Phase 10: Prince of Scandinavia

It was morning when Cagalli and her crew arrived at the Kingdom of Scandinavia. It had been a long flight and they were given a chance to get a bit of rest before having an audience with the prince. For her accommodation during the stay, Cagalli was taken to one of the prince's private residences, which was separate from the palace grounds.

Cagalli caught up with sleep during her flight and was energized to do a bit of work since she wouldn't have the time to do so in the next few days. When the time to meet the prince was nearing, she changed into her usual chief representative outfit, her purple suit with gold buttons and cufflinks.

Cars met her and her entourage at the entrance to drive them to the palace to Prince Fredrik. Her and Touya were in one car, while the rest were led to ride in separate vehicles.

They were treated to the beautiful greenery and glacier valley views of the Kingdom on the ride to the palace. The Nordic mountains were vast with long and narrow inlets of water in between them, adding to the incredible sight. The architecture of the houses were a mix of modern and medieval. It was such a dreamlike view, one that you only see in postcards. Cagalli snapped a photo with her mobile and made a mental note to send it to Athrun and to Lacus so she could show Ren.

"What a beautiful country." Touya commented while he also enjoyed the sight. "It must be so nice to wake up to this kind of view every morning."

"It is indeed." Cagalli shook her hand in agreement. Although she wouldn't want to move to Scandinavia permanently, it would be nice to stay here again for a little while for a vacation.

The scenic ride was brief and soon enough, they arrived at their destination. Scandinavian royal guards opened the door to her chauffeur. She was followed by Touya and her escorts from Orb and COMPASS.

She could hear her escorts gasp at the sight that beheld them.

The palace was as she remembered, very grand and opulent. There were very luscious gardens that surrounded the magnificent structure. Despite the palace being built centuries ago, it had been very well-maintained. It was a good thing that the wars did nothing to damage it as it carried so many centuries of history and culture.

A man donned in the finest regalia walked towards them. He was wearing a coat over his luxurious suit. It was made from the best materials and adorned with intricate gold embroidery. A cape draped over his shoulders and were held by gold buttons and knots. His boots clicked each time he took a step.

He walked with such an air of elegance and purpose, leaving anyone that looked at him in awe. He had an appearance that would make most women swoon. His blonde hair gently fell on his shoulders. He had one of the most striking blue eyes and a gentle smile was on his face. [1]

"Cagalli, I welcome you to the lively Kingdom of Scandinavia. It's been a long time since we've had time to meet in person and it's really a pleasure to finally have you here again." The Prince of Scandinavia dropped the formalities when addressing her and offered his hand out to her. "I hope that you had a comfortable trip and that you are all able to get some well-needed rest?"

"Fredrik, it's really nice to see you. The trip was smooth sailing and we've all had the chance to settle in. I thank you for letting us stay in your residence and for your hospitality." Cagalli greeted him and held out her hand with the intention of shaking his. But she was very surprised when instead, Fredrik leaned down, pulled the back of her hand closer to his face and gave it a kiss.

Cagalli instinctively wanted to pull her hand away but she remembered where they were and stopped herself. There were several camera shutters that were clicking profusely in the background, documenting this interaction but she just chose to ignore it. She can already tell that this will reach the news and papers back in Orb almost immediately.

Her mind immediately went to Athrun and she imagined how he would be sulking if he saw it. She just hoped that if he saw it, it would be after the mission so it wouldn't cause a distraction…

Fredrik's words made her snap out of her thoughts. "You're very welcome and let me know if there's anything else that you need! I also want to apologize, but Father and Mother are still on their way back from their trip from the countryside… " He looked regretful about not having his parents there but immediately perked up. "But they'll be here by tonight to meet you. They've also made time tomorrow to catch-up with you!"

"Don't worry about it." It was no big deal to her that they were not here right now.

She looked forward to catching up with him, the King and Queen, both about work and personal matters. Fredrik was a good friend of hers since childhood after all and the King and Queen were no strangers to her either. She was sure there was a lot to talk about as they haven't gotten the chance to do so in the recent months.

"Now if you'll excuse me for a little bit, let me first greet the lovely companions you have with you." He then turned his attention to each of them and greeted them one by one.

Touya was the first one that he approached, being that he was Cagalli's right hand and the future chief representative of Orb. "Touya, you've grown a lot taller since we last met. I'm very pleased to see you again."

