Hello everyone! I'm still alive!!

First of all, I would like to thank everyone who patiently waited for this chapter. Thank you very much your reviews really gave me the strength and willingness to continue writing. Thank you so much for being with me for the past 3 years. Without your support, this fic would not reach chapter 23. Thank you so much!! bows down

I'm really sorry for the delay. I was really having problems with my writing-- I felt it was crappy and bland. The long hiatus from writing had rusted my writing. Even so, I tried to make this a decent chapter-- I'm not really sure if I succeeded.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed/Destiny

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Recap: With the plan of infiltrating ZAFT, Cagalli Yula Attha goes to PLANTs to be the secretary of the mean Athrun Zala. She never imagined that she will actually fall for the handsome chairman. Just when everything seems to be sailing smoothly, Lord Attha is killed, Athrun then hates Cagalli after discovering her true motive and Cagalli herself returns to Orb to take her rightful position. Now, Athrun has been invited to attend the coronation of the princess of Orb, and found himself face to face with the princess-- Cagalli Yula Attha.

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Chapter 23

Queen Cagalli Yula Attha

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Is it.. April Fool's Day?

Definitely, because this was one twisted joke.

He knew he was impatient to see her. He was even planning on searching for her tonight. But he never expected that he would see her this soon.

Especially not here at the Attha mansion.

And definitely not as Princess Cagalli Yula Attha.

He didn't care even if he looked like an idiot gaping at her. His trained eyes followed her every movement-- from the time she stepped into the room-- her grace that he had only once seen during the Naturals-Coordinators ball before. His gaze followed her. He was aware of every creasing her simple yet beautiful green dress made when she walk, the way the said dress redefined her-- from that punk secretary to this beautiful princess of the powerful Orb nation.

Athrun Zala was rendered speechless.

“It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Princess.” It seemed like Le Creusset's voice came from a distance. There wasn't the barest hint of surprise in his voice, not even in his expression-- a very great contrast to the other three coordinators with him that almost had their jaws on the floor from shock. The commander moved forward to take the hand of the princess. Just as he was about to place a soft kiss, the princess pulled her hand back.

“The pleasure is mine,” Cagalli responded, her gaze wandering everywhere except on those familiar emerald orbs.

Athrun wasn't done surveying her, his gaze now studying her face. He made out those familiar details of her face that was once beneath his fingertips. She still looked so... pretty. His breath was caught in his throat. It... It's really... Cagalli..

Le Creuset continued. “These two are Commander Yzak Joule and Commander Dearka Elsman of ZAFT.” He gestured at the two who snapped out of their shock and nodded in confirmation. “Oh, you might mistake me to be the Chairman of PLANTs,” Le Creuset said good-humoredly although he knew the princess will never make that mistake. Even then, he gestured at Athrun. “This is Athrun Zala, the Chairman of PLANTs.”

It was then that Athrun snapped back to reality. He inhaled sharply as the princess finally looked at him. Those familiar golden orbs...

“It's a pleasure meeting you, Chairman.” Athrun was lost for words. He studied her expression and was surprised to find that there was no hint of anything-- recognition, surprise, happiness or even anger-- there was nothing. Her expression was just-- passive.

Their gazes locked for a moment and still, he couldn't decipher anything. Her golden orbs were blank.

Was she playing.. dumb?

He couldn't read her. This was Cagalli yet she seemed like an entirely different person.

For the second time, he was snapped out of his train of thoughts, this time by a not so gentle nudge from Yzak. “I--I.. I mean, It's also a pleasure meeting you...” He wanted to say her name but hesitated. “..princess.”

The tension on the room was heavy. Yzak and Dearka studied Athrun's expression while throwing quick glances on the princess. From the corner, Afhmed stood still, his fists clenched tightly. Kisaka was quiet as he silently studied Cagalli. Lacus and Kira exited the room quietly through the other door. They knew better than to stay and be bombarded by Athrun's questions. It wasn't the right time to answer him.

