Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Cynehelme ❯ Chapter 16 ( Chapter 16 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Cynehelme

by kmf

Rating: PG13 Warnings: AU Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, but I do own the plot ^^

Chapter Sixteen

Lucrezia sat by the fire in the Lords room quietly nursing her baby. Relena was asleep, the rosiness in her cheeks showing how much improved she was after several days careful nursing. It had been a difficult few days, although Lucrezia was sure that Millardo would be proud and well satisfied by how she had performed.

It had been difficult though. The first shock for Lucrezia had been the unpleasant surprise she had received when she entered the women's chambers and found them empty. She had paused on the threshold looking about and for a moment could only think in despair about how disappointed Millardo would be in her for failing such a simple task.

She had been brought out of her stupor by Catherine tapping her on the shoulder.

"The Princess has been moved to the Lord's chamber," Catherine had said before moving swiftly down the hall.

That had been surprise number two. Lucrezia's heart had jumped again. The Lord's chamber? Did that mean-? She had been given no time to ponder as Catherine had called her to hurry up and follow her.

Lucrezia had scurried after the departing woman trying not the spill the sweet mead that she carried, her mind working on the different possibilities of why exactly Relena had been moved. It was true that she was destined to be a bride, but was it possible that she had been already taken against her will by the Prince of Mercia rather than the King? Lucrezia's hands had gripped the tray tighter in anger; the fate of titled women was a sad one, to be used in political marriages regardless of their feelings. The baby, picking up on Lucrezia's agitated state, had started to wail causing Catherine to turn and stare at her with hands on her hips.

"What is wrong Noin?" she had asked seeing the strained expression on Lucrezia's face. Her eyebrow raised, as she seemed to understand the serving woman's thoughts "Relena has been moved for her health, nothing more," she had said "It is the King's decision as to who she weds, Lord Heero will not disrespect that."

Lucrezia had tried to make her face look surprised, "That has nothing to do with me," she said, jiggling slightly in an effort to soothe the baby on her back but not so much as to spill the mead.

Catherine's eyes had narrowed. "No, it does not," she said before turning to walk down the hall again, "Come", she instructed.

Lucrezia had followed meekly.

When they entered the Lord's room Lucrezia could not help but feel relief when she saw that Heero and two of his companions were studying maps and discussing strategies and that Relena had been left on her own in a bed, fully dressed and lying peaceful and sound asleep. Catherine had beckoned her forward and Lucrezia had placed the tray beside the sleeping girl.

"It would be best to leave her sleeping for now," Quatre had instructed.

Catherine nodded and took the mead from the tray to place it by the fire to keep warm. Lucrezia studied the sleeping girl. She and Millardo were so similar it would be difficult not to pick out that they were siblings. Both had long golden locks, the same pale skin and delicately boned features. Lucrezia had had difficulty not to tear up as she gazed upon the sleeping girl and had instead busied herself around the sickbed making sure that Relena was comfortable as possible.

Surprise number three came in the form of the Druid Quatre. She had become aware of him watching her closely, or rather watching her baby closely. When he had stepped up to her and delicately traced a finger along her baby's soft cheek she had been hard pressed not to push him away. When he asked whom the baby's father was she thought that she would faint.

Catherine had come to her rescue, pushing Quatre away with practised ease and scolding him for scaring her. To Lucrezia she had reassured that Quatre was perfectly safe and that if he became too nosy then she must tell him to mind his own business. Quatre had looked mildly offended at this but had backed off with a few glances towards the child as he went.

Lucrezia had been able to avoid him quite well since; his attention had been taken up in providing medicines for Relena and discussing the threat of war with Heero and his war band. He also had religious duties that he performed studiously. Overall, Lucrezia did not perceive him to be a threat but she worried about his preoccupation with her child.

Relena had also been taken with the babe, although for quite different reasons to Quatre. Relena seemed to have a natural mothering instinct and from the first moment she held the baby had fallen in love with it. Lucrezia smiled a little in recollection. She was sure that the presence of an innocent life to dote on had helped her recover much faster.

It was sad that she could not tell Relena that they were sisters and that the baby that she took so much pleasure in was her own nephew. But Millardo had told her not to reveal this to his sister. He had wanted to protect his wife and son as much as he could and to do that no one could know who they were, not until the threat of Treize had been removed.

Her son finished feeding, unlatching from her nipple in sleepy contentment, his lips twitching into a small smile from wind. Even at such a young age she could see Millardo clearly in his features. As she gently patted his back she wondered exactly where Millardo was and what he was doing and whether she would ever see him again. Tears welled up in her eyes as she recalled his strong arms around her and she prayed to God that he would come back to her soon.

