Though the Heavens May Fall
Chapter Two
By: DamageCtrl
All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Gundam Seed/Gundam Seed: Destiny. They belong to their respective creators, owners, licensees.
It was still dark when she rose from bed and prepared for her journey. Her reminders the day before had served their purpose, as breakfast was ready for her by the time she came out of her quarters. As she ate a small meal of bread and fruit, the servants told her that her bags were being packed on to the carriage. She had nodded with satisfaction before wiping her lips with a napkin and heading to the front of the house.
"We will be stopping for to rest during the night, once we are in Orb territory, Sir Hahnenfuss," the driver told the woman, who stood at the front steps of the Joule House.
"That is fine," Shiho replied curtly. She looked up at her bags that were carefully strapped into place atop the carriage. She didn't have a lot of clothes with her; just her usual day-to-day wear and one formal Red Knights uniform, but she did have several boxes of books that needed to be returned to the Seray. "Are you sure you got all the boxes that I had packed in the library?"
The footman nodded and glanced over at the servant that was standing to the side. The servant bowed his head. "Yes, Sir Hahnenfuss, we loaded all three boxes."
The brown-haired woman found herself nodding once more. She had personally seen to it that all the books she had borrowed from Orb were packed to be returned. "Good," she murmured. As she completed her mental checklist, the driver and footman looked past her and bowed.
"Good morning, Lord Joule," they chorused respectfully.
For a moment, Shiho tensed. Yzak was a rather heavy sleeper when he was in the comfort of his own home. Surely, they weren't so loud as to wake him in the pre-dawn hours. "I see you are ready to go, Sir Hahnenfuss," an almost chiding voice said behind her. To most people, he sounded like his normal grouchy self. To Shiho, he sounded somewhat annoyed. She briefly wondered he if had suspected that she would try to leave without a proper good-bye.
The woman retained her poise as she turned around and gave the approaching nobleman a bow of her head. "Good morning, my lord. I apologize if our preparations woke you."
"Hmph…" the silver-haired man scowled as he lifted his nose in the air distastefully. "You should apologize for leaving without informing me. I was under the impression you would leave after breakfast."
The placid expression on her face didn't change. They never agreed on a set time for her to leave. All they agreed upon was the date. In fact, Shiho had specifically made sure not to give a specific time so she could leave without having an awkward good-bye. It would be the first time they had parted in over a year and neither of them was the hugging type.
In the end, there could only be a simple and direct 'have a safe journey' from her commanding officer. From her, a mere 'thank you, my lord'. There would be no passionate good-bye, like the one Lacus had told her she saw with Athrun and Cagalli. Not that there would be any reason to be. There would be no warm hug and a handshake seemed a bit too informal. After all, Lord Joule respected her and confided in her as a friend.
His duty would come first and with it, a Haumea Elite he had yet to ask to marry him.
"I wanted to get an early start, my lord," Shiho replied respectfully. "And the sun has yet to rise. I did not want to disturb you."
He stopped two steps above her, still dressed in his sleepwear beneath a dark blue robe embroidered with his initials over his left breast. It had been a birthday gift from his mother a few years back. When she never saw him wearing it, she complained, rather vocally, that her son hated her gifts. He started wearing it whenever he knew she would be home or arriving to avoid another episode.
"You do not want to wait until my mother arrives?" he asked coolly as he eyed the prepared carriage behind her. Clearly, she had been planning to leave in silence all along. He couldn't help but be bothered by that fact. "She should be in by mid morning."
"And breakfast, Shiho," another voice yawned from the top of the steps. Dearka was standing by the threshold of the open double doors, his hands shoved into his pockets as he leaned against the frame. "Did you eat yet?"
"We had a simple breakfast and brought food with us for our journey," Shiho informed them. She raised an eyebrow at the blond-haired man. "I'm surprised you're up this early, Dearka. Usually, it takes half the staff to drag you out of bed before the sunrise."
The other knight gave a snort. "I wouldn't be up if it weren't for Yzak-"
"He came to wake me and tell me you were leaving," Yzak cut him off sharply. He looked over his shoulder, giving the other man a warning glare before turning back to the female knight. "It is proper for us to bid you a safe journey."
Shiho lowered her head understandingly. "Of course, my lord." She lifted her head, only to meet Yzak's unmoving expression.
They stood there in silence. Yzak, unsure of what else to say; Shiho, expectant; and Dearka, amused. The golden-haired man crossed his arms over his chest as he watched Yzak stand there, staring at Shiho in an almost awkward manner. Silently, Dearka shook his head. One would think that for a man who had spent his entire life completing with Athrun Zala, he would've learned to speak to normal women in as casual a way as Athrun could.
"Well, then," Dearka said, finally deciding he couldn't take odd silence any longer. "Does everyone have their travel documents?"
"Yes, Sir Elsman," the driver said. "Sir Hahnenfuss, shall we make our leave?"
The brown-haired woman met the silver-haired nobleman's eyes once more. "Yes," she said quietly. She studied his face for a moment longer, but found it solemn and unchanging. She turned her head away from Yzak as the footman held the carriage door open for her. "Let us take our leave. I would like to arrive at the border by night fall, if possible."
