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Part 12 - The Princess and the Outlaw

Zechs was riding next to Rens and Walker. The three men were scouting out the area where the White Fang was planning to set up camp. Only a few days earlier he had told his friends about his past. They were the only people in the group who knew who he really was. Zechs trusted them to keep that secret. He just thought that, if something was going to happen to him, it would be best if somebody knew his whole story.

They had been riding quietly for a while when Rens suddenly gazed up and frowned. "What is going on there?"

As he looked into the direction Rens indicated, Zechs noticed several people caught up in a sword battle. From what he could tell from this distance, two people were being attacked by several other men. He growled as he recognized the grey uniforms of imperial soldiers. Usually Tubarov's men did not come this deep into Whelshyre territory.

"Should we get involved?" Walker asked.

The blond nodded, as he pulled out his sword. "They are getting too bold. Seems to me that it is time that somebody shows them that they are not welcome here."

The pair seemed to be holding their ground rather well. They were fighting back to back.

As he got closer, Zechs could make out a young lady with light-brown, shoulder long hair, dressed in leather garb. Next to her stood a young man with shorter, black hair, wearing a similar outfit.

The imperial soldiers noticed Zechs and his men approach. Somehow one of them managed to seize the young lady and pull her into the saddle in front of him. As he and several other soldiers took off, Zechs ordered Rens and Walker to follow them, while he charged the remaining attackers. He run the first one of them through with his sword, then struck down another one as he tried to escape. The black-haired stranger took care of the last soldier. When the fight was over he dropped to his knees, exhausted and panting. As Zechs dismounted he raised his head and only then the blond knight realized that the young man was actually a young lady; but not just any young lady.

Zechs recognized her instantly, although it had been years since the last time he had seen her. She looked worn out, but she had the same sparkle of determination, fury and defiance in her eyes, as she did back when they first met.

::: Begin flashback:::

Milliardo and Heero were sitting in a large pile of fresh straw. The barn had become their newest hiding spot, and the servants in the castle had yet to discover it. It was warm up here and quite comfortable.

The two boys could hear somebody climb up the wooden ladder. A few moments later a young girl, perhaps Milliardo's age popped her head through the trap door. "What are you doing up here?" she asked.

The prince frowned. He had never met the girl before. "What are you doing here?"

She came all the way up the ladder and settled down in the straw next to the two boys before she answered. "I was bored. I saw you two climbing up here and wanted to see what you are doing. So, what are you doing?"

Milliardo shrugged. "Hiding."

"Hiding from whom?" she wanted t know.

"My father."

"What did you do? Got yourselves in trouble?"

"We didn't do anything," Milliardo told her. "The king of Whelshyre and his daughter are visiting. My father wants us to attend the feast. But I'm rather sitting here than spending another evening in the company of some stuck-up, dim-witted princess."

The dark-haired girl scowled as she jumped up. Before the prince knew it she slapped him across the face, hard enough to leave an angry red mark.

He looked at her baffled and irritated. "What was that for?"
"That was for calling me dim-witted," she snapped, fury sparkling in her dark eyes. "And as for stuck-up… If you want to see somebody who is stuck up, perhaps you should look into a mirror." She turned on her heels and went back down the ladder as fast as her long dress allowed it.

Milliardo's jaw dropped. He rubbed his burning cheek as he stared after her. Behind him he could hear Heero snigger.

::: End Flashback :::

Zechs smiled softly at that memory. He still remembered how amazed he had been by the spirited young girl. He had tried to apologize later that evening for his remark, but very much to his dismay, she hadn't even acknowledged his presence. Nearly ten years had passed since that day, and he wondered if she even remembered him.

***

Princess Noin looked up at the young man who had come to her aid. She was almost sure that he wasn't one of her father's knights. But of course it was hard to tell, since his face was hidden beneath a silvery mask. A soft smiled curved his lips. For a brief moment she wondered what he was smiling about.

"You should not be out here by yourself, Princess. These are dangerous times." he said; as he extended his hand ho help her up. His voice was deep and smooth; a very pleasant voice.

The princess frowned. "How do you know who I am?"

The young man just shrugged. "Doesn't everybody?"

She took his hand and rose to her feet, still holding her bloodstained sword.

"Are you alright?" he asked.
"I'm fine." She nodded, as she looked around anxiously. "But I'm concerned about my shield maiden."

"My men will bring her back," he assured her. "Don't worry."

