WE BELONG TOGETHER
Regading my last chapter, Minerva's Cradle suggested the Cagalli's transition was too fast. After thinking about it, I agree to an extent. But human hearts are so unpredictable and after a life and death experience, one might learn to appreciate what one has in life. My explanation for this transition is that after coming in so close to death, Cagalli (or perhaps subconsciously) has lessened her defense for Athrun. Hopefully this explanation is acceptable and reasonable. Please let me know!
Chapter 14: Drifting Out of Sight
Kira whistled to himself as he walked down the hall. The relationship between him and his princess has never been better. The people of Alliance felt the same way about her. Besides spending time with him, Lacus has devoted much of her time to charity along with the queen and Stellar. She always made sure she has enough time to listen to those in need. Though Lacus did not interact with politics directly, she did offer suggestions and comments behind the scene.
Lacus once told him that her mother has always supported her father on almost everything. The Queen of Orb was a true model of femininity and gentleness. It was not her mother's belief to deal with politics directly. Whatever she had to say, she waited till she could tell the king in private. This was the kind of queen Lacus wanted to be. Unlike her twin, who voiced her opinion directly whenever she felt there was the need, sometimes it created conflicts that could have been avoided without confrontation. Kira respected Lacus' choice. He did not think this was weak of her to do things her way. Some people might consider her fragile for not being strong enough to state her opinion but Kira thought it was sweet of her to rather talk to him first before going head to head with him in disagreement.
With his personal life going so well, his life would have been perfect had it not been the rumored riot outbreaks happening across the land. News of the small scale rebellions continued to find their way into the palace and things have reached a point where he needed to take action. Officials of various provinces have sent their reports and so far they were able to negotiate through it. But Kira was not taking any chances. The prince needed to find out who was behind it and what the reason was. Right now it is necessary for him to talk to Heine and figure out a plan.
He walked around a corner and accidentally bumped into a person.
"Ouch!" Fllay yelped and fell on the floor.
Kira quickly voiced his apology and gave her his hand to help her up. Fllay accepted with delight and slid her hand onto his, as Kira gently guided her on her feet.
"I apologize for not seeing you, Lady Fllay. Are you harmed?"
"No harm done, Your Highness. I'm alright." She gave him her sweetest smile.
"I'm glad to hear that. Have you by any chance seen Heine somewhere?"
"Lord Heine? I can't say I have…Wait…I think he might be with the princess…Though I'm not quite sure…" Fllay said, trying to remember.
"With Lacus? I…didn't know he was with her. Perhaps I will give it a shot. Thank you." Kira answered, frowning a little at the idea of them together.
Seeing Kira leave, Fllay called out, "Wait, Prince Kira!"
Kira halted his steps and turned back. Fllay walked in front of him with her head bowed.
"I know I shan't be saying this but I would like to ask Your Highness for a favor, if I may?"
"What is it?"
"I…I was hoping…That is if I have the honor…Of calling Your Highness by your name…" Fllay asked nervously, afraid of looking at Kira's face.
"Is that all?" Kira smiled. "It's not a problem. All of my friends call me Kira. No more 'Your Highness' or 'Prince'. I think after what you have helped me with has earned you my friendship. Considered it granted."
Fllay beamed at him and tried. "Thank you…Kira." She applauded herself on her small success today. The prince has given her his trust and she had succeeded in closing in the gap between them. Now it's time for my next step…
Stellar stared out the window, unaware of Lacus standing behind her.
"Boo!" Lacus yelled, making Stellar almost jumped out of her skin.
"Lacus! You almost killed me with fright." Stellar stomped her feet and complained.
"Hehe," Lacus giggled. "Sorry. You were concentrating so hard so I couldn't resist myself. What were you thinking about?"
"It's nothing." Stellar looked away, sighing to herself.
Lacus went to sit next to her and gently patted Stellar on her back. "Come on, you can tell me what's bothering you. I'm a really good listener."
Stellar fidgeted and played with her bracelets for a while. Lacus waited patiently until Stellar finally talked. "It's about a man I met not so long ago…"
"Oh?" Lacus had no idea Stellar harbored a secret love. "He is…"
"A man from Zaft. A diplomat to be more certain. I first laid eyes on him about a year ago. He's so gentle and intelligent." Stellar said dreamily, thinking about the mystery man.
"Does the gentleman have a name?"
"Yes, Shinn Asuka. I can never forget his name."
"If Lord Asuka is as wonderful as you say, what is stopping you from finding your happiness?"
"It's not as simple as you say, Lacus." Stellar said sadly. "Shinn is very polite and respectful to me but he does not love me."
"How can you be certain?" It's hard for Lacus to imagine how anyone could not love the sensitive girl next to her.
"He told me. He told me with his voice, his eyes and his body language. I've heard about the death of his wife two years ago and with her gone, so take away his passion and ability to love. Though I have never told him I love him, I don't think I can be more clear about my feelings with how I act in front of him. If he did not get it, then the man is blind for sure."
