WE BELONG TOGETHER

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN GUNDAM SEED AND GUNDAM SEED DESTINY

Chapter 29: A Sugar-coated Arrangement

"Lacus, it's time to go." Kira said softly.

"I'm coming," Lacus replied, then turning to give her father a soft kiss on the cheek. "Father, take care of yourself. I will write as soon as I can."

Uzumi patted his daughter fondly, "I know you will." Then he turned his attention to Kira, "Take care of my daughter."

Kira nodded and bowed. "Of course I will, Your Majesty."

Before Lacus left, Shiho and Rey appeared beside the king, both giving her their farewells. Shiho was sad to see Lacus go. The pink princess taught and instructed Shiho in the daily affairs of Orb and now it really felt like she belongs to a family. Shiho just couldn't thank the two princesses enough for their kindness.

Rey saluted to the departing prince and princess and watched them go. Yet he kept his face expressionless without revealing anything. It was only until he saw Stellar waving eagerly from the carriage window, did he smiled a little to himself.

"Don't they just look prefect together?" Uzumi sighed in content.

"They sure do, Your Majesty." Shiho nodded her agreement.

Fllay, who was last to get in the carriage, heard the exchange of words between the king and Shiho, secretly spat at the blissful image of Kira and Lacus together. Her prince and Lacus were as close as ever. Now it seemed the whole affair involving Heine had all been forgotten. The lady-in-waiting was eager to leave for Alliance as well. Staying in Orb certainly didn't help her in any way. The faster they return Alliance, the better it would play in her favour.

After a few days in traveling, Kira and his company finally returned back home. He bid the ladies to return to their quarters while he went to seek the Majesties for counsel. Upon entering his father's private study, he found his parents and Mischi already deep in discussion.

"Kira, you look tired." Queen Caridad laid a gentle hand on her son's cheek.

"I'm fine, mother. There are more important issues at hand right now." Kira answered grimly. "What has Azreal been doing when I was away?"

"Not much, my son." The king answered. "He seems to be lying low for the time being, which is odd. Given the situation, he should have used your absence to his advantage somehow."

"What about you, find anything?" Kira looked questionably at his most trusted agent.

"What can I say? Our enemies are cunning. It's actually quite limited to work on the defense. If there was only something that can bait them…Something irresistible…" Mischi thought about the possibilities.

"I know that smile." Kira groaned, "What do you have in mind?"

Mischi smirked. "How about a little adventure?"

"Such as?"

"Well, it's common knowledge that a war is won by going on the offensive, plus it's not my style to just remain reactive. I was thinking of inviting a little danger into our dull lives."

"And we do that by what?"

"Actually, I have the perfect plan to draw Azreal out in the open."

"I'm all ears."

"Give the man what he wants and he'll be happy."

Kira lifted a brow, "And you think you know what it is?"

"Trust me, I've got it covered." The agent flashed an evil smile and began laying out the scheme.

"I missed everyone." Stellar complained to Lacus and Fllay while having afternoon tea. "It was a lot more exciting when our companies from Zaft were around."

"Yes, but there are many important matters here in Alliance that needs attention." Lacus smoothed.

"I suppose." The blonde girl sighed. What's really bothering Stellar was the fact that she had a sorry encounter with Azreal yesterday. Upon her return to the palace, she was unfortunate enough to meet the despicable man in the hallways. As usually, he was very attentive and flattering. But it's the way he looked at her that crept her out. He was always examining her with those long narrow eyes. Stellar almost shivered when she thought about it.

Fllay only smiled at the sighing girl. Then she brightened her eyes when she saw Kira approaching from afar. Just when she was about to greet the prince, Lacus stood up and ran into the prince's arms. The lady-in-waiting could only swallow her resentment and step back.

As the royal couple exchanged a brief kiss, Stellar looked envious and sighed again.

"How precious is the sight of those in love." She murmured, making Kira and Lacus a little embarrassed.

"So what's up, cuz?" Stellar asked.

"Well, can't I just be here to see you girls?" Kira asked innocently.

"Haha, nice try. You mean to see Lacus. I'm not blind, you know…" She wasn't fooled.

"Alright, actually, I'm here to see you, Stellar." Kira said seriously.