Touya confidently shook his hand. "Prince Fredrik, thank you so much for the warm welcome. I hope to learn a lot from you while on this trip." There was a lot of confidence in his voice as he conversed with the Prince and Cagalli was proud of him.

Frederick chuckled gently, which could make most feel weak in the knees with his charm. "I appreciate your enthusiasm! I'd be delighted to discuss whatever you'd like to learn from me. But let's take it easy for today, alright? We can pick it up tomorrow."

"Of course, your Highness." Touya bowed his head and concurred. The ball was happening later tonight and it would be buzzing with people. The fact that Prince Fredrik was taking time out of his schedule today to meet with them was a surprise.

The Prince then turned to the Orb military personnel and Cagalli's personal security. "Orb soldiers, welcome! I hope you find our humble kingdom enjoyable. Could you please tell me your names so that I can address you all properly?"

"Joshua Greenfield, your highness!"

"Yuki Kobayashi, your majesty!"

"Your highness Fredrik-sama, I am Maria Choi."

Frederick shook hands with them one by one and engaged in small talk with each one. He was asking them various things like the Scandinavian cuisine that they looked forward to eating, or if they had any place that they wanted to visit while they were here. The Orb soldiers were flustered but Cagalli could tell that the gesture was very welcome as they normally wouldn't get to engage in such conversations with just any royal prince.

Frederick then excused himself from the Orb soldiers to now pay attention to the members of COMPASS. "It's my first time meeting COMPASS members in such a long time. Thank you for all the hard work in keeping the peace and also for being Cagalli's additional escort for this trip. May I also know your names?"

Shinn, being the leader, stepped forward and greeted him first. "It is no problem at all your highness. I am Shinn Asuka, the leader of the squad. It's very nice to meet you." Shinn was a bit tense and unlike himself when he greeted Fredrik, which made Cagalli chuckle inwardly. He was being too nervous!

"I am Lunamaria Hawke, your highness."

"Agnes Giebenrath, it's a pleasure to meet your highness."

The same light conversation happened with the COMPASS members and Cagalli let them have their time to talk. The Asuka squad got more comfortable the more that they talked with him.

This side of the Prince was one of the reasons why he was very beloved. He was charismatic and amiable. He puts in the effort to let everyone know that they matter. Even the simple gesture of addressing them by their names just after hearing it once.

"I'm so pleased to meet everyone. I hope I can interest you all in some tea?" He motioned for everyone to head inside the palace after the pleasantries.

They were led inside a spacious carpeted hallway, with the Prince walking beside Cagalli and Touya. Behind them were the Orb and COMPASS escorts, as well as Scandinavian knights.

There was much to admire about the palace and it was evident in how Cagalli's escorts were in awe. The left side had wide windows that let the sunlight in, while the other side had a combination of paintings and artifacts that were on display. Above them were massive chandeliers that lit up during nighttime.

"The palace is still as I remember." Cagalli remarked with a bit of nostalgia. She stayed here for a period of time and that was the last time that she's been here. Most of her meetings with the prince could be done virtually nowadays and if they do get to meet, it was at a function that didn't take place in the palace or even in the Kingdom of Scandinavia.

"Is that so? The structure hasn't changed much, but mother has constantly been re-decorating the interiors from time to time." Frederick told her. "Recently she's taken an interest in contemporary art, so you might notice some pieces here and there displayed."

"The painting just now… is it La Corte's? It resembles his art style but I haven't seen it before." Touya had an interest in arts and had been pursuing it as a hobby in his free time, if he even gets one these days. Unfortunately, Cagalli wasn't attuned to these kinds of things, so she didn't know which one he was referring to.

"You have a keen eye Touya." Frederick praised him, clearly impressed with his knowledge on the topic. "The piece was something that La Corte gifted to my father personally. As such, it never made it to the public's view. I believe that the concept behind this painting was…" The two were now engrossed in discussing La Corte that Cagalli was instead listening in to the conversations happening behind her.

"The court? What court?" Shinn whispered behind them.

"La Corte!" Lunamaria corrected him.

"Edwin La Corte!" Agnes exclaimed and put her palm on her face. "You don't know him? He's one of the most legendary artists of all time and has a ton of masterpieces in museums. He's a natural but his paintings are also displayed in the PLANTs' art museums! Geez! I can't believe you don't know him."

Ah… So that's who he is.

"Sorry about that…" Shinn looked a bit self-conscious that he was called out by Agnes in that way and it was probably worse that they were with Prince Fredrik.