* * * *

Dorothy grimaced as she crouched in a darkened corner of the feasting hall chewing on bread that was dry and stale. Her plan was not working quite as she had imagined it would; she had seen nothing of Relena in the few days she had been skulking around the stronghold and had heard rumours that she was ill and that her life was in danger from the sickness.

If true, that was probably Dorothy's fault. Her failed attempt to get Relena to Treize had left Relena blue with cold, but Dorothy felt no guilt for it. Rather, she blamed Relena for not doing what was clearly the right thing to do; go to Treize. Still, it would be extremely annoying if the girl died. Dorothy was not sure that Treize would grant her property and title if she did not deliver Relena alive.

Dorothy had caught glimpses of Heero stalking through the halls and grounds, his face grim as he discussed defences with his warriors. She had not put her disguise to the ultimate test of being seen by him though, somehow she felt that he would see through the guise of boy easily. Instead, she kept to shadows trailing him when she could and attempting to get a feel for the complexities of the much altered Roman house.

Grimacing in disgust, she tossed her bread to one side. Because she was not openly affiliated to any of the families that had taken shelter within the stronghold, she had only been able to get her hands on left overs. And there were little of those available; at the end of winter nothing was wasted, even more so in times of war. Her stomach grumbled loudly, but she was determined not to pick up the bread and eat it. She was from a proud lineage; she would not act like a pauper.

Standing up, she looked around the hall. It was late and the room was full of people bedded down for the night enjoying the heat that the large fireplace provided. Dorothy picked her way gingerly amongst them; careful not to wake anyone as she made her way towards the kitchen. She knew that place would be full of sleeping servants, but was confident of her skills in moving stealthily. She was determined that tonight she would eat something hot; meat, broth, bread - she cared not what, so long as it was fresh and warm.

The low burning fire dimly lit the kitchen casting long shadows across the room. Sleeping on pallets near to the fire where the cooks and their assistants. Dorothy scowled. It was going to be difficult to get close to the pot that steamed gently over the flame, giving off delicious scents which made her stomach ache with hunger.

"Hungry?"

A hand on her shoulder made her almost cry out in alarm. She had not heard anyone approach and was totally taken aback by it. She spun around, crouching in a defensive pose, her hand grasping hold of the hilt of the sword that hung at her side.

Light blue eyes dazzled her for a moment as she looked up into the calm tranquil face of a man dressed in white robes. His pale blonde hair fell messily around his face, and reflected the orange of the flames from the kitchen fire. He smiled at her, holding his hands up in a silent declaration of peace. Dorothy allowed herself to straighten, her hand dropping away from her sword. Her eyes narrowed as she regarded the man in front of her.

"Who are you?" she demanded deciding to take the offensive and try and bluff herself out of her situation.

"Quatre is my name," he replied looking at her closely. She stiffened at his regard, her hand wandering back to her sword hilt. His blue eyes seem to pierce through her disguise and she felt momentary panic that he might detect that she was a woman.

"And you are?" he was smiling gently, his voice calm and soothing.

"Hungry," she replied honestly.

His grin broadened at her reply and he turned from her and walked into the kitchen. Taking a bowl he walked to the fireplace, stepping over the sleeping staff. One woke, pushing themselves up onto their elbow and squinting up at the man who was helping himself to stew from the pot.

Quatre murmured reassurance and the servant nodded and huddled back under his cloak as Quatre finished measuring out the bowl. He picked his way back across the room and walked past Dorothy to a bench where he sat down and held the bowl up towards her.

She hesitated for a moment, but then the scent of the meat overwhelmed her and she walked up to him and all but snatched it from his hands. He smiled and patted the seat beside him before producing a small loaf of bread that he tore in half before presenting her with the larger portion.

Dorothy took this without hesitation and dipped it into the meaty stew before bringing the gravy laden bread to her mouth. She nearly sighed in her delight. Fresh bread, soft and fluffy. It almost melted in her mouth. Before she knew it she had consumed nearly half the bowl and most of the bread, her mouth straining to keep up with the urge of her stomach to fill it as quickly as possible.

Quatre made no comment, but quietly sat beside her nibbling on his portion of bread, his eyes on the fire rather than her. As her stomach became fuller, Dorothy slowed down her desperate consumption and turned her gaze once again on the man beside her. His robes demonstrated that he was a druid; possibly Heero's advisor himself. Her eyes narrowed as she considered this. If he was, then perhaps she could use him to her advantage. He seemed a trusting sort of person, perhaps even a little dim. Her mouth stretched into a smile. Perhaps he would be able to tell her exactly where and in what condition Relena was in if she asked the correct questions.

Noise from the entrance to the hall disturbed her just as she was about to start conversing with him and she glanced up to see that a guard had entered from outside, his eyes bright with excitement.

