The Prince and the Servant-Girl Chapters 1-7

[Ironic Paradise]

PART ONE

?Your Highness, what do you think of the line of princesses and ladies, all readying themselves for you?? Duo, long-time personal servant and friend (though it must be said that the braided man could get quite annoying sometimes), asked the prince just two days after the women had started trickling in, all preparing themselves for the prince.

?I think,? said the prince, his Prussian eyes regarding Duo in an annoyed manner, as Duo knew very well what he was about to say, ?that they are a group of manipulative women who thrive in the areas of both gossip and fashion. And that, although they could be commended for their acts, trying to be queen material, it is as plain as the nose on my face that they only wish to marry me for my title and money.?

Duo gave a grin. He knew that Prince Heero would say something like this. The prince had a knack for knowing what people were thinking; sometimes Duo had said that the prince had a Gift, but this was untrue. To have a Gift meant that one of your parents had to have a Gift, and neither the king nor the queen had showed the slightest sign of even knowing what season it was, in their few short years of reign before their deaths ? so how could they be Gifted? Impossible!

?Don?t worry, Heero,? he said, reverting to the prince?s name instead of his proper title: they were in a private area, instead of a public one. However, Duo always liked to say ?Your Highness? to annoy his stoic friend ? although once was enough, as he was a prince, and a rather powerful one at that. Everyone knew the prince of Eula, and his dead parents and they would do anything to get on his good side. Even if it meant beheading their own grandmother. ?They?ll all be gone, soon.?

The prince snorted. ?Yes, but I shall have to marry one of them to get the rest of those witches to flee, their tails between their legs.?

Duo smiled. ?There must be at least one good woman in that throng, and trust me, Heero, that I?ll make sure I find her!?

The prince raised an eyebrow. ?Like I would trust you,? he retorted, but unfortunately Duo never heard this, as he had already departed, prepared to put his plan in action.

It was then that Heero felt an impending sense of doom penetrate his very soul.

* * *

Relena was a servant-girl at the Eulaen palace, and like most of the other eighteen-year-old female servants at the palace, lived in fear every moment: fear of the loutish lords and counts and other male nobles that thought that just because they were rich, they should have every girl they could get their grubby hands on.

?Well, we?ll see about that,? said Relena, determinedly. No longer would they bother her ? she was planning to run away! At the end of the Summer Ball, just a few weeks away. It was the night in which the prince would choose his bride: the ?Perfect Princess?. And one day, the ?Perfect Queen?.

In other words, a snob. A downright horrible girl who would put the prince in his place, and plunge the whole country into turmoil.

It must be said that Relena did not like the prince: it was he that said that servant-girls were of no importance, and that if anything ?happened? to them? Well, that would be alright, wouldn?t it?

She hated him, quite passionately. Oh, if only she could see him right now, she?d-

But at the moment she had to think of the task at hand: how to turn the prince?s white shirts pink?

Relena did not like the prince one bit.

* * *

It was raining. Heero hated the rain; it made him feel ever so cold, even though he was huddled up in his armchair, covered by many blankets and facing the hot fire.

Beside him, Duo chattered on, needlessly. Heero had no idea what his braided friend was talking about; nor did he wish to know. Duo had a way of annoying you just by being within five miles of you.

Still, Heero knew he would be friendless without him. Being a prince is a hard task for anyone; and there is rarely a time for one to have fun, and have friends. Duo was his only means of sanity, sad as it may seem.

?You spoke to them?? Heero inquired at last, hoping that this would shut his talkative friend up. It did.

?Oh, yeah!? he said, happily. ?There were some good ones, you got to admit.?

He shook his head. ?I have never known a good noble,? he said, a tinge of dismay in his polished voice.

Duo felt rather depressed by this. ?You?ve never lived, you know that, Heero? You?ve never lived.?

He was surprised to hear Heero murmur, ?I know.?

* * *

Relena slept in the maids? chambers, with all the other employed women in the palace. She trusted only one person in this horrible place: a learning cook named Hilde.

They were rarely apart, and were like each other?s family, having known no other. They kept each other happy, and out of trouble ? though happiness was valued more than getting out of trouble. It didn?t matter how much they were whipped: they were both quite sure that it could never break their spirit.

?Had a nice day?? Hilde asked, with a slight yawn, as she crawled into her bed, wriggling uncomfortably as she always did. It was a bad habit; but habits can rarely be broken, and Relena didn?t have the time to break her friend out of it.

Relena snorted. ?If you call being made to look after those royal snobs all day ?a nice day?, then yes, I did.?

Hilde smiled. ?They are royal pains in the-?

?Hilde!?

?-necks?? Hilde finished, innocently, a sly grin on her sooty face. Relena shook her head.

?For goodness? sake, Hilde,? she said, ?the others? (she was speaking about the other inhabitants in the vast room) ?can hear you! If you speak that loudly, they?ll report you!?

?And that?s a lot coming from Miss Mischief herself??

They spent a few more moments bickering, then slowly ? but surely ? they fell into a somewhat peaceful sleep?

* * *

Heero stood in front of them, listening to their whisperings, the very next day.

?Oh, he is handsome.?

?Well, he is a prince ? why wouldn?t he be??

?Yes, well, you never know??

?I once knew a prince who was uglier than my younger brother, Cedric!?

?Oh, really??

?Yes! He was rather impolite and powerless too, and no money, either. Not a good marriage prospect, I?m glad to say.?

?Oh, why??

