Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ A Rose Among the Thorns ❯ Reflection ( Chapter 2 )

July 31, 2002

AN: Hello there! I got the next chapter up really fast (at least it was fast for me.) Hope you enjoy it.

A Rose Among the Thorns

Chapter Two

Reflection

"Excuse me," Relena said in a stunned state, her mouth half open. She surely heard him wrong. Maybe she was going delirious from the lack of sleep. After this delegation, she would have to take some time off before she went completely insane.

"I want you to marry Prince Alexander Morale," Governor Rilley repeated. He carefully watched her reaction which was nothing less than what he expected. Relena's shocked silence assured the governor that she heard right.

First of all, marriage was an concept she hadn't even thought about. She was far too busy to even date occasionally. If she wasn't speaking to the President about the terraforming project to, she was speaking to a Colony Ambassador about preventing a rebellion.

Second, she wasn't ready for marital complacency. Being only twenty years of age, Relena was far to young for matrimony, and quite frankly, it scared her a bit. With the rest of her life ahead of her, she wasn't against waiting for a few years. Thirdly, he was asking her to marry someone she knew nearly nothing about.

Relena knew Prince Alexander Morale of the Altera Kingdom only by reputation and what gossip she heard at certain balls and receptions. Being from one of the most influential colonial families, Prince Alexander was a compassionate, respectable man of 24 years. He was uncommonly handsome from what she had heard with "eyes as green as an emerald forest, reddish-gold hair that glowed like fire, and a body that would make any other man jealous" as one girl described. But she was skeptical about how attractive he was, until she had seen him at the Dewland Ball. Although she didn't have the chance to see him up close, she could tell that he was everything girl had said. Yet even though he was the honest, gorgeous Prince Charming of every little girl's dreams, she didn't think that was enough reason to marry him.

There was one more reason Relena had in objection to the marriage, but she refrained from thinking of him.

"Me? Marry Prince Alexander? You must be joking," Relena drew out. Her throat suddenly going dry, Relena took a sip of her water. It helped ease her throat, but it did nothing to ease her mind.

"I am very serious." He looked directly at her with a straight face without blinking or averting his eyes.

Relena knew he was being serious, but how can one be serious about marrying two people who hardly know each other. "You want me to marry someone I don't even now?" The question came out before she had time to think.

"No, I, or more precisely, the Earth Sphere representatives want you to eventually marry the prince." She looked positively stunned. But who wouldn't be? He had obviously asked her to do something preposterous. If he wasn't asking her himself, he would never believe that they were even having this discussion.

"Eventually? What does that mean?" Relena laid her hands on her lap and grabbed at her silk skirt, wrinkling it between her fingers and palms. She knew if she left them on the table as they were, she would eventually have begun tapping them, alerting the governor of her uneasiness. It offered some distraction, but not much. She was completely confused, and worst yet, she absolutely did not know what to do.

"We're not saying we want you to just meet him at a church at this minute and tie the knot. We're saying we want you two to give a relationship a chance to see if something lasting can be made. We don't want to force you into anything against your will. This is why I am asking you now if you are willing to try. You probably have some questions which I am only happy to answer," Governor Rilley explained as he offered her a small grin to ease her mind.

Some questions? Try many. Relena was still having problems accepting any of this. She figured she might as well ask the most obvious question. "Why does the Earth Sphere want a marriage between Prince Alexander and myself?"

"You of all people should know that relations between the Earth and the Colonies are on thin ice that is likely to crack at any given moment. Each party still has it's doubts about joining each other which only hinders the chances for universal peace. But each side has a figurehead that stands above the others. The Earth has you," he explained, indicating her with his left hand, "and the Colonies have Prince Alexander. Do you understand now?"

"I'm getting there."

"You, Miss Darlian, are at the center of attention for the entire Earth Sphere. No one is as well-known and well-liked as you are. You are from the Sanc Kingdom, an empire on Earth, thus people from Earth can identify with you. They feel a sense of pride at knowing that one of the most influential people to ever live is from Earth. The same goes for Prince Alexander, except he is from the Colonies. The people trust you, they turn to you for guidance. Through your marriage, they will see that you two trust each other and can live in harmony together. The people, as well as dignitaries, will realize this, and they will follow your lead. Plus, you both have similar histories."

"What do you mean by 'similar histories,'" she asked out of curiosity.

