WE BELONG TOGETHER

Chapter 11: Music Heals the Soul

"Be careful with that." Aisha directed the soldiers. Kira just left with Fllay and had entrusted her with the task of supervising the concert hall. Aisha spent the last several days planning with the prince on the layout of the hall as well as the invitation list. Both Lady Fllay and Sir Waltfield felt it's best to keep the audience small.

This sure is tough work, making all the arrangements, she thought. But then again Princess Lacus is such a sweet young lady. I just hope she and the prince can remain blissfully happy together.

Then Aisha remembered Fllay's motive. The prince was oblivious but it seemed quite clear to her that Lady Fllay harbored some ideas about Kira. Aisha could only watch the lady-in-waiting closely in the future and hope her prince does not get too close to her.

Aisha was deep in thought when she accidentally bumped into someone. She stumbled back a little before a pair of strong hands gripped her to steady.

"Whoa, you okay?" A voice asked.

Aisha looked up and realized she the person she had bumped into was Sir Andrew Waltfield.

She smiled and answered. "I'm okay. Excuse me for my clumsiness."

"No problem. How goes the setup?"

"It's going as the prince planned. We should be able to present it to Her Highness in two days. I hope she will like it."

"Don't worry, I know Princess Lacus. She'll love it. I see the prince and you, Lady Aisha, both put your heart and soul into it. On behalf of the princess, thank you."

Aisha blushed at his compliment. "Tis too kind of you, Sir Waltfield. I deserve no such praise."

"On the contrary, you deserve every word of it. Oh, by the way, call me Andrew."

"…Alright….An...Andrew…"

Andrew smiled. "See, it's not too hard, my lady."

"……………….."

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing…It's just that you speak too highly of me when you address me as 'lady'."

"Oh?"

"I must confess to you, thought I know not why, that I am simply an impoverished maiden employed under the kind Queen Caridad. My house has but held an empty title since two generations ago. You don't need to think so highly of me." Aisha said with a hint of sadness.

Normally she would never tell a stranger so much about herself. But after spending days with Waltfield, she has learned that he's an honorable and trustworthy man. She really enjoyed his company and perhaps she felt something more than that. Regardless, her status should be made clear to him to avoid old mistakes.

Thinking back on her past, Aisha remembered how men have sought blindly after her during her youth. These noble men cherished her and promised many great things to her. But upon learning about her background, they retreated faster than ever. Since then, Aisha has matured to not to expect too much from life. She kept her distance from men who were of interest, to protect herself from ever earning those deep wounds again. Perhaps hearing the truth from her will turn Sir Waltfield away and save her from heartbreak.

Andrew looked at her with compassion and admiration in his eyes. "You don't have to keep your distance. After all the time we have spent together, I believe you know of my intention. Assess me of my actions and not words. I will heal you of the pains of the old. My Lady…"

Aisha couldn't believe her ears. He was the first man who did not turn away from her after learning the truth. But can she afford to give him a chance?

"I…I…I don't know what to say…" Aisha said trying to think clearly.

"A simple 'yes' will do." He lured.

Aisha stepped back a little, as if taken by surprise. Her eyes glanced to the side as she took her time to think this through. Andrew, meanwhile, waited patiently for her answer. He might look calm and patient but deep inside, he was holding his breath and screaming for her to say yes.

"I suppose…"

"Yes?" He pushed.

"I mean…"

"Yes? Yes?"

Aisha looked up and stifled her laugh. "Well, Sir, you have already answered the question three times. So for the final answer, is yes."

Andrew let relief washed over him and widened his smile. "You won't regret it, I swear it on my honor."

The big day finally arrived for Prince Kira to present his betrothed his present. Early morning, he went to knock on Lacus' room.

"Lacus, it's me. May I come in?"

The prince waited silently for several minutes, knocking two more times in between. Finally, after the third time, the door opened to show Lacus' lovely face.

"Good morning, Your Highness. How may I assist you today?"

"Lacus!" Kira was about to invite her when he saw for the first time how Lacus' smile looked hollow. "Is there something wrong?"

"Not really. Why would you ask?"

"No…It's just…You look a little…" Kira struggled to find the right words.

"Like what? Please tell why you have come here?"

"Okay, I came to invite you to a special place."

"Really? Where is it?"

"It's a surprise, you have to follow me to get there."

Lacus raised her brow questionably but said nothing.

"Will you come? Please?"

"…Alright." Lacus said reluctantly. Ever since she found out about her betrothed lying to her, the princess has felt extremely uncomfortable. It pained her to know Kira was keeping something from her. Her mind dwelled on the issue for days, unable to discuss it with those closest to her. This has made her a little impatient and restless.

I'm starting to become like Cagalli, Lacus thought bitterly to herself. It was her sister's way to be so nosy and moody.

Kira was unaware of Lacus' spinning thoughts. He could only think about how glad Lacus would be when she is presented her own stage for her musical performance.

Just outside of the concert hall, Kira pulled Lacus aside. "Lacus, because it's a special place, you have to close your eyes first as I guide you in."