?He was my cousin ? could you imagine someone as magnanimous marrying their cousin? It sends shivers my spine!?

It sent shivers down his spine, just being in their very presence. ?Duo, you said there were a few good ones ? where are they??

Duo shrugged. ?Must still be changing in the other room ? oh wait! Is that ? oh, no. Just a servant-girl??

If Relena had heard this remark about herself, she would have been greatly annoyed. However, luckily ? or unfortunately ? she was tending to the noblewomen.

?Servant-girl!? one commanded, looking at Relena in disgust. ?Come, and fix up my dress for me!?

?With pleasure,? she said, gritting her teeth.

Meanwhile, back with the prince, a guard said, ?Your Majesty, how about we leave the damsels to themselves? You do need to get fitted for your clothes.?

?Yes,? said Duo, rather regretfully. ?I suppose.?

Heero just nodded; he didn?t care either way, although perhaps he did need a moment away from the vultures.

However, Relena would have immediately chosen the ?let?s leave? option, if she had been offered it. Sadly, she had not.

?That?s the prince ? hey, what happened to his shirt?? asked Hilde, standing next to Relena, a queer look on her face. Confusion, most likely.

Relena giggled. ?Well, when you mix red with white-?

?Oh, Relena ? you didn?t!? giggled Hilde, as she began to do the hair of a very plump countess.

?I did.? Relena was not a bit remorseful; in fact it was one of the few things that gave her pleasure, trying to destroy the prince?s reputation. However, he did not know it was her: if he had, she would probably have been reprimanded. That was another thing that made her happy: annoying the palace security.

* * *


Lady Dorothy of Bennex was not here for the purposes of reeling in Prince Heero of Eula as her husband. Instead, she would rather be at her estate in Bennex, or with her lover, Prince Quatre of Bennex at his palace.

It was Prince Quatre who had begged her to go. ?If you do not,? he had said, ?then everyone shall become suspicious, and they may find out about us.? She had declined earlier on, but when she heard this, she immediately surrendered. She would rather her lover happy, than herself happy.

However, it was only Bennex?s prince who got to see her sweet, kind side ? everyone else saw her somewhat cruel, malicious side. But that was for show. Who would believe that a noblewoman could be nice to her workforce?

Now, as she was pampered by the servant-girls of the Eulaen palace, she could barely remember Quatre. She felt somewhat guilty, but on the other side, if she could barely remember him, perhaps not a soul would realise that they were secret lovers?

?So, where are you from, milady?? Lady Dorothy of Bennex realised that this servant-girl went by the name of Hilde.

?Bennex,? replied Dorothy, remembering with a sigh that she was to play the manipulative Lady Dorothy of Bennex, instead of showing her better side.

?Oh, I hear Bennex is a lovely place to be in springtime and summertime ? but not all to good in the autumn and wintertime??

Dorothy nodded. ?Which is why I am rather awaiting returning there before autumn and winter. I, like many of the other noblewomen here, still enjoy looking at flowers and so forth.?

Hilde smiled, as she applied face colours to Dorothy?s face. ?Well, if I lived in Bennex, I would never wish to leave. Especially with such a kind ruler! Prince Quatre, I think his name is.? Noticing the paleness consuming Dorothy, she added, ?Do you know him??

?Yes? and no,? she added, with a sigh.

?Oh??

?We have spoken, and shared many a laugh, but we do not know each other well enough to call each other by our first names, nor recognise the other in a crowd of many,? Dorothy lied. She did not like lying; however, in finishing school, she had been shown by the other maidens that sometimes telling falsehoods, no matter how vulgar it was, was sometimes a must.

?Well, I?m sure he?ll recognise you soon enough, and call you by your first name.? Hilde stopped. ?What is your name, anyway??

?Dorothy. Lady Dorothy of Bennex.?

?Well, I?m pleased to meet you, Lady Dorothy.?

?It?s ?Dorothy?, and the pleasure is all mine.?

Perhaps Eula wouldn?t be all that bad?

* * *

?Prince Quatre??

?Yes, my friend??

Trowa, the palace?s jester, made his way up to the prince of Bennex. ?You seem troubled, Your Highness,? he began, catching Quatre by surprise. He had spoken more than two words in a sentence! Quatre immediately became interested in what the usually silent Trowa had to say. ?And Lady Dorothy has not been to visit for over a week-?

?Lady Dorothy has gone to Eula,? said Quatre, glad that he did not have to lie.

?Ah! The prince of Eula. He has asked all the noblewomen in reach to come to his palace, so that he may choose a bride. And Her Ladyship has gone with them??

?She did not wish to, but I made her,? said the prince, glumly. With this, Trowa gave a chuckle.

?No need to worry, Your Highness ? the Eulaen prince will not choose her!?

Quatre spun around, outraged. ?What? Are you telling me that Lady Dorothy is not good enough for Prince Heero??

?No, no, no, Sire,? amended Trowa, at once realising his mistake: it was easy enough for him to see that Quatre and Dorothy had some sort of ?relationship?, and Quatre would not abide anyone calling Dorothy anything less than a goddess. ?I just meant that Prince Heero is more likely to marry a princess, perhaps ? not a mere lady! I do not suppose that ladies would be regal enough for him,? he added, with a snort.

?Now, now, Trowa,? said Quatre, with a sigh, ?I believe that Prince Heero would rather marry the lowest of the low if he loved her, than marry the highest of the high if he did not.?