"Yes, Sir Hahnenfuss." The driver climbed up to his seat as Dearka happily bounced down the steps to the side of the carriage.
"Have a safe journey. Don't forget to give Miriallia that letter!" Dearka grinned from ear to ear. "Give her a hug for me, too, if you can!" he added happily.
In front of him, Yzak scowled. When did the idiot have time to write Captain Haww a letter when he was still days behind in his work!?
"I will send a messenger hawk from the Azure Seray to confirm my safe arrival there," Shiho said as she headed for the open door. "If by any chance it takes longer than a month, I will send a message."
She put on foot on the iron step that lead up to the carriage and reached for the door handle to help brace her as she pulled herself up. Instead, her bare hand was braced by a warm, firm one.
"Then, I will await your message."
She turned her head to the side as Yzak helped her into the carriage. His eyes lowered, fixated on their hands as she stepped into the cabin and slid into her seat. She hadn't even heard him approach or sense him behind her, nor had she expected his actions. Assisting Queen Lacus into her carriage, yes, after all, she was their queen, as well as his childhood friend.
But Shiho was of a common birth and beneath him in rank. Perhaps, it was just his upbringing? His pale, smooth hand squeezed her fingers briefly before weakening his grip and allowing her fingers to slide through his. Her fingers weren't the smooth, flawless ones of a woman who never saw labor in her life. Nor were they calloused and hardened, like one who had known nothing but battle. They were soft, but had seen work. They were smooth, but by no means flawless.
He had never noticed how small her hands were before, either. Briefly, he wondered how such hands could lift a sword and easily best half the Red Knights with it.
"Shiho…" Yzak began carefully. His voice was lowered. "I…" When did it become so difficult to talk to her? She was his subordinate! He was used to talking to her. Since she first arrived to aid him, there was almost never a day where they were apart…He swallowed the lump in his throat.
After the war, there wasn't a day where they weren't together. For the life of him, he couldn't remember how it was before he had his competent secretary at his side.
"Yes, my lord?" Shiho asked, craning her neck slightly towards him.
Yzak blinked and turned his head away. "I…I will send you some work if anything comes up. Be prepared for that," he told her sternly.
For a moment, the corners of her lips tugged into a small smile. "I wouldn't expect anything less, my lord. Footman," she said as looked past the nobleman. "The door."
The young man nodded his head as Yzak moved to the side. The door closed between them and Shiho looked out the window. "Remember to buy her flowers for me!" Dearka added as he smiled. "Thanks, Shiho!"
"I will," Shiho assured him. She lifted up a small bag of money he had given her a few days earlier for the task. She raised her other hand and knocked on the side of the carriage wall to signal the driver to begin. "Should you need any immediate assistance, I've instructed Sir Hawk at the Zala Estate to aid you," she called out to the other knights.
"Don't worry so much!" Dearka said as the carriage began to move forward. "Just concentrate on getting your citizenship and get back as soon as you can!" He walked along with the carriage as it sped up. He smiled widely as he stopped and called out. "Yzak won't know what to do without you!"
"Elsman!" the silver-haired man growled behind him as his face flooded with red. Shiho lowered her eyes and smiled softly. She looked out the window once more and watched the mansion grow smaller as the carriage moved further and further away. She could still hear Yzak's faint yelling as she leaned back against her seat and closed her eyes.
She brought her hands to her lap, and then looked down to examine them intently. The hand he held as he helped her into the carriage was still warm.
"I refuse," she stated proudly from the door way, where she was being held back by Kira.
"You are in no position to refuse," Athrun replied calmly as he directed the Rouge Seray members and his driver. "Tie that trunk down securely, Miguel. Mayura, I don't care what Cagalli says; we will not be bringing Strike with us. It'll only encourage her to ride when she should be resting."
"Yes, my lord!" the driver said as he perched to one side of the carriage. They were in the process of packing up the vehicle to go back to Plants. By mid morning, as soon as Stellar returned with Shinn and Mayu, they would begin their trip. The young blonde Azure Elite had escorted the Asuka siblings for an overnight stay at the Athha Estate on one of the out laying islands. Cagalli had suggested it in an effort to buy more time to argue for a repeal of her order.
"Kira," Cagalli turned to her twin. She had pleaded with him for a week after they broke the news that she was being 'temporarily banished', as she liked to put it, to Plants. Initially, she had been furious. How dare they decide this for her? She was completely fine! All she needed was a day or two of rest and she would be ready to resume her duties, as usual. No one listened to her arguments. Even after Queen Murrue herself had come to speak to her, Cagalli couldn't help but feel she was being treated like an invalid. Her brother, too concerned with her health, had turned a deaf ear to her pleas. "This is irrational. I am needed here to over see the negotiations."
"We've got them covered and, after your little outburst, I doubt the Federation representatives want to deal with you," Kira told her sternly. He looked down at his sister with a frown. "And I don't think they plan on accepting any of our offers any time soon."
Her shoulders slumped down as she released a heavy breath. "I know…" she admitted quietly. She and her entire Seray had been working for weeks and the Federation showed no sign of accepting any sort of peaceful resolution, short of complete economic control of Orb. Despite her hopes, Cagalli couldn't ignore the feeling that her efforts were in vain.
