why did you marry me to a cold-blooded man like that anyway?" Relena asked. "What's your purpose?"

"When I first saw you, you were a helpless victim," Treize said. "But look at you now. When Nichol came for you, you are calm. You had that pistol, but you know that you are outnumbered. You have learned how to survive and protect yourself. You are strong, Relena, like your brother. You need to realize your power and strength."

"So I have learned my strength. Can we end this marriage now?"

"That boy loves you, Relena," Treize said. "As a soldier myself, I am not going to break another fellow soldier's heart."

"He pointed a gun at me!"

"Relena, all young couples have rough beginnings," Treize said. "Heero had his wrongs, and you need to learn to forgive him. He loves you. He just doesn't know how to show it."

"Where are you taking me?" Relena asked. She didn't want to talk about Heero anymore; at least, not with Treize. Honestly, she wasn't unconvinced that Heero harbors feelings towards her. However, by the same token, she didn't like to be Treize's puppet.

"You'll see," he took out a handkerchief and tied it around her eyes.

Holding down her fear and nervousness, she didn't resist.

Treize wouldn't harm me, Relena assured herself. Because I am still useful to him.

With her eyes closed, Heero's face flashed in her mind. Those dark Prussian blue eyes...

In a beautiful gown trimmed in lace, Relena stepped into the ballroom. Dressed in military uniform, Heero was there waiting for her. He took her hand and together they waltzed as music played. His left hand interlaced with her right and his other hand held her waist. She could feel his breath against her skin. Soon, she was exhausted and fell onto a large bed.

He drew her into his arms and held her tightly against him. She could feel him unzip her dress and pinched her back. Though it hurt, for unknown reasons, she liked it. She buried her face into his neck and reached for his gun. He grabbed her hand and held it firmly.

"Are you still going to kill me?" She asked.

"Yes," he said, pulling her hair. "But I will be with you all the way."

"All the way, you mean…."

A loud explosion interrupted her.

"Stay here," Heero ordered and bolted out.

No, she was not going to stay there. She headed out to see what's happening.

She saw a gigantic robot-like war machine - or Gundam. She had seen it before; it was the night she got shot.

"Heero!" She cried out to the Gundam. "Is that you?"

The Gundam, or Heero, pointed its bustle rifle at her. Quietly, Relena stood there, waiting for his next move. As he had said, he will kill her.

But he couldn't.

The cockpit opened and Heero stepped out. In his hand, he held a device.

Self-detonation.

"No," Relena wanted him to stop, but her voice didn't come out. She watched as he pressed the device. A blinding light forced her to look away...

When she opened her eyes, she found herself in a very familiar place. Heero was not there; and neither was there any Gundam.

"You don't recognize this place, don't you?" Treize asked, folding with the handkerchief. "Welcome home, Relena."

She was back in her palace in Sanc Kingdom.