Shaking his head, Trowa said, ?Then let us hope that Her Ladyship does not make ? or let ? the prince of Eula fall for her.?

?I hope so, too,? saod Quartre, a tinge of sorrow in his voice ? mind you, it was only a tinge. He still did not know that Trowa knew about their relationship; and the less he spoke of her in this way, the less likely it would be that anyone else would find out.

* * *

?Where are you going, Wufei??

Wufei snorted. ?Stop your worrying, woman, and let go of my hand!?

His wife shot a glare at him. ?I am your wife, Wufei,? she retorted, ?and I think I deserve some explanation on exactly why my husband is stealing away at the dead of night.?

Wufei turned to his angry wife. Even he had to admit, she did deserve an explanation ? and who could refuse her when she looked so? so? annoyed?

With a sigh, he sat back down upon his ? no, their bed ? and said, ?I am going to the palace. I am to warn them of your premonition.?

She jumped up, revealing to Wufei that she ? like always ? had predicted this, as she was already wearing her work clothes. ?Right, then!? she told him, sternly, ?I?ll just be coming with you-?

?Oh, no you won?t, Meiran!? Wufei cried, a look of pure horror forming on his face. Meiran stifled a grin ? sometimes her husband could be cute. And sometimes, he could be downright annoying.

?Why not?? Meiran asked, with a pout.

To which he replied, ?You?re too weak. You could not stand a minute outside of the walls of our estate.?

She glared at him, and folded her arms. ?You know as well as I do, my husband dear, that I am strong. Perhaps even more so than you!?

Reluctantly, he realised that she was correct. It was she, was it not, who had beaten him in many games of wits? And wasn?t it Meiran who had saved him from the bandits, just a few months before his eighteenth birthday?

He prevented a grin from arriving on his lips, and with his usual justice face on, he agreed.

That was all Meiran needed to say, ?I knew this would happen!?

* * *

As you can tell, Meiran was a sorceress. There are many kinds of the Gifted, and the following is an explanation of all the magical beings.

Enchanters and enchantresses: Those of the Gifted who are mostly found working for warlocks. They usually mean trouble, and with their almost unlimited powers, it is advised that you do not make one of these your enemy.

Healers: Those of the Gifted who cannot do any harm. They are under oath to protect everyone ? both their foes and friends. Healers are usually women.

Sorcerers and sorceresses: Those of the Gifted who have fairly limited powers, and mostly specialise with telling the future. Though they are few, they are very handy.

Warlocks: Those who have very unlimited powers. They are malicious and unpleasant to be with, and if anything is not to their liking, they are quick to destroy it. It is advised that you keep clear of warlocks. Warlocks are usually men.

Wizards and witches: Those who are almost as powerful as warlocks, yet have chosen a different way of using their powers. Instead of causing pain, they have chosen to try and change the world for the better of the human race.

However, the Gifted are very few now, and Meiran was probably one of the last remaining sorceresses, not including those who had magical blood trickling throughout their very self. Despite this, Meiran was still rather stubborn and foolish, and a skirmish or two every few weeks did nothing but make her feel stronger, instead of weaker as originally hoped.

You see, it was Meiran who would predict the beginning of a new era? A new era that could only be created if Prince Heero of Eula married a certain special someone?

* * *


?Pardon me, milady, but I must get through.? Relena, now reassigned to look after Lady Dorothy, as each servant-girl available had been assigned to serve a particular noblewoman. Luckily, now the first confusion of their arrival had cleared up, each noblewoman had their own room, much to Relena?s relief. She was not sure if she could have withstood that kind of torment any longer.

Dorothy was covering the exit of her chambers with her body. ?I think not,? she said, menacingly. ?I need to speak to you, servant!?

Only slightly cowering in fear, Relena moved away from Dorothy, and found herself pressed against the opposite wall. Gathering her bravery, she said, ?I do have a name, milady.?

?And so do I.? Smiling she said, ?If you promise me that you shall not try to escape, I shall let you leave when I am ready for you to leave.?

Relena nodded.

?And by the way, the name is Dorothy,? the lady said, sitting down on the bed, clearing the exit. However, Relena decided to humour the noblewoman ? surely it could not hurt?

?And I am Relena.?

?Pleased to meet you,? said Dorothy, blinking slightly as if she were telling a falsehood. It was likely that she was. ?Well, sit down!? Relena obediently did so, sitting right on the floor. ?Now, I suspect you are wondering why I am doing this. It is to get back to Bennex. You are thinking, ?Why would she desire to go back to Bennex? Surely this madwoman must love it here, being pampered and waiting for the prince?s seal of approval!?? Lady Dorothy of Bennex sighed. ?Well, I do not. I am only here because of my lover, Quatre. He is the prince of Bennex. Ah ? you have heard of him? Well, he?s renowned for his kindness and generosity. Unfortunately, it is this very reason why we cannot be together, as I am the ?cruel, malicious Lady Dorothy?, and he is the darling Prince Charming of my dreams, and the dreams of many other maidens. However, it is your job to assist me, and as I wish to go back to Bennex, and be with Quatre again??

Relena interrupted. ?How am I to do that??

Dorothy let out a little laugh, startling Relena. ?You, my dear Relena, are to pretend to be me.?

?What??

?It shall be quite easy, as not many of the ladies or gentlemen here know me, and those who do cannot remember my face, without a mask or two in front of it. Do not worry, dear. And do not even think about breathing a word to anyone. Got it??

Relena nodded, although she was unsure of what on earth Lady Dorothy was on about.