Le Creuset was silent, amused at the scene that was unfolding in front of him. Who would have thought that the feared and highly respected Chairman of PLANTs would stutter just because of this natural? If only Patrick Zala knew what had become of his son..

“I never expected that the princess of Orb would be so young,” Le Creuset mused aloud. Cagalli turned her gaze sharply at the commander.

“Don't you dare insult the princess!” Afhmed snapped, unable to control his rage. He couldn't understand why Cagalli allowed an audience with these.. these killers! And how dare this person insult her-- in her own nation!

Even Yzak and Dearka were stunned but Le Creuset merely smiled. “I'm not insulting her Excellency. In fact, I want to praise the princess for taking the highest position in the council at such a young age.”

“I don't think age has anything to do with the passion to serve my country,” Cagalli answered firmly. “Today, the younger generation is actively participating in our society. Soldiers as young as fourteen have been sent in the front lines of war. This is why I don't see anything wrong with being the chief representative of Orb just because I'm only twenty. Chairman Zala, I believe, was even younger than I am when he took the chairmanship, wasn't it?”

Athrun was stunned, not only because of her well-said answer, but because of her formality. Chairman Zala? It has been ages since she addressed him that. When Cagalli looked at him for confirmation, he merely nodded.

Kisaka smiled. The princess really has grown up.

Le Creuset nodded and smiled. “That's a very good answer, Princess.”

“One more thing, Commander Le Creuset. Please don't call me 'princess'. I'd rather be called 'Representative Attha.'“

The coordinators were stunned at this peculiar princess.

“If that is your wish, Representative Attha.”

Kisaka cleared his throat audibly and Cagalli nodded at him. “It's late. I think it's time to retire for the night.” She nodded to Afhmed who stepped forward. “Afhmed, will you please guide our honorable guests to their rooms?” Afhmed nodded.

“Princess, I'd like to accompany Afhmed if you may allow,” Kisaka asked as he too stepped forward. Cagalli raised her eyebrow but nodded.

She turned again to the coordinators. “Please enjoy your stay here in Orb.” By that, Kisaka opened the door and led the group out to the corridor.

“This way please.”

Athrun continued looking at Cagalli who remained in the room. Her back was facing him as she seemed to be looking at the gardens below. He wanted to call her-- to reach out for her and ask her why. He continued to watch her even as Dearka nudged him to follow Kisaka and Afhmed.

“Oh, one more thing, Representative Attha,” Le Creuset stopped walking. He was already a couple of paces away, out of earshot of Kisaka and Afhmed but not of the princess. “I also praise you for being a psychic.”

Athrun, who was just a few paces away from Le Creuset, heard him. “Why is that, commander?”

“Oh, it's just, Representative Attha addressed me as 'Commander Le Creuset' even if I haven't introduced myself to her.”

Athrun watched as Cagalli spun around, a flicker of surprise evident in her eyes.

That was the only concrete reaction Athrun saw before Yzak called them to hurry up.

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It was a fine day. The streets were crowded as the people awaited for the passing of the Princess's carriage. There were cheers of glee echoing everywhere, flags were being waved with much fervor. The music from the band vibrated through the air.

In the monument of Haumea, citizens and guests alike gathered to witness one of the most important events in the history of the Orb Nation. Today was the crowning of the new leader-- the princess Cagalli Yula Attha, the youngest and first lady leader of Orb.

The cheering voices came closer and closer until it finally reached the venue for the coronation. Athrun watched the scenes unfold from his seat in front of the altar. From his seat in front of the altar, Athrun watched the scenes unfold.

He watched as the princess went down her carriage, dressed in an ethereal green and gold gown that swept past the floor. He inhaled deeply. She was very beautiful, her face was only graced with a light make-up, and her hair was tamed to frame her face gracefully.

