Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by their original creators. No money is being made and no infringement is intended.

Freshet Castle was beautiful, ancient in artwork and rich in history and life. For thousands of years, the Royal Family kept their lands and kingdoms prominent and wealthy. Tapestries and art windows told tales of victories and defeats, and of memories that should never be forgotten. Legends of old were everywhere, carved into the beautiful castle itself to protect the memories of Kings past.

Four days after arriving at the castle, Quatre was hiding ifnside his room, tucked underneath the large bed he was provided with. Everywhere he went people stared and whispered, telling stories of how he put a magic spell of Trowa. For, as it was heard, no one has ever wooed the emotionless Prince. Old wash women told tales of how the late King Trowa Barton the First, was murdered by rebels in front of the Prince. And of how the Prince grew serious and nonchalant about life afterwards. Whispers were all around Quatre, who felt the only place to escape the voices talking and eyes watching was underneath the bed.

There was a knock at his door, but Quatre didn't move from his spot. If it had been Wufei who was at the door, he would let himself in after a moment. No one else bothered to visit him in his room. The knocking continued, but Quatre still didn't crawl out.

The door finally opened, and Quatre watched two boots that were unfamiliar enter the room. They walked around the large room, looking behind curtains and into the washroom connected to the room. Finally, they stopped by the bed, and Quatre held his breath as he lay completely still.

"…Quatre?"

"…Trowa?" Quatre responded, and tried to get out. Unfortunately, his sleeve caught on a stray metal spring underneath the bed, and he was stuck. He didn't want to tear the new shirt he had been given, but he couldn't get it loose from the metal.

Quatre stopped fighting with the metal spring to watch Trowa get on his stomach to look under the bed at him.

"…What are you doing?" Trowa asked, his eyes mixed with puzzlement and mirth.

"I'm trapped," Quatre said, making his voice as sad as he could. "Please help."

Trowa reached under the bed, but couldn't quite reach Quatre's arm and the caught sleeve. He pushed himself further under the bed, and after a few moments of fiddling, he managed to free the sleeve without any big tearing.

"Thank you," Quatre said, but continued to stay under the bed.

"Why are you under here?" Trowa asked, getting more comfortable in his current position. He lay on his stomach with his head facing Quatre, his body only part way under the bed. "I've wondered why you never visited me while I was healing."

"I'm sorry," Quatre apologized. "It's just that when I leave the room, people turn to stare and whisper. I was hiding from it all."

Trowa reached closer and stroked Quatre's cheek. "If only beds could hide you from eyes and whispers, I'd never leave mine. You get used to it, just give them a mean glare to show you heard them. They'll keep their whispers down."

Quatre thought a moment before looking at Trowa and giving his meanest look he could muster. Trowa looked at him only a second before bursting into laughter.

"I said 'mean'," Trowa laughed, petting Quatre's head. "Not adorable. You look as threatening as a small kitten caught in the rain."

Quatre pouted, and Trowa stopped laughing to smile softly and tap Quatre's chin.

"Now, none of that," Trowa said softly. "I fell in love with a smile, not a frown."

"…I don't like people staring at me," Quatre admitted quietly. "As if they are judging me without getting to know me first."

"I don't either," Trowa said. "But I can tolerate it, because Treize hates attention more than I, and he gets a thousand times more stares and whispers. Treize likes his private time, like a late night ride through the landscapes. We're the Royal Family, and every moment spent alone is cherished, not sought after."

Quatre pondered that for a moment, and he smiled brightly. "Thank you, Trowa. Can we eat something? I've been here all morning."

Trowa nodded, and he wriggled backwards and backed out from under the bed. Quatre crawled forward, and once they were out, the sounds of chuckling was heard by the door.

"Trowa, I've been looking for you," King Treize said, Duo behind him laughing behind his hands. "Now that I can see your other half, will you and Quatre like to join me for an early lunch?"

"Yes, Brother," Trowa said, and stood up before helping Quatre to his feet. "How long were you there?"

"Only long enough," King Treize said, and Duo gave a wink at them before following the king down the hall. "In addition, late night rides clear my mind."

"…I'm sorry, I should have shut the door," Trowa said, and Quatre took his arm as they walked after the king and captain. "I was worried about you, and didn't think of it."

"His Majesty doesn't seem to be one to talk," Quatre said thoughtfully, leaning slightly on Trowa's arm as they walked. "Duo, however…"

"…Is a loyal friend," Trowa finished when Quatre couldn't go on. "But I know many rumors that have sprouted from his moving lips, so don't be surprised if you hear anything else."