"They might just be buying time and trying to find out if they can win in a war against us," Kira added in a low voice. "You know that they're currently in the midst of gaining support from their allies in the north."
"I know," Cagalli repeated. She was the one that told Kira all of that. The idea that the Federation was only leading them on while they secretly built an allied army was something the Seray and the other Orb leaders had been wary of since the beginning. For all they knew, the Federation was only buying time by sending over stubborn representatives.
"A month away isn't going to result in the fall of Orb," Kira assured her as he turned around and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Just concentrate on getting better."
She wrinkled her nose and glared at him. "You sound like Mana."
"Well, we're all packed and ready to go," Athrun said as he turned around. He walked up the steps of the large house. "Cagalli, listen to your brother. Everything is going to be fine here."
"That's easy for you to say," Cagalli frowned. "Plants does not have the Federation breathing down their neck."
"Been there, done that," Athrun chuckled. He ushered her and Kira inside. "Just how long does it take for them to get back from the island anyway?"
"They should be on a boat coming ashore right about now," Kira told him. "They'll be here in an hour or so."
"You know, a week isn't nearly enough for Mayu and Shinn to explore Onogoro," Cagalli pointed out as she took a seat in the parlor. "I say we stay another week. I'm sure they have much more to see."
"Oh no," Athrun frowned. "We went through this already, Cagalli. We stayed one extra week, after the order was given, just so they could go sight seeing."
"And what did you do?" Kira added as he crossed his arms disapprovingly. "You sat around the Seray giving orders and reading everything you can about the Federation the entire time. You need to give your mind a rest."
"I am resting!" Cagalli argued. "Haven't you seen me? I haven't set foot outside of the Seray! I'm practically bed ridden!"
Athrun ignored her claim and looked over at Kira. "Perhaps you so go meet Shinn and the girls?"
"Don't let her out of your sight," Kira said as he nodded and headed for the door. "She'll do the most irrational things when cornered. If you turn away for a second, she'll be climbing out the window and making a break for palace."
"I will not!" Cagalli snorted indignantly. "I'm not some sort of animal, Kira!"
"I'll keep an eye on her," Athrun assured him. He stood behind Cagalli and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "Trust me; I'm not letting her go."
"Why is Mayu so sad?" Stellar asked as she sat down beside the young woman. Mayu was sitting on the edge of the ship heading towards the mainland Onogoro. They were on the Athha family's private cruiser and Shinn had been quite impressed upon seeing it. Stellar had explained that 'Papa Athha's' family was wealthy and was an important family in Orb.
That fact had been further solidified in Shinn's mind upon setting foot on the privately owned island and seeing the sprawling mansion situated neatly on the hillside. The Athha Estate was lined with statues and portraits of past Orb leaders, generals, and Haumea Elite; all who were Athha. The newest portrait was of Stellar, in a formal blue gown, indicating her acceptance into the prestigious warrior sisterhood.
After four days running around the city, exploring and shopping, Cagalli suggested that Stellar take them to the island. The estate's caretaker was General Kisaka and he was currently overseeing boundary fortification in the Federation-Orb region. Kira had taken a larger duty dealing with Federation representatives and Cagalli had been put on a mandatory house arrest to keep her from over-exerting herself.
As a result, Stellar took a few days leave from the Azure Seray to take them there and Mayu had been more than happy to spend a few days wandering the sprawling estate and the island it was on.
"I want to stay here longer," Mayu said as she leaned against the railing of the ship. Her legs dangled over the edge as she peered out over the water. "There's so much more to see…I wish we could stay longer."
"Stellar wishes Mayu could stay longer, too," the blonde admitted as she let out a wistful sigh. "Did Mayu like the estate?"
The brown-haired young woman nodded her head enthusiastically. "Yes!" she said earnestly. "It's beautiful! It's so peaceful there! The staff is very nice and the view of the city from the house is amazing!"
Stellar chuckled and nodded. "When Stellar first came, Stellar lived with Papa Athha there when Cagalli was busy. Stellar loves the house…one day, when Stellar is older, Stellar will move back here and commute to the Azure Seray."
"You can do that?" the brunette asked. Stellar nodded. "What if you get married?" Mayu asked. Her eyes widened at the sudden realization. "What if they make you marry someone from Plants, like Captain Athha and Lord Zala?" She'd heard a lot about those marriages since she arrived in Orb. It was the Seray's favorite topic of gossip.
Stellar tilted her head to the side, quizzically. "That is not possible," Stellar said simply. "Stellar didn't volunteer."
"Oh…so you have to volunteer?" Mayu asked. No one really explained to her the intricacies of Athrun's ties to the Haumea Elite Captain or the provisions of the Orb-Plants marriages. Although, from what Stellar and several people at the palace had told her, Athrun and Cagalli's 'courtship' had been very romantic.
Beside her, the blonde nodded. "If Stellar is here, then Mayu can visit anytime Mayu wants, okay? Mayu is Stellar's family, too."
Behind them, Shinn rounded the corner of the deck and smiled. His sister was smiling widely as she sat beside Stellar. He couldn't hear what they were saying, but they looked happy. He took that moment to engrave that peaceful image in his mind. The last few days on the island had been a dream. They were almost in a separate world.