?Now, leave me, I have many a thing to do. I shall ring for you when I next need your assistance.?

And with that, Relena left the room.

* * *

It was only a few moments later that Relena realised that Lady Dorothy was one of the Gifted. Probably an enchantress. But what was an enchantress doing without her warlock? Or perhaps ? just perhaps ? she was one of the good enchantresses.

Anyway, this would explain why Relena had been so nervous. Enchantresses and enchanters sometimes had that effect on her, and just a simple command could send her into a cloud of nervousness. Which is probably why Relena only felt normal again once she was knocking on Countess Meredith?s door, the noblewoman Hilde had been assigned to.

?Just a moment!? a familiar voice cried, most definitely belonging to Hilde.

The door was soon opened, with a creak, and Hilde popped her head out. ?Oh, Relena!? she cried, a look of happiness on her face. ?What a surprise!?

In the background, Relena could hear a low voice call, ?Wench, come back NOW! You must do my nails!?

Hilde cringed, and a look of embarrassment formed on her face. ?I?m sorry, Relena,? she said, apologetically, ?but I must go. Countess Meredith needs me.?

Though she needed the company of her friend urgently, Relena nodded. ?Of course.?

As the door closed, and Hilde?s face disappeared from view, Relena felt slightly alone: a servant-girl all alone in this humongous palace.

* * *

Mariemaia, daughter of Lord Treize, and the late Lady Leia, made her way down the rose-coloured staircase, towards the Great Hall. Obviously, it was not her choice about the rose-coloured staircase, it was her stepmother?s. However, she loved her stepmother, despite her horrid taste.

She lived in Eula, and had met the prince many a time. Her friends told her that she was a lucky girl to meet such a fine man; yet she would shake her head. ?It does not matter that he is a prince. It matters what is inside.?

Then it would be her friend?s turn to shake their heads. They had only one thing on their minds: to marry someone as powerful and handsome as Prince Heero of Eula!

Mariemaia sighed. Sometimes she could simply not understand her friends. Perhaps that was why they were only her fake friends; not her real friends. Her real friends seemed to be quite imaginary; and never seemed to come and visit. A pity, Mariemaia decided, as she was in desperate need of a good friend, or two.

However, luckily enough for her, the next day would bring two new strangers for her to befriend ? who would treat her like she had an opinion.

However, unluckily, the would along with them bring a whole new era of fear, and dread?

* * *

Kala, a pretty servant-girl at the household of Lord Treize and his family, opened the door the very next day to find two, soaking wet individuals. One was about eighteen, the other was about twelve, or thirteen.

?Oh my!? she cried. ?Come in, come in, and I?ll find you some more suitable clothes!?

They stepped in, grateful of her generosity. They preferred being inside the warm mansion instead of outside, in the rain.

?Are you sure it?s alright?? the taller of the two said. Her answer was a nod.

?Oh, of course!? Kala cried. ?Everyone is welcome here. His Lordship has wished it to be so.?

The taller of the two smiled. ?It sounds like he is a fine man. Shall we meet him soon??

?Yes, you shall,? and with that, Kala began to climb the staircase to tell Lord Treize of their coming. Suddenly, she stopped, and turned. ?Oh, do forgive me for forgetting, but I don?t know your names!?

She smiled. ?I am Midii Une, and this is my friend, K?esh Miato. We are from the province of Milash, in the glorious country Amaria. It is quite an honour to be here in your fair Eula.?

Kala smiled, then left.

Midii Une turned to Miato. ?Did you like her??

He shook his head, showing not a sign of emotion as she replied, ?Good. Then neither of us should have any problems if we must eliminate her, which shall probably be the case.?

* * *

Two weeks later, the Summer Ball being only a month away, Relena stood in Lady Dorothy?s room, clad in a rather frilly dress.

?Urgh!? she cried, taking a quite peek at herself in the vanity, as Dorothy searched through a box filled with other dresses ? frilly, exotic, revealing? You name it, she probably had it. ?Lady Dorothy, must I wear this??

Looking up at her, Dorothy said, ?Well, I think it looks simply marvellous, but if you must beg to differ, I suppose you could always wear this.? She held up a plain white dress, adorned with shiny ? could it be diamonds? - all over it. Although Dorothy thought it was a tad bit drab, Relena thought it was a blessing, in dress form.

?Oh, yes, please!? With a sigh, Dorothy handed it to her, and Relena immediately ran to the cover of the closet, to get dressed.

Over the past two weeks, Dorothy had educated Relena in all things noblewomen should know: like proper fashion sense, and how to speak the language of the noblewomen (otherwise known as ?gossip, gossip, gossip ? oh, and guess what? Gossip!?) among other things. At the end of the night, all the noblewomen would finally be allowed to look all over the palace, and each night (starting the next night), a ball would be held, allowing enough time for the [rince to decide on his bride. At the end of the Summer Ball, the final ball, he would announce his decision, and the wedding would be held soon after. Thus, Relena?s plans were dashed to runaway ? surely she could not runaway now that she was a ?noblewoman?? It would look suspicious if ?Lady Dorothy? ran away ? probably one of the many reasons why Lady Dorothy had seemed so pleased to see her; someone who could pretend to be her, so no one would know of her leaving.

The only thing that could go wrong was that someone might recognise Relena, but with her new apparel, it seemed highly unlikely that even Hilde would know her!