Stellar quickly wiped the sarcasm off and put on a serious tone. "What is it?"

Kira looked around, hesitant to speak at first. He opened his mouth but closed it again.

"Kira, I'm waiting." Stellar said impatiently.

"Well, how can I put it? It's…well…your parents have just informed me of something quite…disturbing…"

"Oh?" She lifted a brow in question.

"What I'm trying to tell you is that you're engaged." Kira finally spat out.

"What?" All three girls yelled in surprise. Stellar stood up so suddenly, she almost fell off her chair. She grabbed Kira's cloak and screamed into his ears. "What did you just say?"

"Yawl!" Kira jumped, shaking off his cousin's angry grasp and making sure he's a few step away from the enraged blonde.

"Kira, this is so sudden! Who is the groom in question?" Lacus finally asked.

Kira gulped. He wasn't sure if he'll survive after revealing the fact, but he had no other choice. The prince slowly took a few steps back. "The lucky gentleman just happens to be…Azreal…"

Now Stellar was literally making choking noises while Lacus and Fllay moved next to steady her. "How….How can this…It's impossible!"

"I know. But your parents have already showed us the marriage contract so we have no choice but to give our consent to the matter."

Stellar almost lunged at Kira had the other two girls not restrain her from behind.

"Give consent? How can you do this? I can't and don't want to marry that snake. Mother and father should know better than this. What the hell is going on?"

"I think I know." Aisha said with Andrew accompanying her.

"Tell me, please." Stellar said through clenched teeth.

"Stellar, you know your brother Sting is a big gambler on the table. Apparently, he had a game with Azreal which ended quite disastrous for him."

"It's rumoured that there's an arrangement between them of some kind. From you just heard, this is probably the payment Azreal demanded." Andrew continued.

"Sting? I don't believe it. My brother will never sell me out." Stellar shook her head stubbornly.

"He probably didn't mean to. You see, when you lose a bet on the table, it's only expected for the victor to demand payment. To deny the victor of the spoil would mean the lost of one's honour and reputation. That's how men are." The knight explained.

"Exactly, though Sting detests the idea of giving you to him, there's nothing he can do about it." Kira said in sigh.

"What do my parents say? They couldn't have agreed."

"It doesn't matter. They have already passed on the title, inheritance, as well as the guardianship of you over to Sting. There's nothing they can do to change the situation." Aisha informed her sadly.

Stellar slowly sank down to her seat and muttered, "So that it, huh?"

She buried her face in her palms, not wanting to let everyone see her so weak.

Kira felt terrible to be the one to give her the bad news. He looked at Lacus, and she simply shook her head, signaling everyone to leave.

After everyone left, Lacus put a gentle hand on Stellar and sang a soft tune of comfort.

Stellar wanted to die.

After Kira broke the news to her, with Lacus spending hours trying to make her feel better, her mood still has not improve. The only thing she wanted to do now was to go home and to ask Sting personally on what happened.

Stellar has ordered her carriage to be brought out to the front of the palace. Slowly, she dragged herself in the somewhat empty halls to make her way to the entrance. She almost made it there, but was intercepted by none other than her lovely fiancé.

"My dear, you look lovely as usual." Azreal smiled and bowed.

Stellar tried to walk pass him by ignoring him. But Azreal was never one to be ignored.

"My, is this how a respected Loussier treats her own betrothed? I'm quite surprised by this display of etiquette."

Abruptly, Stellar stopped and finally spoke up. "Forgive me, sir. The news has me speechless so I'm not quite myself."

"I know. It's a match made in heaven. It is quite normal to be shy about it. I understand it completely." He smiled confidently, if not a little too smug to himself.

Stellar had to use every ounce of control in her body to restrain herself from breaking the arrogant jerk's nose.

"Actually, I'm in a little hurry right now. I bid my lord a good day and take my leave." She bowed.

Azreal nodded in satisfactory. He walked forth and placed a wet kiss on her hand.

Stellar gave him a stiff smile and hurried off home.

"Sting! Where are you?" Stellar stomped in to her brother's study and found him at his desk.

"Why, dear sister…" He rose to greet her, looking a little sheepish.

"Shut up! You know I already know it from Kira so spill. What did you do?" She raged.