"You saved my life, Sir. I'm deeply in your debt," she said.

"It was my pleasure," he told her, as he placed a soft kiss on the top of her hand. "Who wouldn't want to safe such a lovely young lady as yourself, your Highness?"

The princess blushed slightly. Oh god, he is charming.

"Did you have horses?"

"We did." Noin sighed. "They took off as the battle begun. I'm sure that they didn't run very far, though."

As the princess sheathed her sword she felt a ripple of pain running through her upper right arm, and as she looked she saw that the sleeve of her tunic was ripped and bloody.

He noticed it too. "You are bleeding, Princess. Please, let me take a look at it."
She was amazed how gentle he was as he cut away the garment and examined the wound.

"I think you will live," he gave her a soft smile. "It's only a flesh wound. But you should have your healer look at it once you get back to the palace. I still don't understand how your father would allow you to take a ride without an escort and put yourself in such danger."

"My father has no idea about this," she admitted. "Sally and I just wanted to spend some time alone."

"I see."

"Of course you don't understand. You don't know what it feels like to be surrounded by guards at every waking hour of the day."

His smile grew into a smirk. "But I do understand, Princess; better than you might imagine."

The princess turned her head at the sound of hoof beat to see three riders approaching. She was pleased to recognize her shield maiden among them. Noin would have never been able to forgive herself if anything had happened to her. Sally was more than just a servant to her; she was her friend and closest confidant.

***

Sally had no idea who the strangers were or where they had come from. She was just grateful for their help. The two men had helped her take out every last of her attackers, and had caught one of their horses for her.

The young woman was eager to get back to where she had left Princess Noin. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that Noin was safe and unharmed. When she got closer however, her relief turned to shock in a heartbeat, as she recognized the tall man with the silvery mask next to the princess. He was holding her hand and she was smiling at him. Didn't she realize who she was talking to? Everybody in the castle was talking about the crimes he and his men had committed.

Sally drew her sword as she dismounted.

"Take you hands from the princess," she demanded sharply.

"Sally!" the princess exclaimed in surprise.

"You Highness, don't you know who this man is?" Sally asked. "He is Zechs Merquise, the leader of White Fang."

***

Noin felt like she had been punched in the stomach. She pulled away and her expression went from surprised to shocked, as she looked at the young man questioningly.

That is not possible. This well-mannered and charming young man can't possible be the bloodthirsty outlaw, Zechs Merquise. This has to be a mistake. Why doesn't he say something? Why doesn't he speak up and tell Sally does she is wrong.

But then, of course, she realized that he didn't deny the accusation, because it was the truth.

She glared at him angrily. "How dare you? How dare you come here and act like a Good Samaritan after what you did in Huntsville only a few days ago."

"Huntsville?" he asked.

"Oh right," she spat. "You probably have plundered and burned down so many towns that you don't even remember their names."

"Princess, I don't know what you are talking about."

"So, you are denying that you and your men attacked the town, robbed and killed most of the villagers before burning everything to the ground? Then, Sir, you not only a murderer, but also a cowardly liar….

His jaws closed tightly for a brief moment. Those blue eyes turned to ice behind his mask. His voice was sharp enough to cut steel as he replied. "I assure you that I have not done any of those things you are accusing me off. I might have done many things in my life, but murdering an unarmed or innocent man is not one of them. And if one of my men would ever partake in such heinous actions I would kill him myself."

Noin blinked. There was something about the way he reacted that made her think that he could be speaking the truth. He didn't deny that he was a criminal, but he seemed offended that she accused him of killing innocent people. Even Sally seemed surprised.

"Then tell me; if not you, who is responsible for those crimes?" the princess asked, a little less fiercely.

"Most likely the same people who just tried to kidnap or kill you, your Highness," he replied.

"Tubarov's troops have been attacking villages for a long time," Sally remarked. "Why would they go through the trouble of making it seem like your men were the assailants?"

"They would do anything to rid themselves of me and the White Fang. And since they can't beat us honorably, they try to defame us and turn the town's people against."

Noin's brows furrowed. It seemed plausible. Was he really telling the truth?

Zechs Merquise looked up into the sky. "The sun will be setting soon. You better head back home, Princess. Once night falls it will be even more dangerous out here. You can take my horse," he offered.

"Thank you, but I can ride with my shield maiden."

"I insist," he replied. "If you should run in any more trouble on your way back to the castle, you will have a greater chance of escape with two horses."