?I guess this is goodbye,? said Relena, with a sigh, as she walked out of the closet, wearing the dress. Even Dorothy had to admit it looked better on her than she had ever looked in it.

?Yes,? said Dorothy, ?I suppose it is.?

Dorothy would disappear later that night, dressed as a servant-girl. Relena would declare, ?I have dismissed my servant-girl, as she is unfit to look after someone as regal as I?, and another servant-girl would soon be assigned. After a while, Dorothy would catch a carriage, and go to Bennex. And, perhaps she would write to Relena ? she hated to admit it, but she had grown quite fond of the servant-girl, who had striven endlessly to make sure that Dorothy?s plan succeeded.

They shared a quick hug, and Dorothy reminded her of a few last minute tips, and then Dorothy was off, to finish the rest of the day as a servant-girl. Who knows? It might actually knock some sense into her!

* * *

Lord Treize immediately wished to see the newcomers, after he had them delivered fresh clothes, and shown rooms where they might stay. His wife and Mariemaia caught only slight glimpses of the two, both being none too impressed by their simple clothes.

?You are from Amaria, you say?? Lord Treize asked them, as they sat down to eat, a little while later.

?Yes,? replied Midii, knowing all too well that her companion hated to speak, and usually just gave a nod for approval, or shook his head for disagreement. ?My friend, Miato, is a swordsman, an excellent one at that. He is a K?esh, despite his age!?

Lord Treize nodded, knowing that to be a K?esh was one of the greatest honours in Amaria, meaning that you were a good swordsman, and it was only awarded to men, and that Miato must be very skilled to be a K?esh at such a young age. The female term was K??sh.

?I am honoured to meet you,? he told Miato. Miato nodded.

?He means,? said Midii, ?that he is also honoured, to meet the very lord whom we have heard so many tales about, of courage and valour! Of strength, and friendship! You are certainly a household name in Amaria.?

?Amaria?? Treize?s eyebrows raised, ever so slightly. ?You have heard of me ? in Amaria??

Midii nodded. ?Of course. We hear everything in Amaria ? don?t we, Miato??

She had to dig her elbow into his ribs to get him to nod this time, as he was looking at a girl standing behind Lord Treize. Who is she? he wondered.

?Father,? she began, trying to attract Lord Treize?s attention. He turned to her, and Miato nodded, realising that they were father and daughter.

?Ah, daughter!? He turned back to Midii and Miato. ?This is my daughter, Mariemaia.? He smiled proudly, as if she were some sort of trophy, to be shown off every now and then, to visitors. Miato shivered, slightly.

?Pleased to meet you. I am Midii Une, and this is K?esh Miato,? said Midii, and Miato gave his usual nod. Mariemaia, in turn, bowed.

?Father,? she said, ?Stepmother wishes to speak to you, urgently, it seems!? Treize nodded.

?I fear I must leave you,? he told his guests. ?Mariemaia,? he whispered to his daughter, as he stood to leave, ?make sure they don?t leave the room. I don?t trust them.?

Mariemaia nodded, and then Lord Treize left, leaving the three all alone.

?So, K?esh Miato and Midii Une,? Mariemaia said, as she settled into the chair that had, not a few minutes before, been sat upon by her father, ?tell me of Amaria. I hear it is a splendid place at this time of year.?

Midii smiled, to hear such a young girl speak in the way she was speaking. Why, in Amaria, young children spoke in rough, dirty voices, no matter their status! ?Yes, it is,? she agreed. ?Rather like Bennex, I suppose. It simply blooms with radiance!?

Miato nodded.

?And what brings you to Eula??

Midii and Miato exchanged a quick glance, not going unnoticed by Mariemaia. She was certainly sure of her father?s judgement now; he was so rarely wrong.

This time Miato spoke, much to the surprise of both Midii and Mariemaia. ?We have come to meet the prince of Eula. We need something from him; something that we believe might have in his possession. We lost it, and we need it, desperately.?

Mariemaia nodded. Somehow, she felt rather entranced by the tone of his voice. So dark, mysterious ? she felt a kind of attraction towards him. ?Ah. What is it?? The two companions exchanged another glance.

?We cannot tell you,? said Midii at last, with a sigh. ?If we did, our king would have our heads. He is a very ? very cruel ruler, sometimes. But still, we must live with him.?

Mariemaia gave another nod. ?Of course. I would not wish either of your heads on a platter.? As she said this, she thought to herself, Father was certainly right ? no doubt about that! Those two are up to something? but what?

* * *

Her first appearance as Lady Dorothy of Bennex. Relena breathed in, trying to calm herself, as she made her way down the staircase.

There must be at least two hundred other maidens here! she thought in horror. And at least one of them must know the REAL Lady Dorothy. Oh, I pray that I do not meet her, nor she meet me!

?Lady Dorothy of Bennex!? the announcer, a plump man introduced her.

It must be very boring to just stand there, and introduce noblewomen, thought Relena as she curtsied, to the Prince and his servant. It must be said that although she had seen them many a time before, and thought of them as stupid idiots, she now thought of them as ? dare she say it? - quite handsome gentleman.

?Pleased to meet you,? she said, with a slight smile.

?Nah, it?s our pleasure,? said the braided man, known to many in the palace as Duo, ignoring an icy glare from the Prince. ?Isn?t it, Your Majesty??

The prince just grunted. Relena took that as an impolite, ?Please, remove yourself from my sight.?

?I suppose I shall be leaving,? said Relena, happily (but trying to hide her happiness, otherwise the Prince might get slightly offended), ?and leave you chat with all the other ladies here. Goodbye.?