They had a wonderful lunch with King Treize, who was a brilliant scholar and knew many interesting things. Quatre was fascinated, and could tell the king was showing off a bit, by the dirty looks Quatre saw Trowa give him several times. Duo hadn't joined them after all, so it was only the three of them as servants bustled back on forth with plates and drinks.

Quatre was eating a plate of cake for dessert when a messenger came up to the table.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but Lady Rika of Merryglade has requested an audience," he said. "She is speaking with the former slave of Staidgrim Manor Wufei, who says that it is urgent you come."

King Treize rose, and Trowa and Quatre followed behind him as the messenger led them to a private study room near the library. Wufei was standing inside, speaking with a woman as she sat in one of the wooden chairs.

"Your Majesty," Wufei said, bowing as they entered. The woman rose and curtsied, and then she turned vicious and cold.

"I received a letter informing me that my only brother is dead," Lady Rika said icily as everyone sat around the table in the room. "And that he married a commoner he met only a few nights beforehand. After the murder, his new bride didn't even want the manor. But, this commoner still receives his fortune and inheritance. I want an explanation now. And no lies, I have heard the priest."

"I have already explained to you what had happened," Wufei said quietly. "Yes, Lord Quatre does receive Staidgrim Manor and all the wealth at the death of Lord Kiras. However, he is offering everything to you, for he was forced into the marriage. There isn't anything there he would want, he has no emotional connection with anything, unlike you may have."

Lady Rika grew furious, her black hair seeming to bristle as she spoke. "I will not be lied to!" She exclaimed, and everyone followed as she stood up. "You claim to have killed him in defense of your new lord and master, but if Kiras and his new bride was dead, you would be free again. You say you killed him with arrows, and yet Kiras had no bow in the manor! He was a terrible archer, never owning bows or arrows in favor of swords! Those arrows were cleaned, and ink was washed away, revealing the royal crest of Freshet! My brother was murdered by the Prince, the priest said so!"

"And what else did your so-called Holy Man claim?" Quatre asked quietly, and Lady Rika turned to him.

"Our churches have never lied," she snarled angrily. "The High Priest Dulagor has contacted me, telling me of what truly happened with my brother. He was murdered! By the Prince of Freshet in a fit of jealousy! Tell me, Your Majesty, do you support your brother's actions?"

King Treize looked at Lady Rika, his expression unreadable. "Lady Rika, Trowa is my brother. But, he is also human. He is mortal, just like anyone else, and can make a mistake like anyone else. Tell me Trowa," he continued, turning to Trowa, "did you kill Kiras of Staidgrim?"

"No," Trowa answered truthfully.

"There you have it," King Treize said, looking back to a fuming Lady Rika. "There is no dishonesty in his eyes."

Lady Rika inhaled deeply before speaking again. "My brother was murdered," she said, "by arrows bearing the crest of Freshet. A message had been given to me. By a boy who said that a Divine Knight had given it to him, to give to me. If you will not take actions to a murderer in your own court, than perhaps High Priest Dulagor will support me."

"…Are you threatening us, Lady Rika?" King Treize asked, and she scoffed at him.

"Your Majesty, my threats are only for the wrongdoers," she said. "I'm only threatening you if you have something to hide."

Lady Rika left the table and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind her. It was quiet a moment, before Wufei spoke.

"…I don't think she can find the way out…"

Zechs stood in front of the throne, where Treize was reading a letter Zechs had delivered.

"The Churches have declared war," Zechs said, beginning to pace. "Faith had already been lowered due to the mines running out. Our kingdom will be bankrupt soon, if we cannot produce enough currency for the people. And of course, the death of the late King, rest his soul, brought even more doubt about the Royal Family. People believed Dulagor would become King, after all, you were only thirteen when you took the throne."

"…Has it really been that long?" Treize asked, looking up from the letter. "Well, I suppose it has been. I'm getting old."

Zechs snorted, stopping his pacing to look at Treize. "You still have years until you are thirty."

"Only two," Treize said, frowning. "I'm nearing thirty years old. And Trowa turned eighteen last month. It's been fifteen years, hasn't it? Since Trowa watched as Father was killed by the hand of a friend."

"…You don't know that," Zechs said. "Trowa hasn't been able to recall anything. He was only three, and it was a terrifying experience."