The Rouge Seray had been bustling with Haumea Elite either training or pouring over various paperwork regarding the negotiations. The atmosphere was tense and concentrated. Being away from the stresses of the city and the Seray were a welcomed relief.
They spent hours wandering the shorelines of the island and wading in the tide pools, looking for animals without a care in the world. After days walking non-stop around the city to look at various points of interest, it was a nice change to just lounge around the small island.
Stellar proved herself very knowledgeable on the island, as well as the history of the Athha family. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt so relaxed. He had thoroughly enjoyed himself with Mayu and Stellar in the last few days.
"Shinn!" a voice said in front of him. He snapped out of his thoughts and looked up to see Stellar waving at him. "Come and join Mayu and Stellar, Shinn!"
"Huh? Oh…okay," he gave her a weak smile as he walked across the deck and took a seat beside his sister. "What are you two looking at?"
"Nothing much, but Stellar is telling me that next time we visit, she'll take us swimming!" Mayu beamed. "I can't wait!"
Shinn smiled softly. He hoped there would be a next time soon. Considering what Athrun had told him and the severity of the situation Orb had with the Federation, he wasn't sure that they would be returning for a nice, casual visit any time in the near future. "That sounds fun, Mayu."
"Why doesn't Captain Attha go and rest at her family's house?" Mayu asked as she leaned against one of the railings. "It's really comfortable there and the staff is very good."
Stellar let out a heavy sigh and looked out across the water. "If Cagalli stays in Orb, Cagalli will find a way to work. Cagalli always does; Orb always comes first, especially when there is work to be done."
Mayu frowned and looked down at her feet hanging over the edge. "Captain Athha is a really dedicated Haumea Elite, isn't she?"
"Cagalli is one of the best," Stellar smiled proudly.
Mayu tilted her head to the side and looked up at the older woman. "Do you think I could be a Haumea Elite?"
Beside her, Shinn let out a gasp. "Mayu," he said quickly, before Stellar could reply. "You can't be a Haumea Elite," he frowned. "You're not an Orb citizen. Only Orb citizens can be Elites."
"Oh…" Mayu trailed off, disappointed. Shinn looked down at his sister worriedly. It wasn't that he looked down upon the Elite. They were an honorable group. It was just that it was such a dangerous job. If she had asked about being a Red Knight, he would've been against it as well. After all, she was the only blood-related family he had left. He had good reason to be protective of his younger sister.
"But if Mayu was, Stellar thinks that Mayu would be a good Haumea Elite," Stellar offered as she reached up and gently brushed back the younger girl's hair. "Mayu is smart and plays the piano very well, right, Shinn?"
She looked up, past the brunette that sat between them. Shinn raised his eyes and meet her maroon gaze. He found his head nodding with agreement. "Yes…Mayu is practically…prodigal…"
Next to him, his younger sister questioningly raised an eyebrow. Was her brother even paying attention? She noticed the look on Shinn's face; the same one she had caught on him during unguarded moments on the island. His features had softened and his eyes had become gentle as they looked over her head. The dark haired girl glanced from her brother to the blonde on her other side. Stellar was leaning forward, her feed dangling over the water languidly as the wind pushed her hair back.
The dark-haired girl smiled.
"Hey! We're closing in on the dock!" Mayu's voice snapped Shinn out of his daze. He blinked just as Mayu scrambled to get up.
"Mayu!" Shinn called out. He extended his hand, only to have it ignored as Mayu waved dismissingly and made her way to the front of the ship.
"I'm just going to the bow!" Mayu shouted over her shoulder. "No need to get up!" she assured them.
Red eyes darted to the blonde woman beside him. Stellar was watching Mayu, but remained in her seat. "Stellar hopes Mayu enjoyed Mayu's visit," Stellar mused as she turned to look back at Shinn. "Did Shinn enjoy the island?"
"Yes!" Shinn agreed easily. "It was great! There was a lot to do and the views were spectacular!" he stammered as he looked back towards the island that was now far away. "Next time, we should definitely go swimming," he blabbered nervously. "Mayu will hold you to that, Stel-"
"Shinn…" Something tugged at his sleeve and his heart almost burst from his chest. His hand tightened around the railing as he snapped his head to the side. Red eyes widened as he saw Stellar leaning towards him, her hand on his arm as she looked up at him with hopeful eyes.
"I…" She was so close. He could smell the scent of her hair over the scent of the ocean all around them. Shinn could feel his hands beginning to sweat as his face began to warm. "Yes?" he asked weakly.
Inwardly, he cringed. This was not how a Red Knight was supposed to act and if Sir Elsman ever saw him like this, Shinn knew that he would never live it down. Stellar had made her way closer to him, practically sitting beside him as she held on to his shirt.
"Shinn, Stellar is worried about Cagalli," the blonde admitted quietly. "Will Shinn please help Cagalli rest and get better?"