And with that she left, to be surrounded by noblewomen, all gossiping on the sidelines in groups, or dancing with noblemen, leaving the prince with a look of horror on his face, as there were still quite a few more women to greet.

* * *

Relena spent the rest of the night with a group of red-dress-wearing women. She smiled as she realised she was probably only allowed near them as she had chosen a red dress to wear that night: the white dress was to be saved for the main event; the Summer Ball.

?So, Stephanie, how is your brother??

?Oh, he?s getting married to Lorraine of Scarlia.?

?She?s that tall, fat woman, isn?t she??

?Yes ? the one who likes wearing horrific brown dresses??

?Brown??

?Yes ? I think the correct term is ?dirt brown?.?

?I?ll say.?

?It?s too bad, really ? your brother is a looker.?

?Not as handsome as Prince Heero, though.?

?Ooh ? have you spoken to him? I tried; but all he did was grunt.?

?I don?t think he?s all that intelligent; but I suppose he?d be alright.?

?He?s handsome, isn?t he??

?Powerful, too!?

?And has lots of money??

?What?s not to like??

?I suppose??

The group didn?t even notice when Relena politely excused herself, and was soon asked to dance by a handsome young lord.

* * *

?That was one of the greatest balls I have ever been to, eh, buddy?? asked Duo later, as he flopped down upon the makeshift bed he had insisted be put into the prince?s chambers, so that he could annoy the prince well into the night.

?Well, Duo,? said Heero, turning to look at Duo, ?I was wrong.? A large smile appeared on Duo?s face, only to be wiped away at the next comment. ?They were even worse than I could ever imagine.?

Duo sighed. ?C?mon, Heero! Not all of them were bad!? He searched for an example, as Heero raised an eyebrow. He soon found it. ?What about Lady Dorothy, hm? She was good-looking, and didn?t seem that much of a gossiper.?

?Then you, my friend, have not heard the rumours about her.? Heero shifted in his bed. ?They say that she is Bennex?s top gossiper, and manipulative. They say that she was behind the murder of her own parents, so that she could take over their estate, and that she once pushed a young girl into a carriage, and the girl was squished to death!?

His braided friend snorted. ?Sounds like our very own prince is gossiping!? he cried. ?And you think that those women are bad. Just listen to yourself!?

Heero glared back. ?I,? he simply said, ?do not gossip.?

There was silence, and neither spoke at all, as they were angry with each other. And soon, sleep consumed them both.

* * *

Meanwhile, Hilde tossed and turned in her bed.

How could Dorothy dismiss Relena, just like that? Surely it was against the rules, to dismiss a servant not belonging to you!

How she hated Dorothy now; she had betrayed her! And she had thought that they were becoming friends! That ? that -!

The other servant-girls in the area were kept awake for some time, listening to the sounds of Hilde?s sobbing, and occasional, ?Relena, Relena! Please come back!?, both annoyed with Lady Dorothy for dismissing Relena in the first place, and Hilde, because she had a tendency to cry out her troubles in the night.

However, there was nothing they could do about it: Relena was already gone, and the next day, Sylvia was to take her place. Sylvia slept fitfully that night, too, knowing that she would probably be dismissed, too, and then be turned out on the streets.

And if that happened, she would die, as it was highly unlikely that she would be employed again.

* * *

?WUFEI!?

Wufei shivered, as he heard his wife scream out his name. ?What is it?? he asked, turning back, to see her on the ground, her pack obviously too heavy for her. With a sigh, he walked over to her, and helped her up, then slid her pack off her shoulders, and carried it along with all the other bags.

?Hey! I could?ve done that!? said Meiran, with a pant, as she struggled to catch up with him. It must be said that sorcerers and sorceresses have never been good at any kind of physical activity, having preferred to stay home in their secret laboratories, mixing herbs and spices in cauldrons, and other magical whatnot.

?No, you couldn?t have.? Wufei smiled, as he noticed Meiran was going to fly into one of her tempers. ?Don?t fret; only half a mile to go before we reach the Eulaen palace.?

?That?s not much of a comfort!?

Wufei shrugged. ?It is to me, seeing as we?ve already walked ten and a half kilometres.?

?WHAT?!?

If looks could have killed, Wufei would certainly have died then and there.

?We?ve? just? walked? TEN AND A HALF KILOMETRES?!? Meiran cried. Her husband nodded. Meiran suddenly felt a pounding in her head. ?Oh, dear??

Wufei heard a loud sound, and jumped. Then, he turned around, to see if Meiran was alright.

She wasn?t: she had fainted.

?NOT AGAIN!?

* * *

It must be said that Sylvia was a rather plain servant-girl. Despite this, she had been proposed to countless times by many fine young lads, and each of these fine young lads had, in turn, been disappointed greatly. She was very frightened with the concept of marriage, like any of the other many servant-girls at the palace, and especially frightened of marrying a complete imbecile. This was also happening to the other servant-girls, though some more than others.

As she knocked on the door of her mistress?s room, the very next day after the first ball, she felt once again a horrible feeling ? like there were butterflies fluttering within her very stomach! - that she had felt when those many fine young lads had proposed marriage. ?Oh dear,? she whispered to herself, ?oh dear, oh dear, oh dear??

Though muttering this simple phrase over and over might have given no comfort might have helped no one else a bit, it comforted Sylvia greatly, and for a single moment she felt like a lion: brave and strong!