"Don't be too harsh on Shinn, Agnes." Cagalli got in between them now and lightly told her off. "If I'm going to be honest, I don't know who that is or what his works look like…" She admitted to them. Nobles are usually taught arts, but since it never interested her, her lessons never stuck with her.

Now it seemed that Agnes was the one feeling self-conscious by the way that she just spoke. "Is that so… A-ah… If Cagalli-san doesn't know of him then it's no big deal! I suppose it's not really a big deal… It was rude of me to say such a thing and I sincerely apologize for my behavior!" She bowed her head and that seemed to have surprised both Shinn and Lunamaria.

"That's fine! Don't worry too much about it." Cagalli motioned for her to raise her head. She didn't think it was a big deal but it seemed to be for Agnes because she looked remorseful.

"When it was me who didn't know, you were giving me a hard time but when it was Cagalli-san, suddenly it's fine and no big deal huh… The double standards…" Shinn mumbled under his breath, noting how Agnes instantly changed her tune.

"Of course! I'll always make an exception for Cagalli-san! But not you!" Agnes let out a huff and turned her head away from him, which made Lunamaria sigh. It must be tough for Lunamaria to be in the middle each time they bickered.

Their little squabble seemed to have caught Prince Fredrik's attention and he clasped his hands together. Shinn, I apologize, it was rude of us to go into a discussion that not everyone could join in. What if we talk about something that you all will be interested in?" He suggested and everyone's eyes were on him.

"Did you all know that Cagalli used to chase me around these same halls?" He then started which made her realise she then became the topic of discussion.

"Hey Fredrik! Why are you bringing that up now? I'd rather talk about something else…" Cagalli discouraged him from saying anything more. As a child, she got into a lot of trouble and looking back, some of those really make for embarrassing stories.

"Don't be like that! It's a fun story and if you think about it, it's more embarrassing for me than for you." Fredrik cajoled her. "Don't you all want to hear it, everyone?" He then asked the people in the room and all of them nodded. Agnes even had an enthusiastic "yes". Cagalli had no choice but to let him continue.

"When I was younger, I was afraid of bugs. One time, she grabbed a stag beetle from the palace garden and she was so excited to show it to me. Of course it's something that you see in books, but seeing it in person was pretty terrifying. Especially seeing how it could fly towards me and bite me."

He paused for a while to see everyone, except Cagalli, waiting for him to continue. "As any frightened kid would, I made a mad dash away from it. This same hallway was where I was running to hide from her while she shouted that it wasn't scary and to just have a look at it."

"So Cagalli-san was like that as a little girl…" Lunamaria commented. Lunamaria was probably not one to play with bugs as a kid, Cagalli was sure of it.

"But Cagalli was… I don't know how to describe it, she was like a menace. She was running so effortlessly fast and closing the gap between us. I had no choice but to hide behind a knight before she could force me to make friends with the beetle."

The memory suddenly returned to her. She thought that Fredrik just wanted to give chase so she dashed after him. At that time, she didn't realize that he was completely petrified until she saw him clinging onto a knight, bawling his eyes out with snot coming out of his nose. She could only stop running and wonder why he was suddenly crying.

"It seems like Cagalli nee-sama almost started a conflict between the two nations, huh?" Touya was amused and remarked.

"Touya…" Cagalli sighed and put her hand on her temple in embarrassment.

All the while, Prince Fredrik was beaming and enjoying himself as he recounted the story. "Almost! After all, it's not everyday that the crowned prince of the Kingdom of Scandinavia was brought to tears… by the fearless Princess of Orb no less!"

"You're not the only one, Prince Fredrik… Cagalli nee-sama always ended up being scolded by Uzumi-sama because she made her other playmates cry. I was no exception either!" Touya added.

"Touya… not you too…" She couldn't even say anything because it was true, even though it wasn't intentional most of the time. "Now I just sound like a bully…"

"Ah! I remember after that, Cagalli was scolded by Uzumi-sama. He easily hoisted her up and scolded her. I honestly forgot about the bug because seeing Uzumi-sama scold Cagalli was scarier for me. But Cagalli wasn't fazed at all and said that 'It's a cute bug! See!' as she put it on his jacket. He almost dropped her when she did that." Prince Fredrik was almost in tears as he recounted the memory.

Her memory was hazy but she did remember now Fredik was talking about it. They were in the same palace halls and she was hoisted up by her father.