For a moment, the tension wrapped around him faded at the sincere worry that laced her voice. He could understand her fears. Hearing that Cagalli had fainted days earlier had been surprising. To him, she was too strong to simply faint. She was Captain Athha, the woman who could defend herself from his sword with a mere hair pin. She saved his sister, defeated an entire group of bandits single-handedly, and made a once anger filled man fall in love.
Shinn's eyes lowered. He and Mayu had been standing outside Cagalli's door when they rushed up after Athrun and Kira. It had chilled him to see Athrun hunched beside his wife's resting body, filled with terror at the thought that she would die in front of him. It didn't come as a surprise that Athrun rarely left Cagalli's side since that moment.
Silently, the black-haired knight raised his hand and gently pried Stellar's pale one from his sleeve. His hands then cupped hers carefully as he stared down at them. "I don't know if I can do much," he began truthfully. "But we'll all try to make sure she gets some rest. I…I don't want anything to happen to her, either."
Her worried lips curled into a soft, warm smile. "Thank you, Shinn…"
Her voice was so light. Her hands were so warm. He could feel his heart quickening at just the mere sight of her kind eyes. "Stellar…" he whispered. He didn't notice her eyes drifting past him. "Thank-"
"Kira!" Suddenly, his hands were back on his lap, abandoned. The woman beside him was on her feet, waving energetically at a figure standing on the dock.
"Stellar! How was your trip?" an amused voice asked behind him. It took a moment for Shinn to realize that the boat had come to a stop. He stared blankly at the spot where Stellar had been. The boat ride back to the mainland had been much too short. "Shinn! How long are you going to sit there?" Kira laughed from the dock. His sister had her arms around him as she greeted him with a warm hug. "Athrun and Cagalli told me to come get you and are waiting to leave!"
Shinn shook himself out of his stupor and quickly pushed himself up. Maybe it was for the best that the boat stopped. "I'm coming!" he called out as he brushed his pants. He carefully walked on to the dock, where Mayu and Stellar were already climbing into a carriage that had been loaned to them by Advisor La Flagga.
Kira ushered the younger man into the carriage before climbing in beside him. The footman closed the door and took his seat beside the driver before the vehicle jerked forward.
"Did you have a good time?" Kira asked with a warm smile. He took his seat across from Shinn and Mayu, beside Stellar.
Mayu nodded enthusiastically as she began to tell him all about their time on the island. Kira leaned back against his seat, nodding and occasionally commenting as they headed towards the Rouge Seray. Shinn gazed out the window, watching Onogoro pass as they cut through the city. He loved Plants and he loved living in Zaft, but he had to admit, he would miss the tropical city when they left.
"By the way, Stellar," Kira said as he sat up straight. Beside him, Shinn looked over at the older man curiously. The purple-eyed scholar leaned forward and faced his sister. "A notice came for you this morning, from the Azure Seray. Miriallia is summoning you back."
"Really?" Stellar drew her head back as her eyebrows furrowed. She had at least one more day of leave remaining. "Did the summon say why?"
Kira took a deep breath and shook his head. "You know I'm not privy to that sort of information," he admitted. "But as soon as you see Cagalli off, report back to the Azure Seray. Her attached note said it is a very urgent matter."
The grand dining hall was silent except for the sounds of utensils against fine plates echoing off the vaulted ceilings. Two men sat at one end of the table, eating in silence as several servants stood demurely behind then, melting into the background easily.
The blond-haired man lifted his eyes of his plate and looked at the seat across from him. On evenings like this, there would usually be three of them seated at that table. Yzak at his end of the table, then to his right, Dearka. Then across from Dearka, to Yzak's left, would have been Shiho. Thoughtfully, Dearka wondered if that was why it seemed rather empty that night.
"Where is she…?" The purple-eyed knight turned towards the sound of the voice. Yzak was glaring down at his plate, stabbing at the piece of meat with irritation written all over his face.
Dearka raised an eyebrow and paused. "She went to Orb, remember? She just left this morning."
For a moment, Dearka could've sworn a chill ran down his spine. Yzak stopped jabbing at his food and slowly lifted cold, blue eyes to meet the other knight's. "I am not talking about Shiho," he hissed in a low voice. "I was talking about my mother."
"Lady Joule…?" Dearka's lips turned into a slight frown. He hadn't noticed after settling into his work that day, but Yzak was correct. Lady Ezalia Joule should have arrived sometime mid-morning; according to the message she had sent earlier. "You're right…"
Yzak scowled more so. "What do you mean 'you're right'!? Haven't you even noticed!?" he growled. "Your family has been serving mine for generations! I would think that knowing your madam's whereabouts would be inherent in your blood at this point!"
Dearka let out a heavy sigh. It was obvious that Yzak was more moody than usual. "You know I was working the entire day…First you get angry because I don't do my work, but now when I'm actually doing it, you get angry because I didn't do anything else."
"That's not the point!" Yzak snapped.
"Honestly, there is no satisfying you, is there?" the blond shrugged.
Yzak seethed in his seat. "She hasn't sent word that she would be late! It's just not like her!"
"Calm down, Yzak," Dearka told the other man. "Your mother is traveling with her usual vanguard. She'll be fine."
"I do not doubt the competence of my mother's guard and, both you and I are aware, my mother is more than a force to be reckoned with!" Yzak reminded his companion. "It is just that she is almost always prompt. This is unusual and I cannot help but be concerned."