He should have known. Even before, Cagalli was giving him subtle hints that she was, in fact, more than a mere natural.

...there was this unfamiliar air around her seen by how she carried the dress as much as she tried to hide it. It was as if she was used to dressing up in gowns. But that would be impossible since he knew Yula wasn't the type to fancy wearing these clothes.(1)

Of course, she was comfortable with gowns because she was a princess-- a lady born to wear them.

He continued to watch her as she walked down the aisle. His heart skipped a beat-- she looked just like a bride...

“He thinks I CAN'T handle even INSECTS! WHAT THE BLODDY HELL IS THAT? I'm NOT a child! I'm ALMOST twenty! Heck! Just because I'm the pri-”(2)

She wanted to say 'princess' at that moment. Why didn't he think about that?

Cagalli reached the altar with her maids carrying her trailing gown behind her. Silence ensued as all eyes were glued at the princess who slowly knelt in front of the priest.

“We are gathered here today,” the priest started, “to witness the coronation of our Princess Cagalli Yula Attha, the rightful leader of the Orb Nation.”

The words of the priest merely passed by Athrun's ears. His full attention was at Cagalli who had her head bowed, eyes closed as she took the blessings of the priest.

“The Orb Union is governed by representatives of the five noble families that once ruled the islands and an elected assembly. They also have a chief representative...”(3)

When he asked her about the political system of Orb, why didn't he felt peculiar that she knew the answer very well? And to think that the answer wasn't even at the files he gave her to review.

Of course she knew it all too well because she's the next in line to the chief representative position...

It was as if the switch was turned on and light flooded into the once dark room. This was the dark room he pertained to as Cagalli's mystery. The mystery that bothered him from time to time, the mystery Cagalli herself gave hints about.

“By the power vested upon me, I crown you, Princess Cagalli Yula Attha, as the Leader of the United Emirates of Orb.”

The crowd erupted with cheer as the priest placed the jeweled crown on the new leader's head. The band played, the loud boom from the fireworks whistled though the air. Everyone clapped as Cagalli stood up and faced the people of Orb, a determined smile on her face. Athrun watched as she stepped down the altar and walked towards her carriage.

There was no time to wallow in frustration. For Athrun, what mattered was the present. Cagalli was right in front of him. Whatever pain or anger he felt vanished the moment he saw her-- all the negative feelings he felt were replaced with relief-- relief that at last he found her. That was what mattered to him. The puzzle was not complete. He had his guess but he wanted to hear it directly from her-- her reason.

The reason why she lied to him.

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The afternoon after the coronation was full of different celebrations all on different places. But it wasn't until it turned dark that the ball sponsored by the Royal Court of Orb started. Held on the grand hall of the palace, the ball was exclusive for the different dignitaries invited by the nation.

The group from PLANTS was seated at one of the front tables, a little to the left of the stage where the ensemble played and a couple of paces away from the table of the leader and the representatives.

Athrun checked his watch-- there was still a few minutes before the ball was formerly opened and so he decided to busy himself with observing the people around him. Yzak and Dearka were immersed in a conversation as they discreetly glanced at the table beside theirs. Turning his attention to the said table, Athrun didn't even have to let Dearka whisper to him what was peculiar.

“Since when did Yuuna Roma Seiran become part of the Orb Council?”

Athrun was silent as he continued to observe the said person socialize with the other members of the council. He didn't even need to use his superior hearing ability to know what Yuuna was chatting about-- because it was Yuuna and his expression was that of an arrogant prick, the conversation might all be about Yuuna's boasts of his achievements (if any) in the Earth Alliance.

“His father is part of the council,” Yzak answered in a low voice as he tried to act unaffected.

“But he's Muruta Azrael's right hand man, second in command in the Earth Alliance.” Dearka glanced briefly on another table where Azrael was sitting with other high-ranking officials of the EA before continuing. “Isn't it more proper for him to sit there than with his father?”