"Hey Cagalli! What do you think you're doing pulling some silly pranks on the prince of our ally nation? Look, you made him cry? Geez! What am I going to do with you?" Her father sounded exasperated seeing his daughter pull some of her antics yet again.

"But father, I just wanted to show him this cute bug!" She giggled and she put the bug on his shoulder. "See, isn't it very cute?"

"Cagalli… You were holding such a thing this whole time? This creature is huge! Take it off! Wait! Actually, don't touch it anymore, it might be venomous! Ahh! Can someone take it off me please?"

The memory of her accidentally spooking her father made her smile. There was nothing scary about him at all. Looking back at it now, it was rather endearing that a man as dignified as himself would lose his cool over a bug on his shoulder.

"Father was overreacting! The King was even laughing that you sobbed over a beetle!" Cagalli retorted, recalling that King wasn't even furious at her at all.

"Representative Athha is really fearless…" Yuki, one of the Orb escorts, commented. "I didn't know this side of her until now…"

"You're right, Cagalli-sama is amazing, making boys cry like that…" Agnes agreed with him. "But holding an insect like that, isn't that a bit dangerous? What if it was poisonous?"

"It's fine… Those weren't…" Cagalli shook her head. There were at least some lessons that she remembered from her private tutor.

Prince Fredrik didn't even lose composure and nodded. "I'm not scared of them now, but I'd rather not be chased around with it by Cagalli this time."

This brought everyone in the hall to laughter.

They finally arrived at the palace gardens where the Prince, Cagalli and Touya were seated in the main gazebo. Their escorts were also seated comfortably in the surrounding smaller gazebos with various snacks and tea waiting for them.

"Please, help yourselves with the snacks we've prepared." Fredrik urged them to get from a variety of Scandinavian pastries from the tiered platters. "Cagalli, I recall you really liked Skolebrods so I had them especially for you."

"Oh!" Cagalli's eyes beamed when she saw the familiar pastry that she loved. "Skolebrods! I've missed this! It's been a while since I've had these!" She took a bite of the custard bread roll and sighed happily. "Ahhh, this tastes just as I remember! These are truly the best!"

Fredrik chuckled as he observed her munch on it happily. "I'm glad that your preferences stayed the same. I've had my staff reach out to the same baker that we bought them from years ago to make them for us."

"The baker from the festival? You really didn't have to go through all that effort though." Cagalli was grateful, but anything that they would have given them as snacks were fine. Knowing Fredrik though, he would have really gone the extra mile to be hospitable to his guests. "But if you get the chance, please thank the baker for me. These are really good."

"Certainly." Fredrik turned to his attendants so they could take note of it.

"Nee-sama, you lived in the Kingdom of Scandinavia quite some time before, right?" Touya joined in the conversation.

"Yes! My stay was coming to an end and to culminate the completion of the lessons, Fredrik and I went to the town center during a festival. We just walked around the stalls and watched the performances. A stall was selling Skolebrods and it was the first time I got to try it." Cagalli told him. "I think it became my favorite Scandinavian food."

"Cagalli even bought a dozen to take home." Fredrik grinned in amusement.

"I would have bought more but they ran out." She laughed, remembering how the baker was so happy that he sold out on his pastries and could close early to enjoy the festival."

The three of them chatted a bit more about that period. She was thirteen when was sent to stay with the Scandinavian royal family to take private lessons from one of the most esteemed scholars on diplomacy. She stayed in the palace and it was at that time that Fredrik and Cagalli got to be closer as they spent almost every day studying, doing various activities in the palace grounds or exploring around the kingdom. [2]

"Those were simpler times weren't they?" Fredrik sighed and there was a bit of nostalgia in his voice. "We didn't need to worry about anything other than our lessons and what we would do in our free time."

"Now, we can't even get any time to ourselves." Touya also lamented and Cagalli couldn't help but feel bad for him as things would get more hectic for him once she steps down at the end of her term.

There was a brief silence and Cagalli decided to break the ice by changing the topic. "Your Kingdom is as lively and prosperous as ever, Fredik." Cagalli praised him and drank from her cup of tea. "How has everything been since the coronation?"

"It's been hectic, really. A lot of work that my father used to do are now my responsibilities and I'm still getting the hang of it. Today has been the only day in weeks that I'm able to take it slow thanks to the ball later tonight." Fredrik admitted to both her and Touya. To Cagalli, while he was still elegant and charismatic as ever, she could tell that he was trying to conceal his exhaustion.