"Trowa! Trowa has returned!" he declared.

Dorothy stiffened as Quatre surged to his feet and the men in the hall began to stir. Sure enough, on the guard's heels, Trowa entered looking cold but determined. Sally followed and Dorothy's eyes narrowed to almost slits. Taking advantage of the commotion in the hall, she slipped away (making sure to take her food with her). Her hatred of Sally increased as she thought with irritation just how close she had got to finding out something. Still, Quatre seemed to be honest and gullible. She now had a target to aim at to find out information.

That knowledge and the fact that her stomach was full and satisfied caused her to smile for the first time in many days.

* * * * *

By the time Quatre looked around the waif he had helped obtain food for had disappeared. He smiled slightly before turning his attention back to Trowa. There was little point trying to find the girl; Dorothy had proven well adept at hiding herself in the crowds that populated the strong hold.

He had realised who she was the moment that he had caught sight of her picking her way through the hall. The aura that surrounded her was feminine, although dark and swirling, full of ambition, regret and hope. He had seen her several times before usually watching Heero from a distance, her eyes dark and needy and from Duo's description of the missing nun, she could be no other.

Quatre although protective of Relena, felt that Dorothy had some not insignificant part to play in determining the destiny of the Kingdoms and for that reason he did not tell Heero of his discovery. He knew that Heero would be angered by what he would take as a betrayal, but Quatre was sure that if they confronted Dorothy know then ill would become of it.

He shrugged a little before striding over to Trowa, who stood wearily in the hall, his face grim and tired. Quatre smiled and pulled Trowa into his arms, embracing the stoic soldier.

"Welcome back," he murmured in his ear, before gesturing over to a serving woman who was wiping the sleep from her eyes with the backs of her hands. "Quickly, go and inform Catherine that her brother has returned."

The maid nodded and scuttled off to do as she was bid, while Trowa gratefully sank onto a bench accepting a cup of warm mead. The nun stood stiff and still, looking about herself endeavouring to look composed. Quatre could detect the fatigue about her, concern and worry. He took her by the arm and pulled her gently down so that she too sat before she collapsed from her tiredness.

She focused on him, her eyes taking in his robes and his staff. As her eyes widened slightly he knew that she had recognised him as a Druid and expected her to protest at being touched by a heathen. He was pleasantly surprised when she instead murmured her thanks, her manner accepting and tolerant.

"Is Relena here?" she asked

Quatre nodded and was satisfied by the relief that shone in her eyes. "She has been unwell," he informed her, but added quickly to quell the rising panic in her eyes, "but she recovers. She is safe."

She nodded, bowing her head. "Thank God," she murmured, sighing deeply.

Quatre smiled, "Indeed," he said before turning his attention back to Trowa, who had downed his drink and was looking much revived by it.

"Where is Heero?" he demanded.

Quatre put a hand on Trowa's arm in a comforting gesture. "He has been sent for, he will be here soon," he said quietly.

No sooner than the words were issued from his mouth did Heero enter the room, his ruffled hair proof that he had been sleeping before the summons came. On his heels came Catherine, a cloak only half hiding the fact that she was only wearing her shift. She ran past Heero and threw herself into her brother's arms, who embraced her tenderly in return. Neither said a word, even when they pulled away to regard each other.

Quatre had to smile at the look of serenity that had returned to Catherine's face. He had missed that tranquil look over the last few days and hoped that it would remain there for a long time to come. However, given the fact that they were facing war he doubted that his wish would come true. Trowa's face confirmed his fears as he turned to his leader, Heero.

"Treize has summoned his army. They march to Mercia now."

Those few simple words put flight to any remaining hopes Quatre had that peace was still possible. They were now at war.

* * * * *

Relena stirred at the sound of the door to Heero's chamber opening and closing softly. Catherine had been with her when she fell asleep, but now she was alone. Rising from the bed and pushing her long hair over her shoulder, she peered around the wall hanging to see who had entered.

The room was empty apart from Heero who stood hunched over his maps, his arms seeming to only just bear his weight. His head drooped, his hair falling over his brow hiding his face from her, but she thought that he seemed despondent, almost fearful.

Hesitating a moment, she walked around the hanging and entered his section of the room, ignoring the chill of the tiles beneath her feet. She approached him quietly, lifting a hand and after hesitating a moment touched his sleeve.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

Heero started a little at her words, his head lifting sharply, his eyes focusing on her. For a moment he stared, blinking his surprise, before he lowered his eyes once more to the map.

"You should be asleep," he commented.

She smiled a little, grasping the material of his sleeve tighter and pulling a little on it to get his attention again.

"I have slept most of today away," she said, "I am not tired. But you appear to be....worn down. Are you alright?" she repeated her earlier question.

