WE BELONG TOGETHER

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Chapter 2: Secret Plan and Departure

The Kingdom of Zaft

"Well Athrun, it appears your wife has been decided." King Patrick of Zaft announced.

"Father, what do you mean?" Prince Athrun narrowed his eyes. "I have heard of no such news. Do not jest about such matter."

"I never jest. King Uzumi has made it official. You are to marry Princess Lacus Clyne of Orb in two months on her 18th birthday. I have also informed your mother about it."

"What? Father, surely you do not expect me to go through with this nonsense. Zaft does not require this kind of political marriage to solidify its hold on power."

"Silence boy! This treaty was signed almost 18 years ago. If we fail to meet the terms, we would be the laughing stock of the century. Your marriage holds this kingdom's honor and future." King Patrick lectured. "So you will do your part and accept this without another word."

Athrun cursed silently and turned his back to the King.

Suddenly, the door of the Royal chamber opened and a petite woman with bright emerald eyes entered.

"Oh, my dear son. I have finally received word of your marriage to Orb at last!" Queen Lenore chatted happily into the room. She walked over to her son and embraced him.

"Mother…" Athrun gave her a kiss on the cheek and returned the hug.

"Let me take a good look at you, Athrun. Such handsome features, you are House Zala's pride and joy. Lacus will be a good match for you."

Athrun only shrugged but said nothing.

"I'm only glad Uzumi chose Lacus for you instead of Cag…" Lenore abruptly stopped herself from saying more. Athrun eyed her curiously. "What were you about to say mother?"

Lenore laughed nervously. "Nothing…nothing at all. Let's start planning for the wedding."

Athrun only watched his mother dance about the room in joyous fulfillment. He knew what his mother was about to say. He has heard the rumor about the princesses of Orb. The elder princess, Lacus, was sweet and refine, and Cagalli, the younger of the two, was too wild and reckless to ever be considered a proper lady.

Good thing Lord Uzumi picked his elder to be my fiancé, Athrun thought. Princess Cagalli will never be good enough to be my queen!

Kingdom of Alliance

Prince Kira sat at the garden, thinking to himself about his coming marriage. His parents told him about King Uzumi's decision. The queen has told Kira about both of the princesses of Orb. Both of them sounded wonderful to him.

He would be happy to marry either the compassionate Princess Lacus or the energetic Princess Cagalli. But….

Kira sighed to himself.

If only he wasn't so nervous around the opposite sex. There were only two women in his life that didn't make him feel awkward, his mother and his cousin, Lady Stellar Loussier.

Hopefully Princess Cagalli will be the third. It will be rather foolish to have him feeling uncomfortable whenever his wife was near.

Now he has two months to get ready for his wedding and meet his betrothed. Alliance has been in an uproar ever since the news came out. The whole nation was celebrating their prince's matrimony. The people were glad to finally witness the treaty being fulfilled. The three kingdoms will be joined together by kinsmen of the Royal Houses.

Princess Cagalli, Kira thought, I'm sure she will make me a fine wife.

Kingdom of Orb

"Lacus, Cagalli. Both of you should start your preparations for the coming trip. In a week, you will head to your respective betrothal's house and start learning your roles as Princesses of Zaft and Alliance." King Uzumi told his girls in the Royal Study.

"Father, are you crazy? Leave Orb in a week? What happened to two months?" Cagalli slammed her fists on the table.

Lacus also held the same questions.

"I have informed both Royal Houses and the both Kings and Queens of your husband-to-be felt you girls should arrive as soon as possible to begin learning your duties as well as to familiarize yourselves with your husbands. I too feel the same way."

"But father, must we leave Orb so soon?" Lacus said sadly.

"I'm sorry, Lacus. I have already given my word. Both of you must listen to your father." Uzumi closed his eyes and leaned back, swallowing the bitterness of losing both of his daughters.

"I understand, if it is your wish then I must abide. I will make sure Cagalli does the same." Lacus bowed and pulled the infuriated Cagalli out of the room.

"Wait Lacus! I'm not done talking to father yet. Father...Don't do this! I don't want to leave Orb!" Even though the door was slammed shut, Uzumi could still hear Cagalli's voice echoing down the hall.

Uzumi knew it's best for the girls to start their new roles in Zaft and Alliance as soon as they can, but his heart is still sadden by the sudden departure. Lacus had accepted her fate easily but Cagalli was still fighting to the bitter end. Cagalli, he thought, his youngest child. In Uzumi's heart he knew he can't deny the truth. Though both of his daughters were dear to him, Cagalli has always held a special place in his heart. She was so much like him in every way, stubborn and strong. She was also passionate and honorable.

Uzumi only hoped the fates treat Lacus and especially Cagalli kindly in the near future.

"Lacus, let me go! I wasn't done talking!" Cagalli pulled free from her sister.