Lacus amused over the girl's sudden anger.
Stellar let her anger evaporate and asked for Lacus' opinion.
"Well, rather than sit her and guess, when he visits again, just tell him how you feel straight out. This is the best advise I can offer."
"Do you really think so?"
"I know so. Regardless of the result, at least you have tried so you will have no regrets."
Stellar thought about it and made up her mind at last. "Ok, the next time I see him, I will tell him. Thanks Lacus."
"For what?"
"For the boost of confidence!"
Ever since Andrew convinced Aisha on giving him a chance, they have started spending more time to understand each other. Aisha learned a lot about Orb and many things of Andrew's noble family.
Can the head of the esteemed Waltfield family really be interested in me? A penniless lady?
Aisha still held the same doubts about him. Needless to say, she appreciated him for his courtesy and devotion to her. That was why she has decided to bring him home to meet her family.
When she asked Andrew, he seemed delighted at her idea. It made her a little surprised at his eagerness.
Their horses pulled up at Aisha's grandfather's house. The manor was old and was in obvious need of repairs. Andrew helped the lady down and followed her into the house.
"Chaucer, please inform the baron we have arrived." Aisha said to the aged butler.
"Yes, young Miss."
Aisha turned and said to Andrew, "Do you want a tour of the house?"
"I would be honored."
Aisha lead him from room to room, explaining her family history and constantly pointing to painting on the wall.
"Here are my parents," She said, pointing to a large family picture. "They passed away when I was really young."
Andrew looked at her family painting and smiled at her. "They must both love you a lot; I can see it in their eyes."
Aisha softened her expression. "I know, it's a shame they left so early. But I suppose they still have each other for comfort. My only regret is not being able to remember more about them."
Sensing her change in the mood, Andrew quickly changed the topic. "Why don't we see if the baron is ready?"
Aisha was just about to agree when Chaucer asked for them to meet in the baron's study room. Andrew and Aisha followed and saw an old man sitting behind a desk full of books and paper.
"My dear Aisha, come and give grandpapa a kiss." The old man said with a booming voice. The granddaughter walked next to him obediently and gave him a big hug and a peck on both cheeks.
"Grandfather, allow me to introduce Sir Andrew Waltfied of Orb."
Andrew bowed and stood with his back straight, keeping a steady gaze on Baron Kildon.
"So you are the 'Desert Tiger' I have heard so much about? It's a pleasure to meet so great a man." The baron extended his hand to Andrew.
"The pleasure is mine to finally meet the famous herbalist who devoted his life studying plants and poison."
The baron laughed out loud. "Not famous, just a simple scholar who spent his time teaching his granddaughter the basics. I hope she has been of assistance in the palace."
"Not just an assistant," Andrew said while looking at her. "Her presence is a necessity for one's survival." The look he gave her made her face scarlet.
The baron looked back and forth from Aisha to Andrew.
"Aisha, it's simply not right for our guest to stand here without any refreshment. I don't know what's taking Chaucer so long. Why don't you go give him a hand or two?"
Aisha passed Andrew an apologetic look and went out of the room.
"Now that Aisha is not here, why don't you tell me the real reason why you have come?" Kildon said seriously.
Andrew sat in front of the baron. "I came to ask for your permission of gaining Aisha's hand in marriage."
Kildon did not speak. He looked at Andrew from head to toe and was rather impressed with what he saw. Andrew Waltfield was every inch a powerful man, especially with the scar on his face.
"You do realize we can give you no wealth or relations?"
"I'm a rather rich and accomplished man myself so that's not really on my list of concerns."
"We are quite impoverished as evident of this house and my lack of staffs. As Aisha's husband you might need to contribute financially some what to our wellbeing."
"All you have to do is ask."
"If this is the case then tell me honestly, why Aisha? You can pick any girl in any of the land but why her?"
"My lord, like you said, I can pick any girl, but they are not Aisha. To tell you the truth, her reputation as a healer is quite wide spread and I always have been curious about her. After meeting her for the first time, it is as if I have found my match, spiritually, intellectually and physically. As a soldier, I cannot give you anymore fancy words to describe my feelings. I don't want to put it as 'love at first sight' since I feel it cheapens my affections for her but there really is no other explanation I can offer."
Kildon stood up slowly after thinking about his answers. "Dear Sir, I congratulate you for passing my tests. You have accepted the conditions of our family status without a glance, your generosity to give and most importantly, keen senses to detect my Aisha's uniqueness. I have heard of you and I am not a man who believes in tales and rumors. But you have my blessing as I deem you worthy of her. Though I give you my consent, it does not guarantee Aisha will say yes. That is for you to work on."
"I understand." Now that he had Kildon's support, hopefully this will put Aisha's troubling heart at peace.
Knock! Knock! Aisha came in with a tray of coffee and tea. She gentle set it down on the table and curiously glancing between the two smiling gentlemen.
"Have I missed anything important?" She asked.