"Don't worry! Knowing you, you'll get to adjust in no time. Besides, your father and the parliament are always there to help you. You can also contact me for advice." Cagalli understood how taxing it could be as they were in similar positions and she wanted to give him words of encouragement and cheer him on.

"Thank you, Cagalli." Fredrik seemed to be really grateful for that. "Being a leader of a country is a tough job. I know for a fact that it's a huge responsibility, but truly there are some things that you only realize the weight of once you're in that position. Knowing your decisions affect the citizens of your entire country and that you need to balance everyone's best interests… it's such an immense undertaking."

Touya was looking at Fredrik sympathetically and nodded. He hasn't taken over the position as chief representative and he knows he would have the same sentiments once the role was passed onto him.

"You're doing great! I've heard of everything that you've done so far and it has only been positive sentiments from your citizens. It also shows in your country's economic growth." Cagalli commended him. She and Touya discussed this the other day and they were both impressed with all the work that he's done so far.

Prince Fredrik smiled and then delicately got a hold of her hand. "Cagalli, that means a lot coming from you. I've seen how you've worked hard for Orb's sake for the past couple of years and I can only aspire to be a leader like you."

"Fredrik that's a bit… You're being too kind to say that." Cagalli tried to brush off the compliments.

"I'm not just trying to flatter you, Cagalli." Fredrik shook his head and stood up to gaze at the gardens. "I do really think that way. You took on being the leader of Orb at such a young age after Uzumi-sama passed away. Having all those responsibilities at 16… When that was happening to you, I too was 16 but was still too naive about things happening outside of my country. The wars were happening but I wasn't involved in it myself as my Father was sheltering me from it."

"After the war, things were so unstable after my father and the other Emirs passed on. No one else wanted to take on the role. Someone had to do it, so I did. Even if I wasn't ready yet, I had to be…"

Going back to Orb after the battle of Jachin Due, she saw that Orb lost its former glory. Everything was falling apart. People were confused, enraged and devastated. They were looking for someone to take the lead and she felt it was her responsibility to ensure that her father's sacrifices were not in vain.

"That is why I think it's admirable." Fredrik was of the same view. "No one is born a perfect leader and anyone is bound to make mistakes. Even still you took on that path anyway for the sake of the people of Orb, putting their own happiness first before your own. Not everyone can have that same selflessness, will and determination."

"In the beginning, the other Emirs tried to drown out Cagalli nee-sama's voice, that even included my father. Eventually, Cagalli nee-sama eventually strengthened her conviction to stand by Orb's ideals and came back to fight for us." Touya commended her.

A soft breeze passed by them. Fredrik let it brush his strands of hair before speaking. "You embodied Orb's ideals and bravely opposed the Destiny Plan twice and fought those who want to oppress. You've prioritized rebuilding your country and improving your citizens' quality of life. You've established a peacekeeping organization and united multiple forces to a common goal."

Then he turned to look at her intently. "You're at the forefront of the change we want to happen in the world. I can talk all day about how amazing I think you are."

"Cagalli nee-sama, I've been working with you for all these years and I wholeheartedly agree with Prince Fredrik. I think you're an incredible leader and it shows by how the people of Orb love and trust you so much." Touya added with his tone full of earnestness.

Cagalli felt elated that her efforts were being recognized by two people that she respected. She had a soft smile on her face before responding. "All these things were possible with the help and support of everyone around me. Everyone lent me their strength and that's why Orb and even COMPASS is where it is now." Cagalli then glanced over at Touya's direction. "Of course that includes you Touya. Thank you for all the work you've done so far."

While she was very thankful that they thought of her highly, all those achievements weren't just from her power alone. Athrun, Kira, Touya, Kisaka, Lacus, Miriallia, the Orb citizens, the people of COMPASS… They all lent their power to her, which is why can keep hoping for peace for this world.

"Cagalli nee-sama…" Touya was moved by her words. "It goes without saying that I chose to follow you because I believe in you and in your intentions."

Fredrik sat back down and held her hands in his once more. He looked a bit more intense this time. "It is your sincerity to strive for a peaceful future where everyone can be happy and free that many people have entrusted their hopes and dreams to you. To be able to stir something in people's hearts with not just your words, but also your actions, and to have them follow your cause and lend you their strength… It's precisely why I think you are an extraordinary woman." [3]

In the other gazebo, Cagalli's escorts were enjoying the snacks that they were served. Some of the Orb personnel, who were also Cagalli's private bodyguards, decided to take a stroll after taking in their fill. The ones left at the table were Shinn, Lunamaria and Agnes. Agnes just finished her cup of tea and was wiping her mouth with a napkin. While Lunamaria stared at Shinn, displeased that he was still chowing down food.