He was right of course. The princess gave him a curt nod. "Thank you."

He helped her into the saddle. The gelding was rather large, and she was not of very tall statue.

"Thank you," Noin repeated before she and Sally rode off.

*****

Three days had passed since his meeting with Princes Noin, and Zechs was doing his best to put the incident out of his mind.

He was just about to sit down for supper when Rens reported that the lookouts had spotted and captured a suspicious person near the camp.

"Bring him to me," he ordered.

"Actually, it's not a he," Rens replied with a strange grin on his face. "I think you will be surprised."

He left and when he came back a few moments later with the captive, Zechs knew what he meant.

"Princess Noin, what are you doing here?" the blond exclaimed. "How did you find this place?"

"I didn't your horse did," she replied with a slight smirk.

I don't believe it, Zechs thought with a fair amount of respect. Not too many people would've thought of that.

"I came to return him," Noin continued. "He is a fine animal and I thought you might want him back. I also…I feel that I should apologize to you."

He frowned. "What for?"

"For accusing you of all those terrible things. I was able to talk to a few of the surviving villagers and it seems as though you were correct about Tubarov's men being behind those attacks." The princess gazed over at Rens and then back to Zechs. "Is it possible that we can talk somewhere in private?" she asked.

"There isn't much privacy around here, I'm afraid. But if you don't mind we can take a little walk," he offered.

She nodded. "I would love that."

Zechs rose and gestured for Rens to stay behind.

"Who are all those people?" Noin asked as they walked through the camp. "I mean where did they come from, and why are they following you?"

"Most of them come from towns and kingdoms that have already fallen to the Romefeller Empire. These people have lost everything, and since nobody else can offer them the justice they deserve, they have taken matters in their own hands."
"And there is no other way to do that? You might not be looting villages, but you are still breaking the law. You group is wanted in Sank as well."

Zechs gave a quiet snort. "I don't expect you to understand, Princess. How could you? How could anybody understand what it feels like when, in the blink of an eye, you loose everything you ever had, your possessions, your family, your life? These people only want some revenge for what was done to them."

"Perhaps I don't know what they feel like. But I know that my father is trying to prevent a full blown war with the Romefeller Empire. But you and your men provoking Tubarov doesn't help very much." Noin told him, a fiery sparkle in her eyes.

"We are not trying to provoke him, we are keeping his troops in check," Zechs replied calmly. "Turning your head and letting the emperor nibble away at your borders will not prevent war for very long. It only allows him to become stronger and stronger, until he is ready for yet another invasion. Whelshyre wouldn't be the first kingdom that fell this way."

"Then what do you suggest my father should do? Lead sneak attacks against Romefeller like you do?"

"Nobody says that he should. But he could still take a page from the White Fang's book?"
She looked at him puzzled.

Zechs smiled softly. "The members of White Fang did not only come all social standings, but also from many different kingdoms. We don't always agree on everything, but we put aside our differences and learned to fight together. If we can do that, why can't the rulers of those kingdoms that are threatened by the Romefeller Empire do the same? An alliance between them would send a strong and clear message to Tubarov. Attack one of us and you will have to deal with all of us. That would make him think twice about another invasion. Sometimes the show of force is what really leads to peace. I happen to know that the king of Sank has tried for years to form such an alliance, but with little success."

Noin shook her head. "Zechs Merquise, you amaze me," she confessed. "You are a mystifying man. What are you; a warrior or a diplomat?"

"One doesn't have to rule out the other, does it?" he replied.

"Perhaps not."

There was a long moment of silence as they walked next too each other through the forest, lost in thought.

"What about you?" The Princess suddenly asked.

"What do you mean?"

"When you talked about White Fang, you kept saying "these people", which tells me that you don't identify yourself with them. So, what's your story?"

Darn, she really is bright. I will have to watch what I say around her.

He shrugged. "It's a long and boring story really. Trust me, Princess; you wouldn't want to hear it."

****

Noin was beaming as she returned from seeing Zechs. The two of them had been meeting regularly for the past few weeks. The princess was convinced now that he was not a villain. On contraire, she had come to realize that he was a very caring and kindhearted person.

Noin still didn't know much about him, thought. She had asked him a few times about his family and upbringing, but he had always been very evasive with his answers. And finally he had asked her not to question him about it anymore. She had agreed and had all intents to honor his request.