"You both lost your families at a young age," the governor continued with just a hint of sadness in his voice. "His father died when Alexander was five, after which he was shipped off to boarding school to learn the intricacies of becoming a king. His mother rarely visited him, hence a gap was formed between the two. In addition, you both have make decisions that dictate the lives of the people around you."

"What does the Prince say to all this," Relena inquired. She knew she was totally puzzled about the whole ordeal. Surely he was just as lost as her.

"His people have spoken to him about this matter and Alexander has given his approval. He says he is looking forward to meeting you."

So they already asked him? She should have known- she was always the last to know anything important that concerned her life. It made her mad, but she admitted that she could just be jumping to conclusions. Then a revelation dawned on her.

"I thought that princes had to marry a certain girl, someone chosen from a certain background."

Nodding his head, Governor Rilley said, "That is correct. A prince most certainly has to marry someone of noble stature, the daughter of a duke or general, for example. This person most usually comes from the same country as the prince because she will know the condition of the government and she will be familiar to the people and the prince. But once in a while, the chosen wife resides from a different nation altogether. In this case, a princess is usually the one to take the place of the prince's betrothed."

"You know as well as I do that I no longer hold the title of princess. I abandoned that title quite some time ago."

"Yes, but denying your past does not make you less of a princess. No matter what you do or where you go, nothing will change the fact that royal blood courses through your veins. The people still view you as Princess Relena Peacecraft of the Sanc Kingdom."

Relena knew what he said was true even though she didn't want it to be. She didn't understand why people couldn't get over how she was once a princess and, much to her dismay, a queen. She wanted people to look past that and see her for who she is not who she used to be. It was difficult enough to survive in the world without having everyone expecting you to be someone you're not. That is why she decided on discontinued to use the princess label and Peacecraft last name. But people have a hard time of letting go of the past. Maybe that is why people couldn't get over the war.

"There is also another requirement that the prince's betrothed must be," Governor Rilley continued. "She must be a…" He leaned closer and whispered to her, "Virgin."

"And how were you sure that I am not one," she asked.

"Well, I asked your brother."

Relena eyes widened in surprise and anger. "How dare you go behind my back and ask him. You have no right to go into my private life without my knowing. This is my life your toying with. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think the company is making me ill," she finished as she began to rise.

"Wait. Please don't leave yet," he said as he rose in respect. "You're right. What I did was offensive and very ungentlemanly-like. I would not have done it, if I my intentions were worthy. I only fear for the fragile state of the peace. Please accept my sincerest apologies. If you wish to slap me, go right ahead," he said with a remorseful grin.

She retook her seat with a bit less ire. "As much as I would like to slap you and as much as you deserve to be slapped, I think I will refrain from doing that. After all, you did have a good reason for doing it. I just wish you had asked me yourself instead of going to my brother."

"I will remember that the next time."

"Does that mean my brother knows about this scheme?" She could hardly believe Milliardo would agree to this plan. He was always overprotective.

"Yes, and he gave me his blessing. It didn't take much for me to convince him," he convinced her.

Relena was beyond shock. How could her brother, who always reprimanded a man for dancing too close to her, give his blessing? Everything about the whole ordeal confused her. "Why would he agree to such a plan?"

"That I cannot answer. You'll have to ask your bother yourself."

Relena realized if she agreed, then her career would drastically change. She would have to devote much of her time to running just Altera instead of the entire Earth Sphere Unified Nation. Her whole life would center around the kingdom. Did she really want that?

"What about my role as Vice Foreign Minister," Relena asked with some trepidation.

"Ultimately choosing to marry Prince Alexander would mean that you would forfeit your career as minister. The Prince has agreed to instate you as Ambassador from Altera which would give you control of the foreign affairs, much like the responsibilities you are used to, although they would dealing only with the kingdom. And, to give you two enough time together, we hope to arrange for you to take time off from your obligations as soon as possible so that you have time to get to know each other. We'll tell the public that you're on an extended vacation, or something along that line."

"So you're saying that if I choose to pursue this relationship, I will immediately be giving up my profession?"

"Yes."

Relena had to admit that she was growing awfully tired of her job. She dreaded each day, knowing that it would only bring more papers and more conferences. Falling asleep at her desk was usual for her, her bed was more familiar with the cold, night air. She was even n beginning to see the governmental politicians more frequently than her brother, who she lived with. She could possibly get more rest time and even begin to have the semblances of a life. Maybe this arrangement had more advantages than she first realized.

"Just one more question," she said, "If you were me, Governor Rilley, what would you do?"