"Aww…" Dearka smiled softly. "What a filial son."
"Shut up!"
"Don't be so irritable," Dearka grinned as he returned to his plate. He paused, unable to help himself at one last jab at Yzak. "Could it be that missing Shiho has already reduced you to such state?"
A pale hand slammed down on the hard wooden table as Yzak shot up from his seat. Beside him, Dearka jerked his head back in surprise. He would've been slightly concerned that he had overstepped his boundaries, if he had not seen Yzak's face. The nobleman's usually pale features were now flooded with a red tint.
Yzak was scowling, his eyes boring into Dearka's tan head. After Shiho had left, he had attempted to return to bed, only to find himself tossing and turning in bed, able to get back to sleep. He had instead risen early and proceeded to bury himself in work. Twice, before noon even came, he had almost sent someone to fetch Shiho for him; momentarily forgetting that she would be away for a month.
Each time he was reminded that she was gone, he would take a moment to let the fact sink in. He was on his own working for that month. She wouldn't be at his beck and call when he needed papers done or reports written up. She wouldn't be there for him to depend on or to find solace in just standing beside.
He would miss her. He already did.
Yzak opened his mouth to yell at Dearka, if only to relieve some of his pent up frustration, when the double doors across the room were thrown open.
"Lady Ezalia Joule!" one of the servants announced.
Immediately, Dearka and Yzak were both standing. His earlier fury was forgotten as Yzak watched a beautiful white-haired woman enter the room. A commanding presence seemed to fill the air as his mother walked straight towards them.
"Mother," Yzak said with a bow of his head.
"My lady," Dearka added respectfully as he bowed from the waist down. He stepped around Yzak and pulled out a spare chair for the older woman. "Please have a seat, my lady."
"Yzak, Dearka," she greeted affectionately to both men as she stopped beside them. She shook her head. "No, this will be brief."
"My lady," another servant said to the side. "Would you like to join Lord Joule and Sir Elsman for the evening meal?"
"No," Ezalia replied sternly. She looked over her shoulder at the servant. "However, take my meal to my room. I will retire there in a moment."
"Yes, my lady," several servants bowed and quietly headed towards the kitchen as the Madam of the House turned to face her son and his friend.
"Mother," Yzak said before she could speak. "You are late," he frowned.
"He was getting worried, my lady," Dearka added. Next to him, the silver-haired man sent him a scathing glare.
Ezalia smiled slightly. "I apologize if I worried you, my dear," she said as she raised her hand and placed it on her son's shoulder. "However, before I left, an emergency council meeting was called and I had to attend it." She let out a heavy sigh as she withdrew her hand and reached into pocket of the long travel cloak she was wearing. "It was a long meeting. Here," she said as she pulled out a neatly coiled scroll. The seal of Plants' Queen held it shut. "This is for you."
"What is it?" Yzak asked as he accepted the scroll hesitantly.
"Orders from the Queen," Ezalia told him. "Our sources have seen an increase in military strength along the Orb-Federation border."
"What?" Dearka's head shot up from where he was reading Yzak's summon over his shoulder. He shook his head and gave Lady Joule an apologetic look. "Forgive the outburst, my lady. I meant to ask…what exactly is going on?"
The silver-haired woman released a heavy sigh. She closed her eyes and lifted her hand to rub the bridge of her nose. "It seems that the Federation has been amassing their military forces on the border they share with Orb."
Yzak's lips drew into a tight line. "I was under the impression that Orb was doing negotiations with the Federation for a peaceful resolution."
"They've been failing," Dearka admitted. Yzak and his mother both looked towards him and Dearka crossed his arms. "Miriallia's letters haven't exactly said that, but she does keep mentioning how hectic it has been recently and Cagalli's stress. I doubt that if the negotiations with the Federation were going smoothly, those things would not be happening."
"Then it's true," Ezalia frowned. "If the Federation is encroaching on the border with such force, they may not be seeking a peaceful resolution at all."
"And where does Plants stand in all of this?" Yzak asked with a frown. He lifted up the scroll before looking back down at it to continue reading.
"We think that the Federation is planning to go to war with Orb and we are concerned that Orb has not asked Plants for help, despite the recent treaties and strengthening of allegiances," Ezalia replied. "However, Plants did just have a war with Orb, which occurred just after the war with the Federation."
"We are by no means a weakened state, Mother," Yzak told her. "If Orb is our ally, why are we not offering our assistance?"
"The council and Queen Lacus are taking a neutral stand point right now," Ezalia explained. "If we side with Orb, that may anger and provoke the Federation needlessly. Admittedly, our earlier treaties with the Federation, after our war with them, did not turn out as well as the ones we have with Orb. There is still much bad blood between us and the Federation."
"My lady, has the Federation approached Plants for anything?" Dearka asked carefully. "Military assistance? Permission to cross our borders on the way to Orb?"
The white-haired woman shook her head regally. "No, and I doubt they will," she answered. "The Federation has been seeking allies with all their other bordering nations; the ones in the north. It is of concern that they have not approached us."