As usually the princess has sneaked out of the castle without the knowledge of her father or her guards. Sally helped her, as she climbed through the window into her bedchamber. Noin took off her dark, hooded cloak and handed it to her shield maiden.

"How was it? Tell me everything." Sally demanded.

The princess laughed. "Oh, it was fantastic. He is the most wonderful person I have ever met. We rode down to Silver Lake and took a boat out onto the water. He had brought some food and we had a little feast right there in the middle of the lake."

Sally sighed. "How romantic! Has he taken off his mask yet? Is he handsome?" she wanted to know.

Noin shook her head. "No yet, he hasn't."

"Didn't you ask him to?"

"Of course not," the princess relied. "I'm sure he has his reasons for wearing it. I would not want him to feel self-conscious. Besides, it really doesn't matter who he is or what he looks like. It's more important how we feel toward each other. I like the way he treats me. He makes me feel like a lady without trying to dominate me. He gives me affection without smothering me. He is just the perfect gentleman."

"Is he a good kisser?"

Noin blushed. "Sally, you are prying."

The young woman smirked. "I'll take that as a yes."

The princess didn't answer, but smiled softly as she remembered they first kiss.

::: Begin Flashback :::

"I'm afraid this is as far as I can accompany you," Zechs said as they reached the edge of the forest. "Good night, Noin. I had a wonderful time."

"Zechs, when will you stop being such a perfect gentleman?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"For god sake, we have been seeing each other for five weeks now and you haven't once asked me for a kiss," the princess complained. "I'm starting to believe that you think I'm not attractive enough."

"Noin, please. You are the most attractive woman I have ever met. But you are the princess of Whelshyre, I'm only…"

She put her finger over his mouth. "Hush. Stop talking so much and kiss me finally."

Zechs smirked. "As you wish, your Highness." He moved his horse closer to her mount, reached out and embraced her with one of his strong arms. As he pulled her close he leaned in and captured her mouth in a tender kiss.

Noin moaned softly, as she melted into his embrace.

::: End Flashback :::

"I can't wait to see him again."

Sally smiled. "You sound like you are in love."

"I think I am," the princess sighed. "I just hope that he feels the same way about me."

"He puts his life in danger every time he comes to see you, your Highness. What bigger confession of love do you need?"

Noin looked at her shield maiden, somewhat startled. "My god, I never even thought of that. But you are right. Perhaps we should be more careful, and not meet as often."

*****

Sally sat on the sill of the window and watched, as the seamstress fitted princess Noin for her new ball gown.

"Would you like me to add red or blue velvet trimmings, your Highness?" the woman asked.
The princess looked at the fabric samples, and then at her shield maiden for help. "What do you think, Sally?"

"Blue, definitely blue, it brings out the color of your eyes."

"Very well, blue it will be."

The seamstress nodded. "As your wish, your Highness." She helped Noin out of the half finished garment.
"I shall have it ready for the final fitting by tomorrow," she said.

"Thank you, Molly."

As the seamstress bowed and retreated, Sally sighed. "Can you believe that Anna Marie is getting married? It seems like only yesterday that the three of us were playing together in the courtyard."

"Yes, those were great times. I'm sure she is very happy. Lord William is such a wonderful man."

Sally nodded. "I agree. I'm surprised thought it took him so long to finally ask her to marry him. He courted her long enough."

"Hmmm…At least he did. Sometimes I wonder if anybody will ever ask for my hand."

"In general, or are you talking about somebody specific?" the blond maiden asked. "A mysterious, masked young man for example?"

Noin laughed. "Could you imagine explaining that to my father?"

"Yes, that would be quite… interesting. But speaking of Zechs, does he know that you will be leaving for a trip. You won't be able to meet him this week."

"No, I didn't know myself the last time I saw him. But you are right, I should let him know. I don't want him to worry if I don't show up." The princess walked over to the window. On a table stood a large cage and inside the cage was a beautiful falcon. Zechs had given her the bird. In case that she ever needed to get in touch with him, he had told her, she could send the falcon. The animal would find him.

"Sally, bring me some paper and ink please," she ask as she opened the cage. Noin took a piece of meat from a small silver bowl on the table and offered it to the bird. He grabbed it with his talons and started to rip it apart with his sharp beak.