"As a matter of fact, my dear, you have." Her grandfather informed her.
"And what might that be?"
"I've just agreed to Sir Waltfield's proposal of courting you."
"What?" Aisha reacted. "You…you have consented so fast?"
"Yes, but the rest will be up to you two."
Aisha was still in shock. She had always thought her grandfather was the most stubborn person she has ever met. How did Waltfield convinced him so fast?
Andrew held her hands in his and told her gently. "Perhaps Baron Kildon's blessing will dissolve your doubts and finally make bloom of our relationship."
Aisha looked deeply into his gaze and was moved beyond words. Perhaps it was time for her to let go of her past and look to the future…with him. "My lord, thank you for waiting. I think I am finally ready to start anew again."
They smiled into each other's eyes while Kildon had tears in his eyes. Aisha has finally let go of her pain and it was all thanks to Sir Waltfield for making it happen.
Ever since Kira allowed Fllay to call him on the first name basis, they have been meeting a lot together. Kira was impressed with Fllay's knowledge about Alliance. Unlike Lacus, who had spent more time studying about Zaft in Orb, Lady Fllay Alster seemed must more informed about what is happening to Kira's kingdom.
It was also because of her knowledge, Kira has started to rely on Fllay's assistance in dealing with political matters.
Even though Lacus was always present during the discussions, she was often left in the corner while Kira and Fllay conversed. Lacus did not blame them for putting her in the background because she knew Kira would always speak to her in private about current affairs, but it was starting to make her a little uncomfortable seeing her fiancé and lady-in-waiting so close together.
Aisha now spent less time with her, as she was no longer sick (and seeing Andrew). Stellar had other duties to carry on besides contributing to charity with the princess. At times, Lacus felt completely alone. It could very well be this loneliness that's driving her to think about her insecurity.
In a rainy afternoon, Lacus sat in the gazebo, thinking to herself again. Kira was supposed to be with her but an emergency meeting called him away along with Fllay. Though Lacus was happy her friend could help Kira in her stead, seeing the two growing intimate was making her a little jealous.
"I shouldn't think like that. I trust Kira and Fllay is my best friend." Lacus muttered to herself, as if saying it out loud will make it better.
A distant away, a man was standing in the rain, watching the princess with longing eyes. Heine wanted to comfort her and bring that beautiful smile back to her face. He grew angry thinking about how Kira was the reason as to why she was miserable. Is the prince blind as to not see Fllay's attachment to him?
Heine has been in love with Lacus for a long time. He first saw her in the palace garden of Orb. Back then he was on state business and in one fateful encounter, the smiles of Princess Lacus has since then captured his heart. She was but sixteen at the time. Ever since then Heine has dreamed about her day and night. When her marriage was finally announced by King Uzumi, a part of him actually felt better knowing she was to move to Zaft. At least he was spared the pain of seeing her with another man. But fate is cruel and now she was here in front of him and in love with Kira.
Lacus looked up and saw Heine soaked all wet from the rain. She quickly stood up and called him to her. "Heine, you'll catch a cold if you stand there. Come here quickly."
Heine snapped out of his thoughts and obeyed the princess.
"Here, have some of Aisha's special spice tea. It'll warm you up." She offered.
"Thank you." He gulped it down, coughing because of the heat.
"Be careful, it's hot!"
"I'm…alright…really…" Heine replied between coughs. Lacus waited till he recovered before asking him.
"Did the meeting already finished?"
"Yes, just a moment ago."
He could tell from her face she wanted to ask where Kira was. "The prince was postponed by other pressing issues. He should be here very soon." Heine lied. In truth, it was true Kira was held up. But it was Fllay who asked Kira to stay behind in private for further discussion. Heine didn't want Lacus to know about it.
Lacus was disappointed by his answer. She thanked him but said no more.
Heine, unable to bear the emptiness on her face, kneeled in front of her. "Princess Lacus, is there anything I can be of assistance? Anything at all?"
Lacus was surprised at his outbreak. She collected herself and thanked him once again. "Heine, you have been a great friend. I am so honored to know you. You have done so much for Kira and I already. There is no more I can ask of you."
Impulsively, Heine took her hand. "My only wish if for you to know I am your faithful servant always." He sealed his vow with a kiss to her hand.
Unbeknownst to them, Kira and Fllay have just walked in and saw the exchange between Heine and Lacus.
Fllay glanced at Kira and saw he clenched his fist. She smiled evilly and said, "Heine sure if faithful to you and the princess."
"Is he?"
"Of course, Kira. You should know both of you have his complete loyalty. With you gone so often, he has volunteered to keep Lacus company. It's thanks to him that the princess remains safe."
"….." Without another word, Kira turned and disappeared down the hall by himself, leaving Fllay overjoyed at the turn of events.
Oh no! Trouble for KxL. Poor Heine. He doesn't even know he's being used by Fllay to break the trust between Kira and Lacus. On next chapter, political enemies will make a stronger appearance. Please R & R, thanks!