"Strategically, Plants is in the best position to help them in a war with Orb," Yzak murmured as he looked up at them. "We are neighbors to both countries and would otherwise be a buffer country into Orb. If they have not approached us for an alliance…"
Dearka let out another breath. "It means that they already see us as siding with Orb and thus the enemy," the blond concluded. Both mother and son nodded in agreement.
"Trade with Orb is very beneficial to Plants," Ezalia pointed out. "If the Federation and their allies overwhelm Orb, trade with Plants would be severely affected in a negative manner. After two consecutive wars, our economy has still not completely regained the stability of the pre-Federation war years. Recent trade with Orb has helped improve our economy greatly. Losing that country would be a near shut down of our export market."
"Then, how have the council and Queen Lacus decided to address this?" Yzak asked. "I doubt the rest of the kingdom knows the seriousness of our situation."
"They do not," Ezalia said with a tight lipped frown. "We cannot afford to be caught in a war between two countries. Urgent measures are needed, which is why we had that meeting today."
Yzak could feel dread slowly crawling up his spine. His hands tightened over the sides of the scroll. "What measures?" he asked as he reached for his wine glass.
Ezalia lifted her chin proudly. "The Supreme Council and Queen Lacus have decided to strengthen ties to Orb as soon as possible. In order to this, the remaining pending marriages will happen within the year."
"What!?" Yzak nearly spit out the red liquid as his eyes widened. He slammed his glass back down on the table as he shot a horrified look at his mother. "I was told I had a year after Athrun's wedding!" he yelled. "Within the year!? Four months!? That's ludicrous!"
His mother didn't flinch. "At any moment, a war could break out between Orb and the Federation, which will, undoubtedly, spill over into Plants. Whether we like it or not, we will be affected, if not drawn into the war completely."
"So, you're telling us that we just have to pick a side!?" Yzak gasped. "Mother, this is not a simple game!"
"I am aware of that!" Ezalia retorted loudly. Her eyes were narrowed. "Half the council refused to side with Queen Lacus on the issue of allying ourselves with Orb; however, she made a good point! Why hasn't the Federation approached us as an ally when the rest of their neighboring countries have? It can only mean, as Dearka stated, that they see us as an enemy. If we side with them now, they will no doubt expect to be allowed into Plants. Them and their allies! Can you imagine how much more that would disrupt the lives of our people!? It no longer is about staying out of the war, but about which side Plants has a better chance with."
"The Federation has their northern allies supporting them, why would Orb be the better side to join?" Yzak asked incredulously.
"Because Orb is a strong military power and so are we," Dearka told him solemnly. "If the Federation thought they could win against Orb so easily, they wouldn't have sought out so many allies. If there wasn't such bad blood between us and them, perhaps they would've asked us as well. Not to mention that we're already tied rather deeply with Orb."
"Do not forget that dear Athrun is married to Captain Athha," Ezalia told her son calmly. "Yzak, I know you do not wish to be married, but it is your duty to your kingdom to do so."
"I am aware of my duty…" Yzak grumbled behind gritted teeth.
"Good," Ezalia told him. She took a step back from her son and glanced around the room. Her eyes narrowed as she finally realized someone was missing. "Where is Shiho?"
She didn't see Yzak stiffen across from her. Dearka stepped in and let out a little cough. "She took a month of leave, my lady."
"Of leave?" Ezalia frowned. Her eyebrows knitted together. "That isn't like her. Is anything the matter?"
"She went to Orb," Yzak said in a low voice. He could feel his mother's eyes moving over him. "For citizenship issues…her grandmother left her property and she went to claim it."
"I see…" the woman nodded. She looked at her son for a moment longer. "Yzak," she began hesitantly. "Do not let Shiho go to war with her grandmother's home land."
Blue eyes closed tightly behind soft, silver bangs. "I know," he said quietly. Ezalia's gaze lingered on her son a moment longer. She opened her mouth to speak, only to find her words die in her throat. She lowered her eyes and gave a small nod.
"Very well," she said as she turned around. "I will retire for the night. Have a good evening, Dearka. Yzak."
"Yes, my lady," Dearka gave the woman a bow as she crossed the room. The doors closed behind her and the blond lifted his head back up. He turned towards the Red Knights captain. "Yzak?"
"Do the Elite even know about this?" the nobleman asked under his breath. Dearka frowned.
"What are you going to do?" Dearka looked at him, concerned.
"What do you think I'm going to do!?" Yzak growled as he slammed the scroll on the table. The plates and utensils bounced upwards as Yzak fell back on his chair. Dearka shook his head.
"I was going to let you wait it out a year and let you realize it on your own, but you can't marry a Haumea Elite," Dearka told him sternly.
Cold eyes rose and bore into his. "Who are you to tell me who I can and cannot marry?" he asked in a low, dangerous voice.
Dearka drew his head back. "What about Shiho?"
For a moment, Yzak felt cold. His eyes narrowed as he stood up from his chair. "Sir Hahnenfuss has nothing to do with this!"
"Yzak-"
"Get those sick, romantic notions of love out of your head, Elsman!" the nobleman spat out furiously. "I've had enough of your constant teasing and your ridiculous remarks! This is not some fairy tale! This may be a matter of life and death for the people of our country! I will not risk weakening an alliance, and this kingdom, because of your pathetic notion that I'm in love with my secretary!" Yzak roared, red-faced.