*****

"Stupid bird," Nichols growled as he looked up. A falcon was soaring over his head. The animal's cry had chased away the rabbit he had been trying to shoot. Angrily the man raised his bow and fired at the falcon. The bird gave another shriek as the arrow hit it. The falcon plunged down only a few feet from Nichols. When it hit the ground the man noticed the leather straps around its talons.

"Damn it," he cursed, as he realized that he hadn't shot a wild bird. Zechs is going to kill me when he finds out that I killed his falcon. I better get rid of it.

Nichols bent down to pick the animal up and dispose off it, and saw a small piece of paper tied to one of its legs. He removed it and grinned wickedly, as he read the short message.

This is my lucky day, I suppose. He thought If somebody was to capture Zechs while he is waiting for his sweetheart, no one could ever prove that I had anything to do with it.

"What are you doing there, Nichols?"

He spun around, startled. He didn't expect anybody else to be around.

Berch, another White Fang member, stood only a few feet away. He looked at Nichols, then the dead falcon on the ground and finally back at Nichols. "What the hell are you doing?" he repeated.

"None of your business," the ex-imperial soldier growled.

Berch frowned at him. "That's Zechs' bird isn't it? Why did you kill it? And what do you got there?" He stepped forward and ripped the paper from Nichols' hand. His frowned turned into a scowl as he read it. "What the hell were you planning on doing with it, your son of a bitch?"

"Stupid fool," Nichols growled. Faster than Berch could react he pulled his dagger and lurched forward.

The tall man made a gurgling sound as the blade cut through his windpipe. His eyes went wide and he dropped to his knees. His right hand went to his neck. Somehow he managed to pull the dagger from the terrible wound before he collapsed.

Nichols stood over him and watched indifferently as the man bled to death within moments.

*****

Rens and Walker left camp together with Zechs. A few miles south they parted. As the blond knight rode off to meet with the princess, the other two men continue their patrol. They were already on their way back when Walker noticed something at the side of the road in the deep underbrush. They stopped their horses and dismounted.

As he stepped closer they realized that it was the body of a man. The grass beneath him was soaked in dried blood. It looked like he was dead for at least a day or two.

"That's one of our men. Berch I believe was his name. I wonder what happened to him."

As Walker turned over the body, Rens noticed the bloody dagger in the grass. He frowned as he picked it up.

"That's Nichols' weapon."

"Are you sure?"

Rens nodded. "I questioned him about it once. See all that décor? It's a ceremonial dagger, given by the emperor personal to a soldier for distinctive bravery in battle. I asked Nichols were he got it from and he said he took it off one of Tubarov's men. Do you think he killed Berch?"

"It looks like it," Walker said. As he crouched down next to the body, he noticed something in the dead man's left hand. It was a piece of paper; a letter or message of sort. Walker pried the hand open and removed the paper. It was drenched in dried blood and hard to read. But from what he could make out, it was addressed to Zechs.

"It's a message from the princess to Zechs," he told Rens.

"What does it say?"

"Not much. Just that she is leaving on a trip with her father and won't be able to see Zechs this week." He looked up. "I don't like this."

"Neither do I," Rens agreed. "I think Nichols killed him over this letter. Zechs was right."

"Right about what?"

"Shortly after the attack at Silver Creek Zech told me that he thought that somebody inside White Fang killed our guards. They didn't sound the alarm because they knew the person who approached them and by the time they realized what was going on it was too late. He said that he suspected Nichols, but I told him that I couldn't imagine Nichols being a traitor. Obviously I was wrong," Rens scowled. "He sold us out back then and I'm afraid he is doing he same now to Zechs. We have got to warn him."

*****

Zechs was late to arrive at their usual meeting place, at the edge of the forest. He fully expected that Noin would be already there, waiting for him, and was surprised when he didn't see her. He didn't think too much off it though. Perhaps she too was running late.

He was just about to dismount when a few dozen soldiers, wearing the blue and grey uniforms of Whelshyre's royal guard, broke from their hiding places and surrounded him. Zechs cursed quietly as he reached for his weapon. He decided to flee rather than fight. Noin would never forgive him if he was to kill some of her father's soldiers. As he was trying to turn his horse around, somebody got hold of his reins. Zechs knocked the man out with the hilt of his sword, and kicked away another one, when suddenly he was grabbed from behind and pulled out of the saddle. Zechs hit the ground hard. The impact knocked the air out of him and left him dizzy for a moment. He shook his head, but before he was able to clear his mind, he was swarmed by half a dozen soldiers.

