Yzak looked around the room. Many of the councillor members were a lot older than him. In fact some were even twice his age, but then he was only 21. Mentally sighing, Yzak began to count how many of the men here were still bachelors, how many of them had been involved in an politically arranged marriage…
And those that had mistresses.
Over half, Yzak thought dryly looking around the room, had been forced to marry for political reasons, and were still going around seeing their secret lovers.
But that's not what I want Shiho for. I want her to be by my side forever, not at night, and not in secret.
Not like it is right now.
Closing his eyes, sighed. This type of thinking wasn't getting him anywhere. Exhaling slightly, Yzak attempted to concentrate on the marriage proposals the members were arguing over.
"This is the chance to secure the relationship with Orb; to have that military alliance with them. If ever a war erupts between the Earth Forces again, Orb would have to support us as their leader is married to one of us." Ted Elsman snapped to a woman on his right.
"A military alliance with Orb? Is that really necessary? Their technology isn't so advance that we would need to ally ourselves with them." An older member exclaimed.
"But it wouldn't hurt would it? Having Orb also against the Earth Alliances, it would make chances of the Alliance starting a war less likely."
"Yes, but what reason would Orb have to side with us. Yzak is only a temporary councillor member, and only during these peace times. During war, only what the Chairman says and does matters." Aziza, a friend of Ezaria, nearly shouted.
Yzak couldn't help but grin to himself. He knew his mother didn't like the idea of Cagalli and him getting married at all. Ezaria had already made it clear that she only wanted Yzak to marry whom she chose. And thankfully, that person was Shiho.
"The elections are coming up though," a deep voice said to Yzak's right, "and if the public knew what we were thinking, they would support it. No one wants war anymore; we all want to continue to live in these peace times. Public opinion already favours Yzak more so than any of us. If they were to find out that Yzak, by marrying Cagalli, could secure the relationship with Plants, they would support him even more. Eventually, Yzak would become the next Chairman, guaranteed with this marriage."
Smiling the man turned to look at Yzak and Yzak realized who it was. The shoulder-length brown hair, the violet eyes, the tanned skin; Agnes Hahnenfuss, Shiho's father.
Agnes continued, "Yzak, you already have my vote. With this marriage, I assure you, you will become Chairman. And possibly one of the best we've ever had." He finished giving Yzak a smile.
Yzak felt his heart skip a beat. Chairman!
"Yes, but that decision still has to be made with a vote. As does the decision on this marriage. For now, we will keep this within ourselves. There is no need to tell the public anything until a decision is made. Let's leave this discussion until the next meeting." Philip, a commander himself, stood up and began to leave.
Yzak too decided that he could leave, and followed Philip out.
"Yzak," turning around, Yzak faced Agnes, "I hope you don't feel that we are forcing you to get married against your will, but I must make it clear. Right now we must secure relationships with the other forces. We've already gone through two horrific wars already; this is our chance to make sure no future generations ever have to go through what we have, what you and my daughter have. You understand this, don't you Yzak? Even if your mother continues to remain stubborn, understand that this is your choice to make. Make the right one, son."
Damn, like I know which one is the right one to make.
Sighing, Agnes clapped Yzak's shoulder, "Come Joule. I'm having dinner with my daughter. Why don't you come along as well? I know she's fond of you, she'll be happy to see you."
Yzak felt a bit of relief flow inside him. At least one problem could be dealt with tonight.
----
Sighing, Shiho ran her hands through her hair praying that her father would come through the door any minute now. Her father had called her last minute, instructing her to come to one of the most expensive restaurants, unfortunately though with her mother.
Shiho sneaked a glance at her blond mother. There was no denying what a beauty her mother was, every man on the face of the universe had at one point wanted to marry her. Many of them, even today at her age, were still willing to do anything just for a chance to see her, to speak to her.
Yes, with her bight green eyes, and golden blond hair, Careen Hahnenfuss was a goddess.
But the sternness, and sharpness in her mother's attitude had always made Shiho uncomfortable. It frightened her to no end. As long as Shiho could remember being anxious over every little task at hand. She never wanted to disappoint her mother, and yet she always found a way to do so.
Even when she had been younger, she had always heard the servants whisper about her and her mother, smirking at the way Careen scolded her, gossiping among each other of the 'disappointment' Careen's life turned out.
Shiho never found out exactly why her mother's life had been such a disappointment. In the Hahnenfuss House, everything was always kept a secret. No scandals would ever be forgiven, no matter what the context of the situation was.
Careen Hahnenfuss would never allow it to.
"Shiho," Careen sharp voice pierced through Shiho's thoughts, "stop daydreaming and sit up properly."
Blushing, Shiho mumbled, "Yes mother."
Careen's sharp eyes glanced briefly into Shiho's, as though reading her mind. Shiho glanced down at the table, resuming her prayers that her father would come any minute now.
----
Yzak followed Agnes into the restaurant. He noticed his hands were shaking slightly. He really wasn't ready for this. Feeling his heart beat faster and faster, Yzak tired to calm himself.
There was really nothing to worry about, he thought to himself.
Agnes wouldn't say anything about the marriage; the councillors had agreed to keep it within themselves. And Shiho wouldn't talk about their relationship, of course she wouldn't.
But that nerve wreaking feeling wasn't going away.
Shiho wanted the relationship out in the open, or at least for her father to know about it. She may think Yzak had come to dinner so that they could tell him…
Shit! This isn't good, this isn't good at all.
What he needed was time, time to talk to Shiho alone, to clarify to her that they right now couldn't say anything.
Not when he was so close to becoming Chairman!
Loosening his tie, Yzak looked around the restaurant and saw Shiho instantly. A little smile played at his lips as he noticed she was with her mother, Careen.
He couldn't help thinking every time he saw Careen that it was a pity Shiho never got any of her good looks.
"Shiho," Agnes spoke as he walked towards his daughter, "how have you been, my daughter."
Shiho stood up, and gave her father a polite smile, and kiss on the check before turning around to see him.
The expression on her face was priceless.
The happiness and surprise was so evident in her face, it made his heart ache. He could have reached over and kissed her right there and then if it hadn't been for the room filled with people.
Yzak broke contact with her, and looked down, deep in thought. This relationship wasn't fair on her. In fact, she had sacrificed more so than either of them…he wasn't going to ask her to sacrifice anymore.
He had to tell her tonight. There was no more time for delay. Though the councilor was still in disagreement, it would make things better for both of them if Shiho knew exactly what was happening.
Even if nothing had been decided.
She had a right to know.
"Shiho, it's been a while hasn't it? Your father asked me to join him for dinner, and after hearing that I would be meeting you again, I couldn't say no. I hope it wouldn't be a brother." Yzak smiled.
Shiho seemed to have gotten it under control. "Yzak, of course. I'm glad you could make it."
Smiling, Yzak made his way over and sat down beside Shiho and in front of Careen, who had not said anything.
Pouring himself a drink, Yzak took in a deep breath.
It was going to be a long night.
Hey I know it's a really bad chapter, I actually didn't proof read it or anything. This chapter has been sitting here forever and since I couldn't think of anything else to write about right now, I decided to post it!
Don't worry the next chapter will be much better! I promise!!