Yzak sniffed indignantly. “Well, Yuuna never really know what's proper.” Dearka chuckled at his friend's sarcasm. There was a cross of a smile and a smirk on Athrun's face as he gave Yuuna one last look. In truth, he was quite bothered by it but for now, Yzak's explanation might suffice. Besides, there was a person more important than Yuuna right now that he must be finding...

The ensemble stopped playing as a person in a white tux stepped into the stage. Arranging the microphone, he displayed a slightly boyish smile to the audience.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen,” the man, also known as Mwu La fllaga started. “To formally open this celebration, I would like to call her Excellency, newly-crowned leader of Orb, Queen Cagalli Yula Attha.”

There was applause as the new leader stepped into the stage with all her glory and power. Athrun's breath was caught in his throat as he took in how beautiful Cagalli looked in her off-shouldered golden-colored gown.

La Fllaga smiled nervously as he gave quickly gave the stage to the princess. From that deathly glare Cagalli gave him when he addressed her as queen, he knew he was in big trouble later.

Cagalli stood in the stage with a small hint of smile on her face. “Good evening everyone,” she started. “I am glad that all of you are able to come at this very important day of the Orb nation.” She paused before continuing. “Please enjoy this evening of dance, music and of course, food.”

The unanimous applause from the crowd was only broken when Yuuna Roma Seiran went up the stage to stand beside Cagalli. Athrun knew, from the well-placed, discreet glare that Cagalli gave Yuuna, that the person was up to no good.

Yuuna smoothly (if he was capable) took the microphone from the lady and promptly cleared his throat to catch everyone's attention. Athrun's eyes darkened when Yuuna casually snaked his arm on Cagalli's waist.

“Good evening, our dear guests,” he started. “I believe this is the perfect time to inform you of a... wonderful event that will happen.”

If it was possible, Athrun's expression could have darkened even more as Yuuna pulled Cagalli closer. “As you all now, my dear Cagalli and I,” he looked straight in the eye of the said person to emphasize his point, “have long loved each other... even since we were kids.”

Athrun could have sworn Yuuna hired those members of the crowd who “sighed” at such romance. The chairman knew how Yuuna was merely using flowery words for an event that, knowing Cagalli, never and would never ever happen.

“This is why,” Athrun was almost disgusted at the pride Yuuna's voice carried. “Three days from now, my dearest Cagalli and I will be married.”

If it were possible, Athrun could have sworn he heard his jaw drop.

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It was this look that had been permanently imprinted into the minds of everyone who knew (and feared) the colder-than-Pluto chairman of PLANTs. It was this look that had defined fear and authority not only within ZAFT but virtually everyone who knew Athrun Zala and lived long enough (an exaggeration often used) to describe him. But for Dearka and Yzak, the cold, unfeeling and calculating emerald eyes and the cross of a smirk and smile expression of Athrun Zala seemed to be completely alien to them.

Who could blame them? They had last seen this look about two months ago.

Dearka and Yzak kept silent as they watched the famed chairman study Yuuna Roma Seiran as the said person interact with the guests with such a boastful air as if he were the new leader. Good thing, the guests didn't follow Yuuna's train of thoughts and instead, concentrated on conversing with the real leader.

Dearka, Yzak and Athrun all agree that Yuuna is acting like the git he really is.

Dearka and Yzak shook their heads. They could only pity Yuuna to be at the receiving end of Athrun's look.

“So, that's why Yuuna had so much guts to sit in that table-- it's because he knows that in three days time, he'll be royalty,” Athrun suddenly explained, breaking the eerie silence that hung above the three coordinators.

Yzak sniffed indignantly. “As I have said, he doesn't know the meaning of proper.”

Dearka agreed and added, “I'd say he's too excited.”

Athrun continued studying Yuuna. His tightly clenched fist was numb and his emerald orbs narrowed dangerously as Yuuna pulled Cagalli to him. How dare that git..