He took a moment to ponder over his decision before answering. "Before I tell you what I think, I just want you to know that this choice is entirely up to you." Relena nodded her understanding. "Then I would do it. I have nothing to lose and so much more to gain. But don't let me influence you too much. It is only my opinion. You are the one who has to make a decision."

"Yes, I know. Thank you," Relena said.

"So you will consider it," the governor asked with enthusiasm gleaming in his eyes.

"Yes. But you'll have to tell the other representatives tomorrow that I am unable to attend. I have much to think about without having to worry about who gets to keep what and who doesn't."

"Of course. When you have made your decision, please call me."

***

Relena was still as confused as she was when the governor first told her his idea when she arrived safely at her house. She still had the same doubts that just lead her back to the same questions. Going in circles wasn't helping her at all. Maybe her siblings could help her.

She reached the front door when she realized that in her distracted state she had locked her keys in her luggage. Ringing the doorbell, she waited for someone to answer her call. Her sister-in-law, Noin, greeted her with her son in her arms. Usually Pagan would answer the door, but he had sadly passed away six months ago in his sleep. They had buried him in the family cemetery under the maple tree, its leaves shading him from the scorching sun, for they all knew he loved to sit in the shade for hours on end. They all missed him, especially Relena who knew him for most of her life. He was almost like a second, or third, father to her, making sure she was cared for. They hadn't found another butler given that they knew in their hearts that no one could take his place.

"Relena! You're back early, not that I'm not happy, but I was sure that the meeting would last at least two more days. And why didn't you use your key?" Noin asked with surprise.

They began to walk together into the living room. "It will probably last even longer. I was given an unexpected proposal, and I thought it was better if I devote more time to thinking about that than about who has more military power and who doesn't. As far as the key goes, I was so deep in thought when I was packing I suppose I locked it in without knowing," she explained, then turned to the baby saying, "And, hello there, little Vallor." She leaned forward and shook his little hand, which closed around her single finger. "I didn't forget about you. I brought you back the cutest little stuffed lion." He giggled in reply.

They made it to the living room where Zechs was busy reading the newspaper, gathering what information he could about the world that he didn't already know. He turned to the little group when they made their way in.

"You're back early," Zechs stated with much less emotion than his wife had used. Seating herself across from her brother, Relena chose to ignore him.

"So what's this about a proposal," Noin questioned as she put Vallor down in his playpen. She then took a seat on the sofa next to Relena and patiently waited for her to answer.

"Why don't you ask my brother about it? He knew about it before I even did," Relena said in an even tone although she felt like screaming at her brother. She glared at her brother, who almost flinched at the look in her eyes. If he didn't know better, he would have said he was looking into Heero's eyes. The thought made him clench his teeth and glare back with as much emotion.

"Knew about what?" he asked as if he was ignorant. If this was about Prince Alexander, he didn't have to admit he was guilty of anything.

"Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. Governor Rilley told me all about it, Milliardo."

Relena was the only one who addressed him by that name. She was the only one who he allowed to call him by that name. He thought she deserved to have the brother she lost years ago, and if calling him Milliardo helped, then he didn't mind so much. He decided to let his silence be his answer.

"Is this about the arranged marriage between Prince Alexander and you," Noin cut in.

Appalled, Relena turned to her and looked at her as if she didn't recognize her. "You mean you knew as well?"

"Zechs told me about it after he finished speaking with the governor."

"And you didn't think to tell me?" Relena should have known that he would tell his wife and not his sister. They had no secrets between them. Sometimes she wondered if he loved Noin more than he loved her, but she never complained. She was happy they were together.

"At the time, it wasn't even an idea yet," Zechs clarified, "We didn't want to worry you with anymore problems than you already had. We know how tiresome your job can be without adding a wedding to it."

Relena had to agree. It was a logical explanation, but it wasn't one that she liked.

"That still does not excuse you from telling Governor Rilley about my personal life."

Zechs knew she was right, and if he didn't apologize now, he probably wouldn't get the chance later. He closed his eyes and sighed. "You're right. I am sorry for doing that and for keeping the truth from you."

"As well as I am. Please forgive us. We only had your best interests in mind."

"I forgive you," Relena said, much to the relief of Zechs and Noin, "Now please, help me decide what to do."

She looked at both of them, pleading them with her eyes. She couldn't do this alone. She could make decisions that could change the course of the world, but when it came to choosing things about her own life, she was like a duck out of water. Choosing what to wear the next day was harder than giving a global speech in front of 15 billion people.