However, as the door opened, she gave a squeak and was at once reminded of a small, grey mouse, shivering in the shadow of a big, calico cat.

?Oh, hello.? A blonde came to the door, wearing quite a lovely dress, and various jewellery. Although she did not look like what many others had remembered her as, with a tough-looking face and horrific eyebrows, she reminded Sylvia of an angel. ?You must be Sylvia. Please, come in??

Sylvia at once felt more relaxed. This was going to be easier than expected.

* * *

However, for Hilde, dealing with the recent loss of her greatest and possibly only friend, and also having to look after Countess Meredith was certainly a burden, and she wished she could be anywhere else in the world, instead of with the plump woman who was currently ordering her about, in a rather malicious way.

?Oh! You horrible, dreadful wench! You?ve spoilt my favourite dress! Now you shall have to sew it up, wench, unless you wish to end up like your little friend - what was her name? Ah yes! Lorena.?

?It was Relena,? Hilde whispered.

?Or perhaps it was Rolena??

?Relena??

?Or was it Lerona??

?RELENA??

?Or perhaps Rowena??

?IT WAS RELENA!?

Countess Meredith gasped, her large eyes becoming even wider. Her plump face seemed to become even plumper, as she cried, ?Oh! That?s it!? And then she stood up, and waved a stick in Hilde?s face. ?Wench, how dare you speak to me! I?ll have to smack you, you do realise that??

Hilde reddened. Perhaps it was embarrassment, but it was more likely to be anger, as only a few moments later Hilde snapped the stick away from the countess, and with a THWACK!, she broke it against the wall.

?Don?t try me,? she warned Countess Meredith, who was slowly backing up against the wall, her arms held up in a surrender in front of her. ?Now, if you wish me not to hurt you, you shall begin at once by calling me ?Hilde?. And furthermore, you shall treat me like an equal, not a piece of dirt!?

Countess Meredith nodded. Hilde smiled.

?Good,? she said. Perhaps this will be okay?

* * *

Hilde?s outburst did a lot of good for the spoilt countess, who at once decided that ?everyone is equal, be they peasant or noble?. She and Hilde even formed a sort of friendship, though it must be said that Countess Meredith was no match for Hilde in any form of intellectual activity, and her physical abilities were basic.

Sylvia, too, was having a splendid time with Relena, who at once informed her that ?you needn?t call me ?Your Ladyship?, or anything formal like that, because I prefer it when I?m called by my own name which is ?Dorothy?, as you already know.?

?Why?? Sylvia had wished to know.

?Because,? Relena said simply, ?I don?t wish to elevate myself over others just because I was born to a very fortunate family, and they were not. It is, after all, considered a sin.?

?By whom?? Sylvia had inquired.

?By me.?

And that was that. Sylvia wasted no more time asking her mistress any more questions. She knew it would be just a waste of time, anyway.

The second ball came sooner than Relena wished. She had not enjoyed the first one, after all, and although there would be many more, still dreaded the thought of actually having to be there. It made her uneasy, and although she had Sylvia?s moral support, she still felt like a painted doll, like the ones she?d seen given to spoilt rich girls, with their satin dresses and pale skin.

Meanwhile, the real Lady Dorothy was already on her way to Bennex. Her letter, addressed to none other than Prince Quatre, had been sent on the day of her departure of the palace, and she hoped that it would reach him soon. It had given him all the details of her plan, and about Relena. And although she had not written in the letter ?Do not tell anyone I am coming back, and that I have deceived Eula, and its people?, she knew that her love would not wish to put her into trouble, and that he was a rather sensible young man.

?He is, after all,? she mused, ?mine. And, of course, my family has always chosen the sensible ones.?

The coachman in front shook his head; he just couldn?t understand why the pretty young lass was speaking to herself, acting like a lunatic. He shrugged. He didn?t care if she was sane or not, as long as she payed the price for taking a carriage within these parts. The roads from Eula to Bennex were ridden with bandits and cutthroats, and their sort, thus making the journey hazardous. However, like most noblewomen, Dorothy knew nothing about this, having often been taken around the countryside accompanied by the prince of Bennex and his assortment of knights and soldiers, and no one, not even the most idiotic outlaw would try to steal or kill them.

?Only a few more days,? said Dorothy with a heavy sigh. ?Only a few more days??

* * *

?That?s it, Trowa, I just can?t wait another moment!?

Trowa sighed, as Quatre finished his pacing across the bedroom, and came to a rest on his bed.

?Your Highness,? he said, ?what is the matter?? Trowa, despite his question, already knew the answer. He just wanted confirmation.

?Pack my bags, I?m going to Eula,? cried Quatre.

?But why??

?I must see Lady Dorothy, and make sure she is alright,? the prince declared. He wished to add, ?And I must make sure that the Prince of Eula does not choose her as his wife, otherwise desperate action must be taken.? But, wisely, he did not.

His jester let out yet another sigh, though he reluctantly agreed. ?Of course, Prince Quatre. To Eula we go!?

If Quatre had known that Dorothy was coming to Bennex, he would certainly not have bothered going to Eula to retrieve her. And, if he had known what trouble going to Eula would cause, he would have definitely hid under the covers of his bed, shivering. However, he did not know. And this was his first mistake.

* * *


It was a few hours before the next ball. Heero, as normal, was very excited.

Just joking.