"Father was murdered without knowing it," Treize said, confidently. "Trowa will remember in time. But I know in my heart, Father fell knowing a trusted friend had stilled his heart, even as rebels surrounded them."

Zechs continued his pacing, and Treize's gaze dropped back to the letter.

"…Brother?"

Treize looked up, and noticed Trowa standing nearby, half hidden by the doorway. "How long have you been there?" he asked, and Trowa stepped closer.

"Since the mention of Dulagor," Trowa admitted honestly. "If the High Priest wants the throne he was denied of fifteen years ago, he will try to take it by deceit and evil tricks. They would not risk fifteen years of waiting and planning if they were not confident in their skills."

"The High Priest does have a plan," Treize said, tapping his finger on the armrest of the throne thoughtfully. "He has rallied the Churches behind him. If all of them support him, he would be a very worthy adversary indeed."

"What does he have, that would even think of defeating the Dragoon Army and the Divine Knights?" Trowa asked, sitting on one of the steps leading up to the throne.

It was Zechs, who answered. "The twelve Zodiac Treasures," he said. "Each one of the twelve churches has a symbol of a Zodiac. For instance, the Church of Aquarius bears a gem the size of an infant's head. Within this gem, it is believed that power of the Water Bearer lives on in spirit. Using this Holy power, it is believed that you could call upon the power of the water, to defeat your enemies."

"…You don't think he can summon such power, do you?" Trowa asked, looking up at Treize, who remained silent. "Brother?"

"I believe Dulagor has a frightening amount of control over it," Treize admitted. "Not total, for no mortal being could ever wield the power of a Zodiac. But I remember very well one instance that Dulagor and Father had a fight that the entire kingdom could hear. Dulagor used the Aquarius Zodiac to control the flowing water from the mountains. He was very weak back then, but still managed to hold some power over the mighty rivers. Father disapproved, and instead he had men build waterways and tunnels for the water to flow, using traditional manpower to succumb the mountain. He believed that to overcome the mountain using strength and pure will would gain the mountain's respect. Dulagor thought him foolish, and tried to use the Zodiac. It worked for a moment, but the mountain fought back, and the rivers over-flooded and ruined much of the kingdom. Dulagor was thought of a ruined man since then, even though no one really knew what had happened. I believe he became obsessed, falling into madness as he tried to control the Zodiac power."

"And yet, you do not fear a power that could overflow our city?" Trowa asked, standing to his feet. "Do you have something else you are not telling me?"

Treize glanced at Zechs, who merely shrugged and looked away.

"…There is one thing, that could defeat the Zodiacs," Treize said. "The Moon Children can unite to defeat any army. There are twelve children needed, and they must coincide and harmonize with each other in order to become one."

"I know I am an Arcane Child," Trowa said. "And that there are many other names and moons, how do you know which ones to use?"

"…We have already found the twelve Children," Treize said softly. "Duo is one of them, a Jocose Child. He is prepared for whatever may come."

"My younger sister Relena is also one," Zechs added. "She is an Amity Child, living in a monastery several towns away. Her guardian, Heero, is also one."

"Who else?" Trowa asked, and Treize named the people and moons needed for the ritual.

"…As you can see, we are well prepared," Treize said, finishing his explanation.

"You have only mentioned eleven," Trowa said. "Who is the other one?"

Treize remained silent, and even Zechs didn't speak.

"…You mean Quatre?" Trowa asked.

"…"

Trowa looked between the two men in horror. "You do mean him."

"He is needed to complete the circle," Treize explained. "An Incubus Child is the only one who can balance the others. We cannot control Fate, and it has decided now is the time to unleash upon the warring lands. Dulagor will show no mercy, for the throne he was denied of before has only one heir."

"I do not want to become King," Trowa said, looking darkly at the throne Treize sat upon.

"Then we must not fail," Treize said softly. "Do not tell Quatre anything, not until we are certain of Dulagor's powers. Where is he, by the way?"

"In the library," Trowa answered.

"Spend as much time with him as you can," Treize said, his voice and expression gentle. "For we do not know the outcome of the ritual."

Trowa nodded before turning to leave, and he closed the door behind him gently.

"Shouldn't you have told the entire truth?" Zechs asked.

"Whether or not the Children die is up to Fate," Treize said.

"I meant, about the thirteenth Child," Zechs said.

Treize looked back at the letter he still held in his hand. "…No, he does not need to know so soon."