Heero stood up straight, dislodging her grip on his sleeve, his head still bent. Then he turned slowly so that he was facing her. His eyes were tired, reflecting his lack of sleep over the last few days. Relena could not stop herself from lifting a hand and touching his cheek.

He froze at the touch, his eyes going a little wide. For a moment he tolerated her touch, his own hand covering hers, before he gently pulled it away.

"Trowa has returned," he said, folding his arms and watching her closely.

For a moment, Relena became aware that she was only dressed in a shift, her arms bare, together with her lower legs and feet. She wrapped her arms around herself unknowingly reflecting Heero's pose. Then she straightened her eyes alert.

"Is Sally safe?" she asked, "Did he deliver her safely to the Abbey?"

A small smile graced the edge of his mouth. "She is safe, but she is here," he said. "They were captured by Treize close to the Abbey, but were able to escape." When she turned to move towards the door, her face showing her determination to seek out her friend, he captured her hand in his. "She is sleeping. She was exhausted from the journey. You will be able to see her in the morning."

Relena halted at his touch, her hair fanning about her shoulders, before settling down her back. She stood still for a moment, her fingers entwined with his as she asked. "What does Treize intend?"

"He intends to attack this stronghold. He has sent for troops to support him and has given them instructions to travel immediately. They will pillage for supplies as they come."

Heero hid nothing from her, his voice steady and cold. It was only when she looked over her shoulder back at him that she saw the worry that flickered at the edge of his eyes. She turned to face him, her eyes full of concern.

"He would not be coming here if it was not for me," she said.

His grip on her hand tightened. "Even if he had taken you, Mercia would still fight against him. We will not tolerate a King slayer on the High King's throne."

Relena glanced towards the map. "But so many innocent people will suffer..."

He released her hand and ran it through his hair in a tired gesture. "The innocent always suffer. We can minimise it by taking the battle to Treize rather than wait for him to come here."

Relena looked at him as if she wanted to argue, but then lowered her eyes. Taking his hand once again, she led him away from the map, around the hanging tapestry, into the sectioned off part of the chamber with his bed. Heero looked at her bemused as she pointed at the bed.

"Sleep here tonight," she said, "You need your rest."

Heero frowned and shook his head, turning to walk away back to the chair that had been his cot over the last few nights. He was halted by Relena flinging her arms around his waist, her head resting on his back.

"Please rest here," she begged her voice urgent. "If you sleep well, then perhaps you will be able to think of a better solution to this problem, one that will spare more lives."

He stood stiff and still but did not throw her off. "There is no other solution," he said, his voice grim.

"Please, sleep here," she whispered, pulling away slightly as if testing to see whether he would walk away. When he did not, she pulled away completely, her head bowed and her hands clasped in front of her embarrassed at her own forwardness, but determined to have her way in this matter.

His hand reached her face, cupping her chin and tilting her head back slightly so that she looked up at him. His mouth pulled into a small smile. "You are an odd woman, Relena Peacecraft," he said, his mouth dipping down towards hers.

For the briefest of moments Relena thought that he would kiss her and her eyes closed in anticipation of it. When his fingers released her face with a final caress to her jawline, she opened her eyes again to see that he had pulled away and was walking towards the bed. She bit her lip trying to dispel the rising feeling of disappointment and watched him lie back with a sigh.

She followed him to the bed and knelt beside him gently unlacing the thongs of his sandals that were strapped around his lower legs. He made no protest to her ministrations and sighed a little in what she hoped was contentment when she had finished.

Looking around herself, Relena looked to find a shawl or cloak she could put around her shoulders; although the fire still burned brightly, her shift was thin and provided no warmth at all.

"Come lie beside me," Heero murmured sleepily, his eyes closed and his face relaxed. When she did not comply straight away, he opened one eye and peered at her, "Its cold and Catherine will never stop scolding if I let you catch cold this night." Still she hesitated. Heero closed his eye again, "Trust me," he said quietly.

Relena watched him for a moment more, then clambered onto the bed next to him, lying on top of the blankets. She lay poker straight and stiff, listening to his breathing, which was relaxed and even, wondering how she was ever going to sleep laying this close to a man. No, laying this close to Heero. She shivered at the thought, feeling slightly excited by it. Heero felt her tremor and propped himself up on an arm.

"Get under the blankets," he ordered.

Relena flushed, wanting to protest that she was perfectly warm, but wondering how she would explain that her shivers were not due to the cold, rather to his proximity. He lifted a hand to her forehead feeling her temperature and her blush increased. Pulling away, she scooted under the blankets, turning her back to him, and willed for her rosiness to dissipate.

She was certain that she would never get to sleep this night.

TBC