Actually, as he took a walk in the palace gardens, he wished that perhaps he could turn back time; that he could prevent his parents? deaths. They had been murdered, quite brutally, four months ago, in these very gardens. Perhaps ? just perhaps ? if he had known about this beforehand, they would still be alive today; and perhaps he would not need to marry one of these vile women.

?Nice gardens you have here,? said a voice from behind him.

Prince Heero turned around. At once, he remembered who it was he was looking at. That Lady Dorothy of Bennex, who had spoken to him briefly last night. Despite this, he replied, good naturedly, ?Yes, they are, are they not?? Not waiting for an answer, he added, sadly, ?My parents and I planted them a few years ago with the help of a few gardeners, before they died. Though we did not need that much help ? they themselves were exceptional gardeners.?

Relena nodded, paying a sort of tribute to the dead rulers, and for once, she saw the prince in a whole new light. He was just like her: they were both extremely unlucky.

However, he was not to know that; to him she was Lady Dorothy.

?I know how you feel,? she said, sadly.

Heero tried to prevent himself from bursting out in laughter. ?Ha! How could someone like you know how I feel? You have not been forced to marry, mere months after the deaths of your beloved parents!? he cried.

Relena looked down, guiltily. ?Maybe, Your Highness, I have not felt the same pain; and maybe I have. You do not know me properly, do you??

The prince gave a weak smile. ?Lady Dorothy,? said he, ?I have heard many a tale about you, and trust me, I feel as if I know you better than I know myself.?

?Oh, you have, have you? Well, then, what do you think of me??

Heero stared her in the eye, then told her, ?I believe that you a lying, heartbreaking snake; and that you would marry someone first for their money, second for their looks, and then, if there were to be a third, it would be for ? for-?

?Yes?? Relena inquired.

Heero blushed, ever so slightly. Then smiled. ?Lady Dorothy,? he said, changing the topic, so as not to embarrass both of them, ?would you reserve a dance, just for me??

Relena?s face broke out into a smile. ?Of course, Your Highness. Mind you, I prefer someone who calls me ?Dorothy?, not ?Lady Dorothy?. It makes me feel like I am better than everyone else; but I am not.?

The Prince nodded. ?As long as you call me ?Heero?.?

?A deal, Your High ? Heero.?

Thus began an interesting relationship between a prince and a servant-girl.

* * *

The real Lady Dorothy arrived at Bennex two days later, on the night of the fourth ball. Having not known of the Prince?s departure, she was welcomed at the palace by a few maids, who promptly pestered her.

?Oh, milady, if you?re looking for Prince Quatre, he?s gone.?

?Gone where?? asked Dorothy.

?Gone to Eula,? said another, ?to see you, I think.?

?Yeah,? agreed a redheaded girl with freckles dotting her face, ?I think he was going to look for you.?

Dorothy paled. ?Oh, no??

?Um, Your Ladyship??

?What?? snapped Dorothy.

The maid blushed. ?You?ve stepped in some horse manure,? said she, simply, ?the bottom of your dress is covered with it.?

Dorothy looked down. Gulped. How did that get there? she wondered. Then she shivered, deciding that she did not really want to know. ?Do you think you could arrange my dress to be washed??

?Of course, milady; anything you wish.?

With a sigh, Dorothy decided that perhaps finding Quatre would have to wait until later?

* * *

Luckily for Relena and Dorothy, the carriage in which Quatre and Trowa were riding in came to an unfortunate end when, whilst they were out for a brisk walk, somehow rolled off a cliff, and, well, as you can guess, was never heard of again.

Left to fend for themselves, they walked for about two miles, before meeting up with an amazing couple: a black-haired man called Wufei, and his wife, Meiran, who just would not stop fighting.

They got to talking, and soon realised that Wufei and Meiran were heading for Eula, too; and they, unlike Quatre and Trowa, were prepared for walking in the middle of nowhere, and had brought blankets, clothes and food. Looking at each other, Quatre and Trowa smiled, and thought to themselves, How lucky we are to find such kind people in the middle of nowhere.


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ironic Paradise on 2002-09-08 03:05 ]</font>

[blackrose]

Gah! It said 4 chapters, but there were only 2! Great start, though. Heero, jerkface, be nicer to Relena. And **giggles** maybe she won't turn your shirts pink. :razz:

Love it!

~Rose

[Dark Mistress]

AHHHH where's the rest of it?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!? Please please PLEEEEEEASE finish it. For me? Lol
(((LIZ)))

[Faye Faye]

Good Shiz ! Can't wait for more!

[Elyn Yuy]

great job on the fic new recruit.

... ....

..Oh, I can't hold it in any longer.

GREAT JOB!!!!
Write more too!!!


Elyn Yuy

[Death Princess]

WOW!
This is wicked girl keep it up PLZ UPDATE SOON!!!!!!!!!!!
Death Princess

[sweet_me_beajai]

hey!!

where's the rest of it????!!!!

i can't find it!!!

what am i gonna do!!!???

*taps monitor*

does anybody know where the rest is?

please *gets teary eyed*

i need the rest of this fic *face starts to crumble*

what happened next? *whimpers*

[Raspberry]

Wow, this is very interesting!

And I like the idea about Relena making Heero's shirts pink

Gppd job and please continue!

[lilac310]

ooohhh..this is very interesting indeed and I have to agree with what everyone's saying...The part wherein Relena turned Heero's shirts pink was just hilarious...I can't wait to read more!!!....

..I think I've read this before but I can't remember where....I'm sure glad that you decided to post this here as well....Keep writing!!!!