"Relena, it is your life- it is you decision to make. We cannot make it for you, you have to do that yourself," Noin said, taking Relena's hand in her own. She could see the turmoil that this was putting her through. Relena was still learning how to be herself in Noin's eyes.

"I know, but can't you just guide me in the right direction? Just a little. I'm afraid I'll be confused forever if you don't help me."

"I guess helping you a little won't be too bad," Zechs stated. He promised he'd never desert her when she need him, and now was one of those times. He had years of making up to do. If she decided to marry the prince, he wouldn't have the chance to support her anymore.

"Thank you," Relena said with a gracious smile.

"I suppose the obvious approach to this is to find out what is holding you back," Noin started. "Is it your job?"

"No, actually I'm quite happy about losing it. I've been so caught up in my work that I'm beginning to see it in my dreams. I know I'll just be trading my set of responsibilities for another, but they'll most likely be less world-shattering. Besides, if I marry Prince Alexander, I'll most likely be similar to an advisor instead of the enactor. The prince will be the one with most of the running. I'll admit I will miss some things, but for the most part I'm glad to see it go."

"Then is it the prince? From what I hear from Zechs, he couldn't be more perfect."

"Yes, I think you'll like him once you get to know him. When I was a child, Alex and I were the best of friends. We were inseparable, like two people joined at the hip. That was until the collapse of the kingdom." He began to have a far off look in his eyes as if he was someplace else. "I lost contact with him until after the Mariemaia rebellion. Since the establishment of peace, I have reacquainted myself with him and have seen him three times since. He is very sociable and compassionate. He would make you a fine husband."

Relena was beginning to realize that there was a lot she didn't know about her brother, or a lot that he kept from her. She would have thought about it more, but something else was distracting her. "So what you're saying is that you approve of Prince Alexander?"

"Yes."

"That is why you agreed to this arrangement so quickly?"

"Yes."

"So he deserves me," Relena stated more as a fact than a question.

"You deserve him," Zechs announced, as if she had asked a question.

"The prince deserves me, but he doesn't," she whispered to herself, her eyes cast down. Zechs hadn't heard her reply, but Noin had.

"Oh Relena," Noin sighed. "I think you better let me talk to her alone." She gave her husband a worried look.

"If this concerns Heero Yuy, then I prefer to stay," Zechs stubbornly said. He wouldn't let Relena destroy her chance at a bright future for Heero Yuy. He knew what Heero was like, he was one of only a few who did. He was no good for her, and that was that.

"Zechs," Noin warned.

"No, I told you once, Relena, and I'll tell you again. Heero will break your heart!" Zechs made sure he emphasized every word of his last sentence.

"I know," Relena whispered in response.

"He will desert you the first chance he gets."

"I know."

"He is a soldier. He will always choose to fight over you." By now, Zechs was shouting his words, as if the louder he shouted, the more Relena would understand. He was pacing back and forth, stopping every now and then to look at her with is steely gaze.

"I know."

"You haven't seen him for nearly four years. Do you think he's coming back? Because I don't. You have to get over him. You have to let him go."

"I know!" Relena shouted with just as much energy as her brother, standing at the same moment. "I've heard this all before. I know what you're going to say. I don't deserve him. I deserve someone better. Someone like that prince. But, don't you think I've tried to let Heero go? I've been hurting for so long now that my heart feels numb. I want to get over him, but I can't. I've tried a thousand different ways to forget him, but none of them have worked. I'm still in love with him, and I think I always will be." Relena sank back into her seat, tears falling listlessly from her eyes.

Noin and Zechs exchanged concerned looks with each other. Zechs knew he was wrong to yell at her, but he just couldn't admit it. He was only trying to protect her. Noin realized that she was the one that would have to comfort both sides.

"Trying one more way couldn't hurt," Noin stated. "Maybe the only way to fall out of love with Heero is the fall in love with someone else."

Relena looked at Noin through blurry eyes, and she saw the truth in Noin's words. She honestly wanted to overcome her feelings for Heero. This could possibly be the answer.

She nodded her head in agreement.

AN: Wow, I didn't mean to end on such a sad note. By the way, I'm not sure if I got the age of Relena right. I said it was four years after the Mariemaia thing, so would she be 20 or 21? Can somebody clear that up? Thank you to the few people who reviewed my first chapter!!! I luv ya guys to death. Ok, so how was it this time? Please review, even if you already did. Well, next chapter you're going to meet the prince. Don't hate him cuz he's not Heero. They'll be plenty of him later. Until next time…