The library was warm, fires roaring in fireplaces and candles lit everywhere. Quatre had found a book about different types of creatures found in the sea. He read about the fish caught in the harbor, and whales and dolphins that played farther off shores. He read tales old seamen told about monsters, fifty feet long and shaped like a giant serpent attacking their ships. He was fascinated, and was so engrossed in the tales that he didn't notice Trowa walking up to him and sitting down on the couch where he was curled.

Trowa cleared his throat gently, and Quatre looked up in surprise.

"Oh! I didn't hear you come in," Quatre exclaimed. "This is wonderful! It's about sea monsters attacking trade ships and destroying them in an instant. They use their long snake-like bodies to crash into the ships and sink them to the bottom of the ocean."

Trowa smiled softly. "I've read that one before. It just shows how mysterious the ocean we live nearby really is. Our world is filled with strange and wonderful things."

"Yes, it is," Quatre agreed, and set the book down on a small table in front of the couch. "Is everything all right? You seem troubled."

Trowa shook his head. "There is nothing the matter," he assured. "I'm just thinking too hard."

Quatre laughed, and stretched out his cramped legs. "Yes, that does happen every so often," he said, feeling the pins and needles in his legs. "Anything I can help with?"

"Actually," Trowa said, and moved closer to Quatre. "There is one thing you can help me with."

Quatre looked at him curiously, and Trowa leaned in for a gentle kiss. Quatre smiled into the kiss, and gently reciprocated the gesture.

Trowa pulled away after a moment, and Quatre leaned backwards into the couch. "I know a book we both haven't read," Trowa said, standing up. "Wait one moment."

Quatre only had to wait a few minutes before Trowa returned. They got comfortable on the couch, with Quatre snuggled against Trowa in his lap.

"What is this one called?" Quatre asked.

"'Moon Children'," Trowa answered. "I want to look up my Moon and read a little about some others."

Quatre opened the book, and Trowa rested his arms around Quatre's waist, reading over his shoulder. He became quite fascinated with what the author had written in the book.

/Arcane Children are soft-spoken and quiet, very reserved in showing their true feelings. They are reliable in any situation, and able to understand communication with all living creatures. They are not bound by words, and able to see past all differences to the soul inside. Their greatest strength comes from the heart, where all of life's greatest secrets are held. They are best with Aegis Children, to bring out the emotions in them./

"Let's read about Duo," Trowa suggested after finishing the passage. "He's a Jocose Child."

Quatre turned the pages, and once he found the page they both started reading.

/Jocose Children are loud and boisterous, letting emotions show on their sleeves. Spontaneous and reckless, they do have a loyal streak that runs deeper than any other bond. They are not hindered by words, instead having actions prove themselves. Their greatest strength comes from the mind, where clever wit never fails in any situation. They are best with Candor Children, to bring out the inner peace./

After finishing, Quatre turned the pages, hesitant in learning more about his Moon. He finally reached the page, and began reading.

/Incubus Children are collected and composed, never faltering in their minds. They are strong-willed and able to get what they want, for others are drawn to them. They are hindered by loneliness, never able to bond with any of the other Children. Their greatest strength comes from the soul, where evil is buried deep inside. They are best left alone, to let the darkness fester in isolation./

"…Does it bother you?" Trowa asked, one hand still on Quatre's waist as the other reached up to stroke his hair gently.

"…A little," Quatre admitted. "My mother does when I was born, and everyone blamed the Moon. I was born with such light, that everyone in the manor was frightened of me. Even my own father, he avoided me my entire life. I don't really believe what this book says, what this one person believes. If people really are drawn to me, why did I live such a lonely life?"

Trowa didn't say anything, instead he continued running his fingers through Quatre's hair. Quatre closed the book and leaned back into Trowa's arms, curious as to why he was acting this way.

"…I'm afraid to lose you," Trowa whispered, his hand never stopping. "The Churches have declared war."

Quatre pulled forward to turn and look at Trowa. "War? Why?"

"After our father died, Treize took the throne at the age of thirteen," Trowa said. "Everyone thought High Priest Dulagor, then the royal advisor, would become king. But because Treize said he would rule in Father's footsteps, no one could deny the first heir the throne. So, Dulagor left to become a priest. I think he wants the throne he was denied of all those years ago."

"If Treize is assassinated, you would become king, right?" Quatre asked. "So, there's still an heir, even if Treize passes on."

"That's why Dulagor would want both of us dead," Trowa said. "He has enlisted the help of the Twelve Zodiac Churches, using ancient powers from each of them to overcome us."