They held him down and somebody forced the sword from his hand. His arms were pulled behind his back and he could feel cold metal on his arms as they slapped chains around his wrists. He was grabbed and roughly hauled to his feet.

"Excellent work!" a tall man said, as he looked Zechs up and down. "His Highness will be pleased when he hears of this. I shall inform him as soon as he returns. Let's take this bastard to the palace."

"Get moving." Somebody pushed Zechs in the back, a little harder than necessary, to make him move.

"Easy," Zechs growled, and was rewarded with another push.

"Shut up," somebody told him. It was obvious that the soldiers felt little affection for him.

*****

Rens and Walker arrived at the scene just in time to watch as Zechs was chained up and prodded away. They halted their horses at a save distance to make sure that they weren't seen.
As Walker reached for his sword, his companion grabbed his arm. "What do you think you are you doing?"

"We can't just let them take him away."

"Walker, there are too many of them. There is nothing we can do for him now. We only would get ourselves killed or captured too."

Walker sighed as he dropped his head. He knew that Rens was right. But there had to be some way to help Zechs. Once he was taken to the royal palace there was no way that the White Fang could free him. Well, perhaps not the White Fang…

Walker looked up. "You head back and warn the others," he told Rens.

"What about you? What are you going to do?"

"I'll see if I can get an audience with the king of Sank."

*****

The princess closed her eyes with a content sigh as she stretched out in the large wooden bathtub. It was nice to be home again and enjoy all the luxury that came with it; like taking a long, hot bath.

"Princess Noin…"

Startled, Noin slipped deeper into the water, as the door to the bath chamber suddenly flew open.

"What in gods name? Have you forgotten how to knock, Sally?" she asked with a frown, as she recognized her shield maiden.

"Forgive me, your Highness," Sally replied with a quick curtsy. "It's Zechs. He has been captured. I don't know much detail though."

The princess paled. "Was he injured? Where is he?"

"He is locked up, down in the dungeon. They caught him four days ago. I heard the guards talk about it."

"Hand me a towel, please." Noin rose and Sally wrapped one of the large towels around her.

The princess dried herself off and quickly got dressed. Her heart was beating wildly as she hurried down to the dungeon.

"Princess Noin, what are you doing down here?" the warden asked her.
"I'm here to see one of the prisoners; a man by the name Zechs Merquise."

The man shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I'm not very good wit names, I'm afraid."

"The leader of White Fang." She sounded impatient. "He was brought here four days ago, I was told."

"Oh yes, him."

"I want to speak to him. Open his cell for me."

"I'm not sure if I'm allowed to do that without the king's permission, your Highness. He is considered very dangerous."

"Very well, just show me to his cell then."

***

"Zechs!"

He raised his head at the sound of her voice.

"Princess, what are you doing here?"

The back of the cell, where Zechs was sitting, was draped in shadow. He was resting on a pile of straw, with his back against the wall. He knew that from where she was standing Noin could barely see him in the dim light. It was a good thing, as far as he was concerned. He didn't want her to see him like this; chained up like a dangerous animal.

They had taken away his mask along with his armor and weapons. His clothes were dirty and he smelled of sweat and blood, and probably a few other things considering that he was locked up down here for several days already.
"I just found out about your capture. I'm so sorry, Zechs. I knew that you put yourself in danger every time you came to see me. This would have never happened if I would not have been so selfish…"

"Princess, please," he told her. "You have no reason to beat yourself up over this. I knew what I was doing, and I knew the risk involved. And if I had to do it over I wouldn't change a thing. The time we spent together was worth anything that may come."

Noin blushed slightly. "Are you alright? They didn't hurt you, did they?"

He shook his head. "I'm not hurt," he assured her. "But there is something you need to know about me, Princess. Something I should have told you a long time ago, I suppose. I'm not really the person that you think I am."

She frowned in confusion. "What are you talking about, Zechs?"

He didn't answer. There was a long moment of silence, then he sighed. "Perhaps I should show you what I mean."
Zechs rose to his feet. His chains weren't long enough for him to reach the door, but he could move a few feet; far enough that she could see his face.

For a moment she just stood there, staring at him. Then her eyes widened as she recognized him. "You? But how… I've heard that you are dead."

"I'm not." Zechs stated matter-of-factly.

"I can see that," she snapped angrily. "But why did you deceive me all this time. Why did you pretend to be somebody else?"

