WE BELONG TOGETHER
Wow! I'm a little impressed with myself with the fast update! Hopefully my inspiration won't run out too fast. Thanks all and hope this chapter is good enough!
Chapter 4: Seeing Through Me
For days Mir and Cagalli managed to fool the entire escort into believing she was Lacus.Though Mwu was suspicious, he had no way of proving something was amiss. Now their journey has finally reached their destination, the Royal Palace of Kingdom Zaft.
"Cagalli, we're finally here. What are you going to do?" Mir demanded. Cagalli had been troubled ever since she started thinking about facing Athrun. Miriallia had put up with her highness' frustration but now she wanted an answer.
"I…I'm still not sure. But I think the best way is to just admit it. Hopefully by now Lacus is already with Kira so there's no way we can be switched back." Cagalli said optimistically.
Mir almost fainted when she heard Cagalli's answer. "Are you mad? Just come out and confess like that? Have you even thought about the consequences? I was a fool thinking you would think of something."
"What's wrong with that?"
"Athrun Zala does not take kindly to lies, I have heard of it. There must be something we can do to ease their anger. Besides, what do you think he's going to do with you?" Mir worried. "I know! Keep your disguise up until you have a private audience with Queen Lenore. She is a kind woman and she will understand your position."
"But…"
"Cagalli, listen to me. Prince Athrun will not forgive if he found out the truth. Her majesty Queen Lenore is your only hope of forgiveness so trust me on this, okay?"
Even though Cagalli didn't like the idea of continuing the lie, for the sake of her escort, she reluctantly agreed to Mir's plan.
Cagalli wore her Orb wedding dress and presented herself to the Royal Family of Zaft. "I, jewel of the Kingdom Orb have come to fulfill the agreement to wed his highness, Athrun Zala. Will the Prince accept me as his bride?"
The King and the Queen looked at their son, standing wordlessly, staring at the princess. Cagalli was so nervous, she could hear the pounding of her heart. She kept her head down and body stilled, waiting for Prince Athrun to reply.
Athrun stood perfectly still and gazed at the slender girl in front of him. He couldn't see her face but she has a nice body and he liked the sound of her voice. Suddenly, he walked towards her.
Cagalli heard footsteps coming her way. Before she could step back, Athrun grabbed a handful of her wedding veil and lifted it off her head, much to Mwu's shock and Miriallia's horror. Cagalli lifted her head and was shocked to find herself staring face to face with the Prince of Zaft.
Athrun Zala was not like anything she imagine him to be. He was the most gorgeous man she has ever met. Something unpredictable flashed through his eyes as he gazed at her. A lazy smile formed on his lips as he watch Cagalli blush under his attention.
"What is the meaning of this? You are not Lacus Clyne." King Patrick questioned loudly. The nobles of Zaft murmured among themselves in the throne room.
"Your majesty, I can explain everything. You see…"
"Enough! I think Orb has insulted us enough. Your father will pay for this humiliation. Guards!"
Mwu instantly rushed towards Cagalli's side but was restrained by the palace guards. Miriallia wanted to be by her princess but an arm reached out from behind her and stopped her movement. She turned angrily to see a blonde man shaking his head.
Cagalli panicked as guards rushed into the room. Then she remembered Mir's words, "The Queen is your only hope!" With her back straight, she glanced at the queen for assistance.
Queen Lenore caught Cagalli's plead and decided to step in. "My King, there's no need for the guards."
"Lenore, don't involve yourself. I will take care of this."
"But I am already involved. This is about Athrun's wedding." She stated quietly. "The treaty only specified that a princess of Orb must marry a Prince from Zaft. Princess Cagalli is a Royal Princess so she is eligible to marry our son."
"How can you say that? Orb has promised Lacus to Athrun."
"I know, but Cagalli is here now and she has my approval." The queen liked Cagalli despite what she used to think of the reckless princess. She could see the fire and strength inside the young girl. Cagalli could just be the one to tame Athrun's wildness. "Why don't you decide for yourself, Athrun? What will you do?"
Athrun looked around the room and finally rested his sight on Cagalli. A sly smile touched his face as he said, "I will accept her as my betrothed for now." He walked in front of her, kneeled down and took her hand to his lips, "Welcome to Zaft, my princess."
"Cagalli! Are you insane? This is not a prank. You could have started a war today." Mwu yelled at the princess when they have been led to their quarters. "You have let me and the people of Orb down!"
Cagalli and Mir both kept their heads down in shame. Mwu threw himself down a seat, he couldn't believe his luck. I thought I got the easy job when I was assigned Lacus, but now…
"Mwu…I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have lied to you all. But what I did, I did for Lacus and for Orb as well."