"…The Zodiac Treasure," Quatre murmured quietly. "I have a gem the priest of Pisces Church gave me for my thirteenth birthday. It's very pretty, it represents the Fish."

"You have a gem?" Trowa asked, his handing stopping. "Where?"

"It was in my bags," Quatre said, thinking. He gently scratched his chin. "Come to think of it, I don't remember seeing it here. It may have been taken to Staidgrim Manor when those bandits attacked me. Or one of them kept it."

"Quatre, we need to find that gem," Trowa said. "If it really is the Zodiac Treasure of Pisces, maybe we could use it against the Churches. Or, hold it so they cannot use it against us."

Quatre stood up with Trowa, and followed him out of the library.

"We'll have to enlist the aid of Duo and some men," Trowa said. "Come, let's change into more suitable clothing and start our journey."

"Can Wufei come?" Quatre asked.

"Of course," Trowa said. "It may be best, after all, he would know where it was if it is in the manor."

Trowa led Quatre into his guest bedroom, and waited while Quatre changed into light brown pants and a tan shirt with a dark brown open vest. The hem of the shirt and vest were a dark forest green, and Quatre put on a pair of boots before following Trowa to his own bedroom.

Trowa changed quickly, donning a pair of dark brown trousers and a deep red shirt. He put on the pieces of his hunting armor before leading Quatre down the hallways to the armory, to find Duo.

Duo was dueling with a young soldier when they found him, most likely training a new recruit. After he spotted them, Duo halted the session and sent the young lad away.

"What's the matter?" Duo asked, curious as Trowa and Quatre approached him.

"We need to return to Staidgrim Manor," Trowa explained. "But, I'm not sure how to get in without being seen. We'll need an escort as well."

"I can't send anyone," Duo said, frowning. "The Churches have declared war, no man is able to be spared. I'll need all my soldiers to help train the new recruits, admissions is overflowing with young men wanting to defend the King and Prince."

"Do you know where Wufei is?" Quatre asked. "It might be better if just the three of us go, so as to not alert anyone to our presence."

Duo scratched his head thoughtfully. "Yes, I think he's still in one of the practice arenas. Zechs challenged him to a duel."

Trowa and Quatre both thanked Duo and went off towards the practice arenas to find Wufei.

They found him in the third arena, holding a long katana sword with two hands, covered in sweat and breathing hard. Zechs was also visibly tired, and there was a large group of men and even young ladies watching.

Before Trowa could call out for their attention, Zechs attacked forward with his long javelin. Wufei dodged and blocked, but Zechs was older, stronger, and more experienced than Wufei. Zechs managed to predict Wufei's next move, and before long, had Wufei unarmed and pinned to the ground by his throat.

"Yield," Wufei gasped, and Zechs loosened his hold and stepped back.

Coughing, Wufei rose to his feet, ignoring Zechs' outstretched hand. He retrieved his katana blade and sheathed it, swinging the scabbard over his shoulder as he turned to leave.

"Wufei," Quatre breathed, running up to him, surprising Wufei a little. "That was really impressive. Where did you learn to fight with a sword?"

"The manor's library was always open," Wufei answered, taking the small towel Quatre offered to him and wiping sweat from his face. "I was encouraged to read, it kept me quiet. There were many books to learn different fighting styles."

Quatre looked over to Trowa, and saw he was speaking with Zechs. "The General is also very strong. Do they all wield javelins?"

"They are the Dragoon Army," Wufei said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Dragoons are very skilled with the javelin. It's an elite army, most enlist in the Divine Knights to use a variety of weapons."

"Oh," Quatre murmured, and then remembered why he needed Wufei. "Oh! We need to go back to Staidgrim Manor. I'm missing a valuable gem, and need to see if I can retrieve it. It's about this big," Quatre held open his hands to show Wufei, "and blue with a symbol representing the Fish."

"A gem?" Wufei echoed. "Nothing like that was brought inside after Kiras raided your carriage. One of his men must have found it and kept it."

"…It's a Zodiac Treasure," Quatre said quietly. "Trowa says the Churches are going to use them to wipe out the armies of the Royal Family and take the throne away."

"…You have one too?" Wufei asked, surprised. "I'll take you to the manor, we can use the excuse that our belongings were left behind. Shall we leave now?"

"Trowa's coming too," Quatre said, and Wufei paused.

"I don't think that's wise," Wufei said, as Trowa walked over to them.

"What is not wise?" Trowa asked.