Agnes glanced at the main gazebo where Cagalli, Touya and Prince Fredrik were at, she observed them a bit before she started to talk to Lunamaria. "Ne, don't you think Prince Fredrik is a bit touchy towards Cagalli-sama?" She didn't have any negative feelings towards it, she merely pointed it out.

That seemed to have taken Lunamaria's focus away from Shinn and towards the same direction as Agnes' line of sight. "Isn't that because they're childhood friends? So, they must be really close."

"I mean… I guess that makes sense?" Agnes recalled the story from the Prince just today. She also recently found out that Cagalli was sent to study in the Kingdom of Scandinavia for a brief time. So, it seems they go a long way.

As she stared at the figures more, she couldn't help but say more on the matter. "I know you just said that they're childhood friends but he's still holding her hand until now… Look! He's kissing it again now!"

"Ohh… You're right…" Lunamaria agreed.

"Are childhood friends supposed to be that intimate?" Agnes didn't really have any close friends from childhood but even if she did, she knew that she wouldn't be that affectionate!

"No, I don't think so…" Lunamaria answered her and turned to her boyfriend with her brows raised. "Shinn, do you kiss your childhood friend's hand?"

"No? Why would I?" Shinn answered her as he took another scone from the dessert plate. He was not interested in their conversation at all.

Agnes took that as confirmation and shared her thoughts out loud. "You know, the media always talks a lot about Cagalli-san and Prince Fredrik being a couple and I'm starting to think that they're onto something… at least on Prince Fredrik's side."

Lunamaria nodded as she too was now observing them and it just seemed like Touya was a third party while Prince Fredrik continued to shower Cagalli with much affection. "Of course we know Cagalli-san enough to discern that there is nothing on her side, but the Prince… But how are we not sure he's not seeing anyone? For all we know, he may have a girlfriend that is kept out of the public eye."

"The Prince is a bachelor, I'm pretty sure of it.. When he's asked by the media, he always brushes off the topic and says that a relationship is not a priority for him right now. But when he's asked about Cagalli, it's like there's a switch because he's then very talkative and singing praises about her." Even though they were being hosted by the Prince, Agnes couldn't help but gossip. It had been on her mind for days before this trip and she looked him up to see what kind of man he was.

If this was the old her, she would have taken the chance to steal his heart because he was a man that fit her standards. On paper, he was a high-spec man, good-looking, from nobility and well-bred. If she did succeed in making him fall for her, it would mean she also won against the Princess of Orb.

But now, after getting a second chance, she no longer harbored those kinds of thoughts. She was rather embarrassed by her younger self.

Now she just wanted an unconditional kind of love, the one that she sees in Cagalli and Athrun. She wanted someone like Cagalli who would accept her faults and love her despite everything. She wanted someone who would stay with her even if it was difficult and look at her like he was his whole world like how Athrun was with Cagalli.

"To add to that, the people of Orb like them together. Cagalli-san and the Prince that is…" Lunamaria brought her back to reality as she was now fully invested in the topic. "Even Yuki-san and Maria-san were gushing about Prince Fredrik kissing Cagalli's hand a while ago. They were speculating that maybe the reason why the Prince is still a bachelor is because he's waiting for Cagalli-san's term as chief representative to end."

"Ne, do you think that Prince Fredrik would propose to her at the ball?" Agnes couldn't contain her worry with that realization. What would Cagalli-san do if he did? "Didn't Prince Fredrik get interviewed recently, where he was asked if he would choose a bride from the ball's attendees as it was a celebration of his coronation?"

"What? Seriously?!" Lunamaria gasped. "What did he say?"

"He said: 'We'll see'." Agnes answered, trying to lower her voice so that they wouldn't catch so much attention. "And that was after they asked about Cagalli-san! What is that supposed to mean?"

"Oh by the way, I'm curious about something." Shinn suddenly interjected their conversation. "If the Prince already had his coronation, then why is he not called a "King" yet?"