"Yes you were. With all these yelling, were you planning on letting everyone know how you have disobeyed your father and king?" Lacus chided.

Cagalli blushed and looked away.

Lacus softened her eyes. "I was being too harsh. Cagalli, promise me you will try to fit in in Alliance as I will in Zaft. We probably won't be able to see each other very often in the future so at least promise me this one thing."

Cagalli looked at her pleading sister. Never had Cagalli's life had her twin asked her of anything. With great effort, Cagalli managed to nod her head.

Lacus embraced Cagalli and smiled to herself.

"Ah, Princess Lacus, here you are." Lady Fllay Allster, Lacus' lady-in-waiting, bid Lacus to come with her for other affairs.

Before she left with Lacus, Cagalli heard her say, "Princess Lacus, I have been appointed to be your Lady's companion on your journey to Zaft."

"Why is Lacus friends with Allster? God knows." Cagalli have always hated Fllay. But Lacus loved her like a sister so Cagalli was forced to be civil to her. In truth, Cagalli found the red-headed lady-in-waiting to be pompous and too full of herself.

Now Cagalli wondered who was to be her companion. I hope it's Miriallia, she thought.

She made her way to the garden when suddenly a girl jumped in front of her, making Cagalli scream.

"Ha! I got you! I guess Princess Cagalli really isn't as brave as she claims to be."

"Mir! I'm going to kill you!" Cagalli chased after the laughing girl. Miriallia Haww was Cagalli's best friend and lady-in-waiting. Lady Miriallia, or Mir as her friends call her is a cute brunette with a lively personality. Together with Cagalli, they pulled pranks everywhere and had countless adventures together.

"Alright! I give, I give." Mir said breathlessly, begging Cagalli to stop her chase. "If you want me to be your companion to Alliance, you better let me go right now!"

Cagalli abruptly stopped. "What did you just say? You mean…"

Miriallia smiled. "You got it! I'm going to Alliance with you. I came to tell you as soon as I can."

Cagalli let out a scream of joy and hugged Mir tightly. "Oh thank you, Mir! You don't know how much I appreciate this!"

Mir couldn't help but laugh. "Just remember you owe me one!"

"I promise I'll never forget what you have done! I promise!"

The girls ran excitedly to Cagalli's chamber.

"So what else have you heard?" Cagalli asked.

"All I know is that both of you will be leaving on the same day, heading in different direction…" Mir stopped, seeing Cagalli looking all embarrassed.

"Um…Mir…There's something I want to ask…"

"Go ahead."

"Well…it's about…I mean…" It wasn't like Cagalli to mumble and stutter for words.

"It's about…." Cagalli whispered into Mir's ear.

"What?"

Cagalli repeated her words.

"I can't hear you."

Cagalli stomped her feet and yelled out of frustration. "I want to know about Prince Kira."

"Oh." Mir smirked mischievously at the blushing Cagalli.

"Well, I heard Prince Kira is a compassionate leader for his people. Citizens of Alliance all love and support him. Your husband has been named as one of the most intelligent men of our time. But…"

Cagalli leaned closer…

"It's rumored that he's quite shy around women. The opposite sex seems to make him pretty nervous."

"Intelligent but shy…I wonder what he's like in the real person?"

"So you have no objection in marrying him?"

"I still don't want to but you heard father. People of all three nations are expecting the marriages to take place. I cannot say no. Besides, I guess marrying Kira won't be so bad. He sounds decent." Cagalli respects his people's opinion of him.

"So what about Lacus' fiancé?" Cagalli questioned.

"Prince Athrun Zala? He's quite a different story." Mir frowned.

"Oh? I have only heard a little about him. He's a great swordsman and a strategist. Zaft always did have a strong militant base. He's credited for its growing strength. Lacus should be safe being married to such a powerful man."

"That's only half of the story."

"…?"

"Prince Athrun is also rumored to be a famous flirt. I heard he's got lady friends everywhere, from every corner of his kingdom and probably beyond." Mir said. "I've only met him once and with a handsome face like that, who can blame him?"

"What?" Cagalli fumed. "Does father expect Lacus to marry a man like that? Does he even know?"

"This is hardly classified news. Everyone knows about Athrun's 'friendly' relationships in the court. I highly doubt Lord Uzumi to be ignorant of such details."

"There's no way I'll let my sister marry a jerk like him!" Cagalli stated angrily. Lacus is so delicate and precious. It's killing Cagalli picturing Lacus shackled to some pig who doesn't deserve her. "Mir, you have got to help me!"

"What?" Miriallia said puzzled.

"I think I have a plan. Here's what we should do…" Cagalli whispered.

"What! Are you kidding?" Mir couldn't believe her ears.

"Believe me, Mir! I'm going to pull this off and you're going to help me do it."

Now what is Cagalli planning to do? I'm sure all you smart readers have a few ideas in mind!

Please R & R!