"You, going with us," Wufei answered. "If the Churches declaration of war is as broadly known as I believe, your head will be worth a lot of gold. The assassination of the Prince would fetch a mighty reward with Dulagor."

"I can't very well send just the two of you," Trowa said, frowning. "Besides, who are you to deny me any rights?"

Wufei's eyes narrowed slightly at this, but only for a moment so fleeting it couldn't be seen. "Very well, do as you wish. My servitude belongs to Quatre, not yours."

"…Wufei…" Quatre muttered, but Wufei had already turned and walked off.

"…That wasn't nice," Quatre said, turning to pout at Trowa. "Wufei does have a point. You really can't be seen out of the castle."

Trowa sighed, and took Quatre's arm to lead him away. "I'm going as a ranger, no one will recognize me anyway. Come, let's go to the stables."

They readied their horses and waited for Wufei to show up. He did, only this time King Treize was following him. Trowa and Quatre glanced at each other before ducking into a horse stall to hide. Wufei seemed more than a little agitated, and they grew silent to listen as they approached.

"Are you angry with me?" King Treize asked, and Trowa and Quatre looked at each other and shrugged simultaneously.

"What for?" Wufei asked shortly, leading out his horse from its stall to ready it for travel.

"…For lying to you," King Treize said softly, and Wufei stopped his actions to look at the ground.

"Yes," Wufei admitted. "Why didn't you tell me?"

King Treize ran a hand through his hair, as he seemed to hunt for words. "You never asked."

At Wufei's furious glare he held up his hands. "Let me finish. You weren't interested in what I was, only who I was. You didn't pry into my life, and we just enjoyed each other's time together. I'm sorry, for not saying anything about being the King. I lied to you, for my own selfish reasons. Forgive me?"

Wufei remained silent, looking away to the floor. Trowa and Quatre watched as King Treize stepped closer, tracing his fingers over Wufei's cheek and neck before leaning down and kissing him gently. Their eyes widened until they seemed to pop out of their heads as not only Wufei didn't push King Treize away, but wrapped his arms around the older man's neck and returned the kiss passionately.

Quatre looked away and moved more into hiding, but Trowa was staring with his mouth agape. Quatre noticed him moving to interrupt, so he seized Trowa by the collar of his shirt and pulled him close into a kiss.

That seemed to startle Trowa out of his trance, and he returned Quatre's kiss lovingly. Unfortunately, they made quite a bit of noise, and both Wufei and King Treize came over to investigate.

"…Trowa, Quatre," King Treize greeted. "What are you doing?"

"I should ask the same of you," Trowa remarked, pulling away from Quatre. "'Late night rides clear my mind'. Seems more like they fill it with something different."

"Trowa!" Quatre admonished and pinched his arm hard. "I think it's sweet. How long have you known each other?"

"Several months now," King Treize answered, looking sheepish. "I suppose I owe you an apology as well, Trowa."

"…Don't worry about it, Brother," Trowa said, rubbing his arm where Quatre pinched it. He got to his feet before helping Quatre stand up as well. "I don't want to know about your 'rides' anyway."

At that Wufei turned a marvelous shade of red, and even King Treize started sputtering.

"U-uh…w-we…well…ah…" King Treize stammered, and Wufei pinched his arm to shut him up.

"We should be leaving soon, it's getting late," Wufei said, turning back to his horse.

Wufei finished saddling up his horse and Trowa and Quatre mounted theirs. Wufei and King Treize shared a simple kiss goodbye before the three of them rode off.

The sun was already setting, casting a beautiful glow over the valley as they rode back towards Staidgrim Manor. They entered the woods and slowed the horses down a bit, taking a hidden path away from the main roads. Finally, as the sun set completely, they stopped for a short rest, and to get their bearings.

"We still have a little while more to go," Wufei informed. "This way will bring us to the back of the manor, where we can sneak in without being seen."

"Do you think Lady Rika will be there?" Quatre asked, sitting on a blanket near the small fire Trowa had started.

Wufei nodded. "Most likely to shuffle through the belongings. She may not be there, but we can only hope."

They grew silent, the only sound the horses drinking and eating as they rested. Trowa seemed more quiet than usual, and Quatre and Wufei both nearly jumped when he spoke.

"How did you meet my brother?" Trowa asked, his voice quiet.

Wufei looked thoughtful. "I suppose I do owe you an explanation and the truth."

Quatre hid his eagerness. He loved to listen to tales of love, and had wanted to know how a slave captured the heart of the King.

"It was several months ago…" Wufei began softly.

End Part 2