"I'm sorry. You weren't supposed to find out."

The princess gave a very un-ladylike snort. "Well, thank you for at least being honest with me for once."

"What I mean, is that you weren't supposed to find out like this. I meant to tell you, but you've got to understand…"

"Understand? How can I understand? I'm just a stuck-up and dim-witted princess, remember?" She gave him one last hurt and angry glare before she turned on her heels and walked away.

"Princess, wait! Please let me try to explain," he called after her. "Noin!"

***

"Are you alright, Princess?" Sally asked, concerned, as Noin walked into her chamber. The princess looked angry and upset.

The princess settled into an armchair by the fireplace before she told Sally what she had just found out about Zechs.

The young woman was as surprised as Noin had been. "The crown prince of Sank is wanted by his own people because he became an outlaw? Did he tell you why?"

"I don't care. I never want to see that two-face swindler again."

"What happened to: 'Who he is isn't important. The only thing that matters is the way how we feel about each other'?" her shield maiden asked.

Noin scowled. "That was when I thought that he was a commoner, and that he was hiding his face because he was scarred and ugly."

"Oh that makes sense," Sally replied sarcastically. "Now that you found out that he is actually a handsome prince you can't possible love him anymore."

"Sally, you are way out of line," the princess snapped.

The young woman lowered her head. "Forgive me, your Highness."
There was a moment of silence, before Noin spoke quietly. "He lied to me. He deceived me from the very beginning. How could I ever trust him again? How can I know that anything else he told me weren't lies as well?"

"What's going to happen to him?"

"I'm not sure," the princess admitted. "But I know that he didn't do those terrible things he is accused off. I don't think he is capable of killing innocent people." She rose from her chair, resolution in her eyes. "I need to talk to my father. Zechs saved my life. It's time that I return the favor."

***

Captain Lensar was leaving the king's study just as the princess came to see her father. She assumed that the captain had informed him about Zechs. Noin knocked at the door, and after the king's request to come in, stepped into the room.

"I have to talk to you, Father."

"About what?" he asked somewhat surprised. They just had spent the last eight hours talking on their ride home. "About Zechs Merquise. I assume you know that he was captured."

"Captain Lensar just told me that much, but what do you know about him?"

Noin sighed as she sat down in the chair across from her father. "I think I know something not even the captain could tell you; his real name?"

"What do you mean?" the king frowned. "Noin, you are speaking in riddles."

"Zechs Merquise is really Prince Milliardo Peacecraft."

Her father opened his mouth t speak, but she held up her hand to stop him. "Before you tell me that I'm out of my mind, I suggest you go to the dungeon and see for yourself."

The king looked at his daughter with slight amusement. "What I was going to say was. How do you know that?"

"Because I was just down there myself."

"Milliardo Peacecraft you say; the crown prince of Sank? How is that possible? He is supposed to be dead. What is his connection with White Fang? Aren't they wanted in Sank as well? Oh, what a mess," he groaned. "And I don't even want to think about how the king of Sank might react when he learns that I have his son locked up in my dungeon."

"There is something else you need to know, Father," the princess said quietly. "Zechs and I have been seeing each other since early spring."

"What?" The king almost jumped from his chair. "I think that deserves some kind of explanation."

"It's a rather long story, Father."

"I have time."

*****

Lady Catorce glared at the image of her brother in one of her looking glasses. His hair was damp and tousled, and he was wearing only a pair of black trousers.

"What do you want, Sister dearest?" he asked. "Better make it short. It is late, and I'm in the middle of something."

"You told me that the crown prince of Sank was dead," she growled. "Then how do you explain that one of my informants just reported to me that he is alive and well at the Royal Palace in Whelshyre?"

"He is alive? I'm impressed. I could have sworn he wouldn't make it through the night when I left him." Ysard shrugged nonchalantly. "He is such a handsome young man. I really liked him. My loss I suppose."

His sister snorted. "Is that all you have to say?"

He gave another shrug. "What do you want from me? The prince was never part of our deal to begin with. You paid me only to capture Hero Yuy, which I did. Is it my fault that your brainless soldiers let him escape? Of course if you want me to get rid of him, I can do that. But it will cost you."

"Thank you, but this time I'll take care of it myself. At least then I know it will be done right?"

______________________________________________________________________ ____________________

T.B.C.

Author's Note:

Feedback is greatly appreciated, constructive criticism is welcome :-)