Agnes was kind of peeved that he cut in with a stupid question. He should have been researching these things as part of his job as their captain in this mission. "Shinn… I… Nevermind…" She stopped herself from saying anything rude, which was a struggle for her, and then looked over to Lunamaria so she could answer for her.

"The Kingdom of Scandinavia's coronation is a bit distinct from other countries. Essentially the coronation serves to grant Prince Fredrik the power to rule over the Kingdom, but only when he marries will his title get elevated to being a King." Lunamaria patiently explained to him.

"Is that so?" Shinn sounded very impressed with how much his girlfriend knew and the interesting tidbit about Scandinavian royalty.

Lunamaria then proceeded to scold him. "Mou Shinn, La Corte was one thing, but you should know this about Prince Fredrik because of our mission as Cagalli-san's escorts…"

"Sorry… I'll do better…" Shinn sounded apologetic and acknowledged that it was a shortcoming on his end.

"Anyway!" Agnes quickly switched the topic back to what she was interested in. "If the Prince likes Cagalli-san and decides to propose to her? It's not going to go well for him… With Athrun-san in the picture. Just thinking Athrun-san finding out that someone else wants to whisk Cagalli-san away makes me shiver in fear…"

She was a receiver of Athrun's harsh glares before so she's aware how scary his expressions can be. Would he have the same or even a more frightening look on his face if Prince Fredrik asks for Cagalli-san's hand in marriage? Knowing how intense his love is for Cagalli, Athrun might actually pick a fight with Prince Fredrik. Would they have a sword fight? A duel to the death? Why was this like a soap opera and why was she somehow thrilled just thinking about it?

"Very few people know about Athrun and Cagalli-san's true relationship. I think the Prince has no idea about it either." Lunamaria shrugged. "They don't really go around and talk about it. Even I knew about it from Meyrin."

"I feel bad for Athrun-san though…" Agnes was in deep thought before she continued. "I mean, it seems like everyone's rooting for Prince Fredrik to win Cagalli-san's heart. I can't imagine what it feels like having to hear the overflowing support for Cagalli-san and Prince Fredrik's marriage, but he can't do anything but keep quiet since it might create a scandal for Cagalli-san…"

"You're right…" Lunamaria felt bad for Athrun. Even back then in Minerva, he couldn't say a thing about it while he was relentlessly pursued by different women, including her. Up until now, his situation was still the same.

Shinn, who was finally satisfied with the amount of pastries that he ate, spoke up. "Athrun and Cagalli-san love each other. There's no question about that. Even if Cagalli-san loves the people of Orb, with how she is now, I don't think she'd make the same mistake of marrying someone that she doesn't love to make them happy. I think she'll ultimately choose the man that will make her happy, which in this case is Athrun."

With how those two stayed together despite everything that seemed to get in between them, Shinn knew that the bond between Athrun and Cagalli was strong. After Cagalli almost married that vile Seiran and set him free because she wouldn't be able to prioritize their relationship, Athrun still chose to stay with her.

Even if Athrun rejoined ZAFT without telling her, fought against Orb and had encountered a lot of women problems, Cagalli still accepted him. Unlike him and Luna or Kira-san and Lacus-san, the two were usually not together and miles apart. But even distance didn't seem to deter them.

When the both of them didn't say anything, Shinn then started to feel uncomfortable. "What? Why are you two quiet?"

Agnes' surprised face then turned into a grin. "Wow, that is the most captain-like thing you've said today! I'm reminded again that you're actually my captain!"

Shinn didn't know if she was messing with him or if it was a genuine compliment. His automatic response to her was "Huh?! Are you starting a fight with me again?"

"Hey, you two! Quit it!" It was Lunamaria's cue to get in between them again.

Notes:

[1] My image of him is Howl Jenkins (blonde ver). Whenever I think of the Prince, it's his visuals that comes to mind that I can't shake it off anymore.

[2] Not canon. I just made this up so that it will show that Cagalli and the Prince are pretty close and have a history (not a romantic one ofc… or is it? lol)

[3] SEED official never acknowledges the amazing things that Cagalli achieved and what she continues to do. I honestly think she's under-appreciated with how she took care of everyone after the first war while she was had her duties to her country, how her country was the first to stand up to Destiny Plan, how COMPASS was established because of her or how Foundation would have won if not for her coming to help everyone. Fukuda sometimes talks about her on twitter and on interviews but they don't even make it to official publications. So I wanted to talk about it via the Prince and Touya and I just hope this part does it some justice. (Pun was not intended)