Dearka and Yzak watched Athrun finally standing up from his seat. The chairman walked towards Yuuna in measured strides, carrying the Zala air as he kept calm and unreadable even to the two coordinators.

“--And have I told you how I courted my sweet Cagalli? I had all colors of roses delivered to her house!” Yuuna boasted to the imaginary crowd he thought was listening to him as he snaked an arm around Cagalli. The said crowd merely raised their eyebrows while the former princess sent a well-placed glare.

“That's very interesting,” came the cold, husky voice of Athrun Zala. Whatever emotion he felt at that moment was concealed in his cool expression that even Cagalli could not read him.

“Chairman Zala! I see you are well,” Yuuna's mock greeting came with a sly smile. “Oh, I want you to personally meet my dearest,” Yuuna's smile widened as his voice dripped with sarcasm. “Chairman Zala, meet my dearest Cagalli.”

Everything seemed like a game where you have to pretend you don't know. Yuuna's smile faltered a bit as he watched Athrun's neutral expression. He had expected the chairman to react violently-- shock, fear, anger-- he wanted to see all of these painted on the proud chairman. Seeing none, he was sorely disappointed.

Only Cagalli, who had finally gazed back at Athrun saw how his emerald orbs darkened.

Without breaking eye contact, Athrun kissed her hand. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Representative Attha.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Chairman Zala.”

“Representative Attha.” Cagalli felt really odd with Athrun calling her using such a long title. “May I have this dance with you?”

Cagalli stared into Athrun's deep pools of emerald-- unwavering, unreadable. What was he trying to achieve? What is he trying to do? Even with these questions in mind, she still found herself answering, “of course.”

“Chairman Zala!” Yuuna looked flabbergasted. “I believe I have every right--”

“Yuuna,” Cagalli could almost feel the disgust well hidden in the chairman's voice. “Representative Attha gave her consent.”

“I still believe that as her fiancée--”

“Besides,” Athrun continued quietly-- almost solemnly-- amidst Yuuna's protests. “You should let Representative Attha enjoy the company of others in her last remaining days of being... free.”

Without waiting for Yuuna's retort, Athrun took Cagalli's hand and pulled her away.

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Cagalli did not know what came over her that she allowed herself to be dragged-- for the second time in her life-- by Athrun Zala. A part of her mind was ordering her to stop-- to snatch her hand from its captor, give her hardest and coldest glare and command the chairman to stay away from her-- to never act so familiar when they should have only met yesterday.

Another part of her was leaping with joy-- joy in finally being able to see him again. A week of parting felt like years. She wanted to hold his hand, to just gaze at his beautiful green orbs. And, no matter how much she tried to deny it, she was very grateful that he came to rescue her from the clutches of Yuuna.

Before her internal battle could end, Athrun had finally stopped walking and had turned around to face her.

He had brought her to the gardens, definitely not that far from the hall for she could still hear the music playing, but hidden well enough by the perfectly pruned rose bushes that were in full bloom. If it weren't her and Zala here, she would have thought this was a romantic place for couples.

Again, she really did not know what overcame her to allow her self to be gently pulled against Athrun as his arms settled on her waist. And to further add to her humiliation from lack of power to control herself, she had allowed him to sway her to the soft music.

They were dancing.

Cagalli felt so small and helpless under his gaze-- it was not calculating nor degrading but actually tender and understanding-- and it was what unnerved her. She had expected him to literally uproot her with the freezing intensity of his glare.

But there was none.

Except for the music and soft tapping of the heels of their shoes on the ground, silence had ruled over them. It was such a fragile silence-- an awkward silence that even Cagalli had no courage to break it.

But Athrun had, otherwise.

“Cagalli...” His once husky voice came in a tender whisper, as if afraid the former princess would break once he called her.