Lacus looked doubtly at her prince. Kira gave her his assurance before Lacus finally agreed to do it his way.

Upon making sure Lacus did exactly as he told her, he took her soft hand and quietly opened the door. He motioned to everyone in the room to keep silent and guided Lacus onto the stage. Standing behind her, he whispered. "On the count of three, you can open your eyes."

"One…Two….THREE!"

Cheers boomed around her just when Lacus opened her eyes. She could not believe she was standing right on center stage with only the King and the Queen, Fllay, Aisha, Andrew, Heine and Kira around. To be more oberservant, the hall looked exactly like the one she had in Orb. All these brought back such joyous memories of her country that she felt tears building up in her eyes.

Kira gently turned her around to face him and hugged her firmly. "Don't cry, Lacus. Not on such a special day. Do I have the honor of hearing you sing for me?"

Lacus could only nod to agree, throwing herself into his arms.

"Great, then allow me the honor of presenting one of the greatest musician of all time, Malchio!"

The blind musician walked out from back stage slowly, carrying his guitar in his hands. Lacus watched Malchio in amazement. She couldn't believe it's really Malchio, one of the best tuners of the land, was standing right beside her.

"Princess Lacus, it's an honor to meet your acquaintance." He bowed.

"No Master Malchio," Lacus replied. "It is I who is graced by the presence of such a famous tuner. I am indeed fortunate today."

A so call 'Tuner' was the title rewarded to an individual who has achieved incomparable success in the musical field. Malchio was a legendary tuner who has been in hiding for many years after his blindness. To see the legend in person was like a dream come true for Lacus.

"Well, you should thank your prince for convincing me to be here. His strong regards for you as well as my curiosity of Your Highness' vocals has drawn me out into the open. Let's both do our best for the audience present."

Lacus nodded and turned to her audience. "Great Lords and Ladies, I have the honor tonight to present to you Master Malchio and myself's partnership of one of my favorite songs 'Autumn Fragrance'."

She waited for Malchio's signal before letting her heart be in tune with the melody.

Sweet Scent I remember, in the fields of yesterday

Autumn days has fallen, bringing memories of old

Looking back on the past, I know I'll find the way

Leading me there, the days of gold.

Though you are far away, I'm searching

Endless blue sky and infinite sea

For eternity, a quest never ending

Never ever will I fall on my knee.

Autumn fragrance, a lover's embrace,

Surrounds me warmly, as I travel beyond

Taking in wonders and following my pace,

In no way will I forget our strong bond.

Kira listened dreamily to Lacus' angelic voice. She was an amazing performer. Malchio's guitar harmony was beyond perfect. The two couldn't have performed the song any better. Everyone was half hypnotized by the music that on one seemed to notice the song has ended already. They had only performed one song and the audience was already giving them a standing ovation.

Lacus beamed at her admirers and turned to compliment Malchio. "Master, that was absolutely beautiful!"

"Yes, and I must say Your Highness has a lot of potential. Even here in Alliance, I have heard about your voice. In time I believe, you will also be a tuner one day."

"Do you really think so?"

"I know so. I had almost given up on music after my eyes failed me, but after hearing your deliverance, I am glad I took up the prince's offer. 'Music is the best cure to the soul', one of the golden rules of tuners. As a tuner, I failed to keep this philosophy in mind and almost ruined my soul. I should be ashamed."

"Dear Master, all is not too late. We all make mistakes and we learn from them. Let's start over together."

"You are right. I shall." Malchio promised.

They both grinned to each other and got on with many other songs. The night was filled with laughter and tears. After the concert, Lacus and Malchio were invited to sit next to the King and Queen for awhile. Kira went to Fllay, to thank her of her brilliant idea. "Lady Fllay, I can't even begin to thank you for what you have came up with to make Lacus so happy. You have my gratitude."

"Please don't mention it. It makes me glad to see the one I love happy." She replied.

Kira smiled gently, mistaking Fllay's words. In his heart, he truly trusted Fllay's loyalty and honesty. The distant between them seemed to vanish for him as he believed in her friendship. Now he could be comfortable around the lady.

"My thanks Fllay. Perhaps I will depend on you more in the future."

"Your wish is my command, my prince." She smiled seductively at his words.

From the corner of her eyes, she saw Heine walking towards Lacus.

She couldn't make out what he was telling her. Heine brought a large bouquet of flowers to present it to the princess. Lacus took it without hesitation and thank him for the gift. Heine brightened at her acceptance and bowed.

With Kira gone to talk to Aisha, Fllay smiled devilishly to herself. She has finally figured out a secret. Heine harbors affection for Lacus in secret. Fllay has the same look every time she looked at Kira. Heine held the same melting expression and bitterness when he looked at the princess.

Well, well…Perhaps I can use this to my advantage somehow…

Hi guys! This is the edited version though not much different. Thanks to Minerva's Cradle for correcting me on the spelling error. Really appreciate it!

So on to AxC next!!!