Sting raked his hand through his hair. "Well, where should I start?"

"How about from the beginning?"

"Fine. I was off to the club and playing a game with the boys as usual, and Azreal just happens to be present. Normally, I would have ignored him, but he seemed so persistent to join our table, we could hardly be rude to a member of the council. We had a few rounds and I was making good progress. Suddenly, he came up with an idea of placing an unconditional you name it, a special type of bet."

"And you agreed?" She almost screamed.

Her brother winced. "Look, I was in no position to back down. One thing lead to another, I lost and he demanded payment."

"So now I'm the sacrificial lamb."

"Stellar, I'm sorry. I know how you feel about the man and I can't blame you for hating me. I tried to get out the situation with money, favours or whatever I can to offer. But Azreal seemed set on gaining your hand. I promise you I will do everything possible to break the binds between you, but for now, at least be civil to him."

Stellar softened. "Brother, I don't hate you. I'm angry at you, yes. But you've never let me down before and I know you never will. I promise to be nice to Azreal, but you and Kira better think of some way to get me out of it fast."

Sting embraced him little sister. "I will, you can count on it."

"Kira, I can't believe what I'm seeing." Lacus said. Just on the opposite side of the room, Stellar and Azreal stood together, accepting congratulations from others for their recent engagement.

"Is that Stellar smiling?" Lacus said in puzzlement.

"I know how you feel. But Stellar talked to Sting and she's agreed to play the part of fiancé for now. Meanwhile, we'll do what we can to break them up." Kira whispered into her ears.

"Still, I'm worried. Azreal is no fool. It's going to be dangerous playing games under his eyes."

"We'll take care of it. Let's just keep it between us, okay?" He said, while kissing her lovely cheeks.

Lacus blushed and smiled warmly.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room－

Stellar felt her face going numb from all the smiles she's been giving. I think I've just had the first taste of what hell feels like, she thought to herself. For the entire night, Azreal has been parading around with her on his arms. The man was still as attentive as ever, but now he's gloating with her as the prize.

"Honey, would you like champagne?" He whispered.

"I…I'd love to have one." Stellar said, forcing herself to stand still.

Azreal nodded and brushed a hand over her soft curls. "I'll be right back."

"Careful my lord, you don't want to get burnt by the pretty little thing." Fllay said in a low voice just as Azreal walked by.

Azreal continued on his way while Fllay tailed him from behind.

"I would advice you to be careful. Lady Stellar is not a fool. Let her in too deep and you could blow your cover."

"Silence!" Azreal demanded quietly, careful to maintain his calm composure. "Do you think me an idiot? Everything will go according to plan but I will have Stellar for my wife, do you hear me?"

"And if she's the bait?"

He smirked. "Then I welcome the challenge. Either way, I will have what I want. Remember, we're in the same boat. Just do your part and your prince will be in your grasp."

Fllay slowly grinned and held up her glass. "Let's drink to that."

"An urgent letter from Your Highness Princess Lacus." A courier reported.

"A letter from Lacus? How wonderful!" Cagalli squealed in delight. She took the letter quickly and dismissed the messenger.

"What does the letter say?" Athrun asked.

As Cagalli read through the lines, her expression grew more grim. "She writes to tell me everything 's well on her trip and everyone's doing fine, but…"

"What is it?" Miriallia asked.

"I'm not sure how to put it, but it's bad good news."

"And what is that suppose to mean?" Shinn questioned.

"Our good friend Stellar is getting married."

Shinn's face blanked at the news and gave a stiff "oh" answer.

"But that's not all. The lucky man she's marrying is Azreal."

This dropped a bomb in the room. Everyone's expression ranged from bewilderment to disbelieve. What is going on in Alliance?

Shinn's face turned dark. It's been a long time since he's felt such raw emotion of rage. How could anyone allow their girl to be married to that scumbag? And not just any girl, his girl!

Suddenly, Shinn snapped back to reality. What did I just say? Did I just call Stellar my girl?

The world of Shinn Asuka has just turned upside down.

Sorry about the delay in update. I was having some computer problems. Hopefully this chapter is alright. I'm currently thinking of writing something else so I might take some time off to do some thinking. But don't worry, this story will continue as planned. Thanks to those that reviewed.