His hand flew down and snatched the scroll off the top of the table. He shoved past Dearka and stormed towards. The golden-haired man stood in his spot, staring out at the doors that his friend had just rushed through. His eyes saddened as he lifted a free arm.
"Sir Elsman?" one of the servants asked, almost immediately.
"Have a long distance messenger hawk prepared in an hour," Dearka told him placidly. "I need to send a message to Orb."
He didn't seem to hear the sound of his feet pounding over the stone lined corridors of his family's ancestral house as he crossed the length of it. His hand held the scroll at his side tightly, making his already pale skin even paler. His teeth grinded as his eyes narrowed and glared out at the dimly lit hall he walked through.
It was ridiculous. How was he supposed to find a Haumea Elite wife within the year? There were so many things wrong with the order, he didn't know where to start. Didn't the Supreme Council or Lacus realize that a few months might be too long in the first place? Even his mother acknowledged that at any moment, a war could break out.
If that were the case, what would solidify their ties to Orb then? A few pieces of paper and one marriage of a nobleman to a Haumea Elite Captain? Athrun and Cagalli hadn't even been married for two months! Yzak gritted his teeth.
What was the point of getting married? Shouldn't both countries be deciding on an allegiance on their own? Wouldn't that have more weight than four more rushed weddings? With the way things were, even if he and the rest of the chosen noblemen were selected managed to get married, what awaited them and their wives? A war.
The Haumea Elite would be off to the battlefield as soon as they were wed. It was their duty and from what he had seen, duty to their country came first. Their husband would have to wait. Then there were the noblemen who were Red Knights that would also be off to war. That wasn't a marriage; that was just an agreement.
The entire idea of marriages suddenly seemed meaningless to him.
Perhaps, if he wasn't pushed so much. Perhaps, if he actually had that one year to find a suitable bride, he wouldn't hate his country so much as he did that very moment. In a year's time, he could've found a way out of the agreement. In a year's time…
His hand closed around a handle and pushed the door open. A dark room awaited him, filled with silence. For a moment, Yzak stood at the threshold of the private quarters. His eyes stared into the room, slowly adjusting to the faint moonlight pouring in from tall windows left open across from him.
Quietly, he stepped into the quarters. His shoes made soft sounds against the hardwood floor as he walked along the side of the room. An old wooden desk was neatly kept and showed signs of being well used recently. Its chair was tucked carefully beneath it. Yzak continued to walk, slowly taking in the sights of the room.
The large double doors of the wardrobe, where perfectly pressed uniforms were hung. A mirror, he knew, was hung behind one of the wardrobe doors. He raised a hand and gently moved it across the surface of the piece of furniture. He slowly turned and faced the large bed in the center of the room.
He had, at times, sought peace in that bed. Dearka, as irritating as he was, would never dare trespass into a woman's private quarters without some sort of invitation. Yzak had used that to his advantage when he was trying to shake the blond man off and get some work done.
He sat on the edge of the bed and felt it sink in beneath him. It was hard to get work done on the bed, even if it was just reading. He had a habit of falling asleep within minutes of laying on it; his face ending up buried in a book. He would only wake up hours later, to find the book neatly at his side, a blanket over him, and a diligent Shiho sitting at her desk, finishing the work he had fallen asleep trying to complete.
Yzak never knew if she even realized he would simply lay there in silence, watching her back as she moved over the piles of paper work. She never complained when he took up her bed. She never voiced her displeasure when she entered her quarters to find him sleeping there, hiding from Dearka. Nor had she ever told him to stop.
The silver-haired man looked across the bed for a moment longer. Without a word, he slowly lay down across its length, his eyes closing as the cool material of her outer blankets caressed his warm skin. His arm stretched over to the side, brushing against the pillows as he inhaled the lingering scent.
She was probably stopped at an inn right now, eating a small meal for dinner with the driver and discussing whatever topic came up. Then, she would excuse herself and go get ready for bed. A simple bath would be taken to relax and then she would change into her nightwear before taking out a book to read as she sat in bed.
Yzak slowly opened his eyes and looked across at Shiho's bed. "Now," he murmured to himself as he lay there motionlessly. "Why did you have to leave now…?" He closed his eyes and buried his face in her pillows.
From the doorway, blue eyes turned away from the scene. Footsteps so quiet, they were practically unheard, lead away from the Red Knight's quarters. The rustle of her clothes were kept in check as she glanced over her shoulder to make sure that the nobleman had not heard her.
"Oh, my lady," Dearka bowed his head as he turned the corner to find Lady Joule walking away from one of the darkened wings. "Have you seen your son, Lord Yzak?"
The silver-haired woman merely shook her head discretely. "I am afraid not, Dearka," the noblewoman replied. She offered the blond a small smile. "Have you tried his room?"
A.N. – The couples are set up, although Dearka should be meeting Miriallia, too. Ezalia knows!? I'm writing some short chapters this time around. They're only about 8K. I'm hoping to update at a nice and steady 'once a week'. Thanks for your patience and for reading everyone!