"How? How can this possibly help Orb?"
"I came instead of Lacus because I believe Lacus will be happier with Prince Kira while I deal with Zala." Cagalli stated.
"Like how you deal with him today? I saw you, blushing under his gaze." Mwu said sarcastically. He had thought Cagalli to be smarter than this. Since Cagalli was young, they have been sporting companions so in private, formalities were dropped.
"What…I don't know what you are talking about." She stomped her feet, denying Mwu's words. "Mir, you tell him."
"Mwu, I must also apologize for the deceit but all we can do now is trust Cagalli. At least Prince Athrun has allowed Cagalli to stay for now. We must of think of some way to mend this diplomatic tear."
"Ya, it is our top priority. Thankfully the queen is on our side. Cagalli, you will carry on as you would as if you were in Alliance. We have to stay on Zaft's good side so whatever happens, don't piss Prince Athrun off!"
"Ok, just leave it to me!" Cagalli guaranteed, while Mwu and Mir shared a worried look.
"Princess Cagalli," Andrew called. "We have arrived at the palace. Please make yourself presentable."
"Um…we're…here…?" Lacus mumbled in drowsiness.
"Sir Waltfield, we are ready to go." Miriallia said, carefully guiding the weak Cagalli down the carriage and into the palace.
Darn, Fllay thought under the disguise. I have just given Lacus a dose of medication to keep her quiet. How is she going to present herself under the circumstance? At least we're hidden underneath the gown. Now I just have to make sure Lacus can get through the presentation and explain to her the current situation.
"Princess Cagalli of Orb." The guard announced at the entrance to the throne room. Fllay carefully led Lacus to the center of the room, under the watchful eyes of the Alliance nobles. After making sure Lacus could stand on her own, the lady-in-waiting back away to the side while secretly glancing at Prince Kira under the veil.
Kira…Still as handsome as ever. Fllay thought excitedly. I wish you were mine.
Kira watched the princess closely, noticing she was shaking a bit.
Strange, I thought Princess Cagalli was a brave young lady. Why is she shaking? Could it be from fright or fear? Kira thought puzzled.
"I..I…jewel of Orb….La…Lacus…." Lacus managed to say before she felt her body falling over. The whole court gasped. Before Andrew was quick enough to save his princess, Kira dashed to her side to catch her before she fell. During the fall, Lacus' veil slipped off her head, revealing her pale face to her prince.
Kira widened his eyes when he saw the princess. He could feel his heart race faster and faster. The girl in his arms was like a wilted flower, with her silky hair hung to the side and delicate features in pain. Holding her close to him, Kira called out, "Someone fetch the doctor, now!"
"Quickly, get help for Princess Lacus!" Queen Caridad ordered. King Haruma also shared her concern for the ailing girl.
"Princess…Lacus?" Kira said hesitantly, never letting his eyes leave the princess. "Isn't she Cagalli?"
"No, this is indeed Princess Lacus Clyne of Orb. What is the meaning of this, Sir Waltfield?" The King said gravely.
"I…I'm afraid I am also in need of an explanation, Sire. Please allow me to investigate." Andrew said apologetically after recovering from the initial shock. "Lady Miriallia, or whoever you are. What is the meaning of this?"
Fllay slowly stepped forth, taking her veil off. "I can explain everything. It…it was princess Cagalli's plan to switch brides. I was only forced to go along with her plan." Fllay lied.
"Lady Fllay? Why did Princess Cagalli do such a thing?"
"Because…because…", Fllay fumbled for a reason. "Because…Cagalli is in love with Prince Athrun Zala!" The statement caused a huge uproar in the throne room.
Sir Andrew Waltfield looked embarrassed and murderous at the same time.
"Silence! The matter can wait. Right now, the princess needs rest." Kira said silencing everyone. Carefully, he picked Lacus up bridal style and carried her out of the room.
"Kira, where are you going? This matter needs immediate attention!" King Haruma called.
Kira paused and turned around. "I'm taking her to her chambers now. As far as I'm concerned, this can wait. But one thing is clear, Princess Lacus is my fiancé. She is under my protection from now on." He turned and left, leaving the entire room speechless.
Fllay watched jealously as Kira held Lacus as if she's the most precious treasure in the world.
Poor Lacus, being drugged and confused! What does Athrun have in store for Cagalli?
I'm planning to keep the OC to minimal if at all. Plus, I have decided to add more Seed characters to the subplots. Tell me what you guys think! Thanks!