Cagalli had slightly winced-- the effect of his uttering of her name. Deep inside, she felt a warm breeze cruise from her stomach to the different veins in her body. But she ignored it. This was Zala and Zala was known for putting up an elaborate act just to humiliate a person worthy of this effort. And based from what she had done, she was perfectly qualified to receive such treatment.

She closed her eyes hidden beneath her golden hair. Just thinking of all the insults and mortifying words he would possibly be telling her had brought upon an unknown feeling deep inside her heart.

“.. I've missed you...”

Those words were definitely not in the list of what she expected. Her head tilted upwards-- her confused golden orbs met warm emerald ones. She tried to find answers in those emerald pools and yet she could not find what she had wanted to find. His eyes only reflected one thing.

Understanding.

“I've missed you so much, Cagalli,” he continued in the same breathy whisper. “You left me without even saying goodbye...”

Cagalli could almost feel all her defenses crumbling. Here was Athrun, standing in front of her, holding on to her waist as if he was afraid she would disappear again. He was the image of resigned man willing to take in everything. But for what? She did not know.

“Cagalli... Cagalli...”

She had again submitted herself to her instinct and allowed Athrun to tighten his hold on her, his arms fully encircling her waist as his head settled on the crook of her neck. It took what remained of her control not to hug back the blue-haired coordinator.

“Cagalli... Cagalli...”

He continued murmuring her name against her hair while she stood transfixed, her arms pinned on either side as her mental battle escalated to a scale that could rival World War II.

“Cagalli... please.. don't leave me again like that.. please..”

It was almost a desperate plea-- so desperate that Cagalli was amazed Athrun was capable of displaying such vulnerability.

“I'm so sorry for judging you without even listening to your explanation. I... I'm sorry...”

Cagalli had learned Athrun was also capable of sincerely asking for forgiveness.

“I don't care what you did, Cagalli... But please, give me the chance to listen to you... to know your reasons, Cagalli... I'm willing to listen...”

Reasons.

Suddenly, the image of her father's spacecraft blowing up flashed through her mind and she jerked away from Athrun.

It was now Athrun's confused eyes that searched her wide opened ones. Just as suddenly, her eyes had darkened as unshed tears threatened to fall. She was shaking, not from the cold, but from anger.

When she spoke, her low voice was laced with anger and spite. “So is this how you play this game, Zala?”

“What are you saying, Cagalli--”

“You killed my father!” Her voice came louder and stronger this time. “You bastard! You murderer!”

“Cagalli.. please.. what are you saying--” he tried to step closer to her but she instantly took a step back.

“Don't come near me! Get away from me!” Her shoulders were shaking more violently now and her tears had fully managed to cascade down her cheeks. “You killed father... You killed my father!”

“Cagalli--”

But Cagalli had already gathered up the skirt of her gown and ran. He wanted to follow her, to understand her hatred but it was that same hatred that kept him rooted to the spot. Her golden eyes had pointed one thing straight.

She disgustingly hated him.

The cool night air of summer blew past his emotionally feeble form. As his blank emerald orbs stared into the distance his mind processed only one thing:

Why did she say I killed her father?

There were just so many questions to be asked, so much things left unanswered. Athrun did not need answers, he wanted the truth.

“Chairman Zala, there you are.” Appearing behind him was Le Creuset, his expression carefully hidden beneath his mask. Whether or not he heard Athrun's conversation with Cagalli was unknown, but at this moment, Athrun did not really care.

“Where can I find the truth...?” He did not know why he voiced his thought aloud. It was almost instinctive and, deep inside, he wished Commander Le Creuset, with his slyness, could provide even an ounce of truth he was searching.

But he never really expected the Commander to answer.

“Why not ask Kira Yamato? He is, after all, the only living relative of representative Attha.”

To Be Continued...

So what do you think? Please review!!

(1) from chapter 13 - Unexpected Events all in one day

(2) from chapter 15 - A confounding change of hearts

(3) from chapter 10 - Mayhem with freaks

Thank you for reading!