The marble statue looked regal in the orange glow of the setting sun. The two stately, stone figures stood proud and strong over the courtyard. Standing at the base, a Relena reached out to touch the memorial engraving with tears in her eyes. How long ago had it been now? How many years? Her time on the lake had seemed to last forever and yet, seemed another lifetime ago.

"Mother… Father…" She traced the faces of the two lovers carved in the cold, smooth stone. This statue, dedicated to all who lost their lives to Dermail's greedy conquest, would serve as a symbol of the positive future yet to come.

One year had passed since Heero had saved her with his confession of love and so much had already been done to restore that which had been lost. With the spell over her brother finally broken, Milliardo was free to take his place as the new king of Sanq Kingdom. There had been a lot of rebuilding needed but slowly things were taking shape. With the aid of Dorothy's magic, repairs were hardly taking any time and more effort was able to be sent getting the people back to their homes and their former occupations before Dekim's spell had left them lost and destitute.

Heero had used some of his own kingdom's funds and resources to contribute stating that the coming alliance through their imminent marriage would be more than enough reason to allot those valuable assets to Sanq. Relena felt butterflies well up in her stomach at the idea of the coming wedding.

"Can you believe it?" she said to the silent stone. "After all of these years, not only did he find me, but we're finally going to get married!" she giggled sadly. "You always knew we would though, didn't you?" She and Heero had been betrothed since her birth and were thus intended long before he found her on the lake. Still, with reconstruction going so well, the marriage would be just what was needed to keep spirits up and keep people moving forward toward the brighter future.

"Talking to yourself again, little sister?" She turned to see her elder brother, tall and stately in his official royal garments. He had been quite glad to be free of his cloven-hooved form. She smiled at him.

"I was telling mother and father all that has happened." She wiped away a tear as it slid down her cheek. Her brother's eyes softened as he stepped forward and embraced her.

"They would be proud of you, Relena. All that you have been through, all that transpired,you stood strong and never wavered. Now the kingdom is restored and Dermail is gone and all because you were strong enough to stand for what was right."

"I still can't believe it's really over…" Sometimes at night she still had dreams… nightmares of Dermail returning and making her a swan once more. She would wake up violently, covered in sweat just to realize it wasn't real. True to his word, Heero had kept her at the kingdom with him while Sanq was being rebuilt. He had had no desire to let her too far from his sight given all the two had been through.

"Yes, it is over." He smiled down at her. "And yet, another new chapter is about to begin for you. This time next week, you'll be married and be queen." Queen. In one week she would be Heero's bride. The idea made her warm all over and her heart beat faster. Queen was a title she had never considered. All she needed was Heero. The title that came with him was merely her chance to help more people on a grander scale.

"You know, everyone invited to the wedding is allowed to bring someone with them brother… I'm sure Lady Lucretzia would love to be with you." She saw her brother's face flush with embarrassment and smile. Lucretzia Noin was a young woman from the neighboring kingdom that had been rather sweet on Milliardo when they were younger. Time had been on their side as the young woman, though she could not remember her lost love, never found anyone during his time bespelled. It was a blessing that he had been more than thrilled to enjoy.

"I have already asked her to attend and she accepted." He ran a nervous hand through his bangs.

"You'll be fine." she grasped his hands in hers reassuringly. "You will be wedded to her within the year! I can feel it!"

"Do not get ahead of yourself, little sister." They turned and faced the statue, his arm around her.

"I just want you to be as happy as I am, Milli. We both suffered so much at his hands… It's time we took the joy we both deserve."

"And we will." He stated, hugging her a bit tighter. "Just as our parents would want."

Dorothy Catalonia couldn't help but fidget. She had never felt more out of place in all of her life. Yes, she was a guest of honor, but that did not change the fact that her grandfather had been responsible for the near loss and ruin of the two lives set to join in marriage. After aiding Relena in her escape, she had done everything in her power to restore what her magic could. Still, the cold looks from those who still resented her did not go unnoticed. Once, such looks had not bothered her and never would. Relena had changed all of that.

Something about the princess had changed her. Relena seemed to have the uncanny ability to draw people to her as was evident by the speed at which the people of Heero's kingdom grew to love and follow her. It was as though the purity of her spirit called to them and put them all at ease. She was a natural born leader. Dorothy once thought her immature and naive. Now she saw the strength that such resilience had taken and admired the younger woman for it. Admiration only went so far, however. She had every intention of leaving after the ceremony and not looking back. Humans were shorter lived than her kind. Sorcerors could live for centuries and, as a result, preferred to live alone. Once the final vows had been said, she would vanish and take with her all memory of her having existed in the first place. It would be hard to go. She had over the last year developed relationships of varying degrees with the former swans and their new beaus. Some annoyed her like Duo, some aggravated her like Wufei, but she found them both easily dealt with by giving back whatever they gave. Trowa was perhaps the easiest of the Prince's friends to associate with for he was quiet and often kept to himself save for his interactions with his half-brother Quatre.

"Excuse me, Miss Dorothy?" As if summoned by her thoughts, the pale-haired young man called out to her. She turned to him with an elegant smile.

"Yes, Lord Quatre?" He smiled at her; it was warm and welcome and she felt something stir within her not for the first time since meeting him.

"The ceremony will begin soon and I was wondering if you would do me the honor of sitting beside me?" She saw the sincerity in his blue-green eyes and felt a slight blush creep onto her cheeks. At first she wanted to refuse. To sit alone would mean an easier exit. She could already feel the glares of the other courtly females as he offered her his arm. She thought for a moment to rebuff him gently but, casting a look at those girls, smiled warmly at him, flicking her finger across her eyebrow before placing her hand on his arm.

"I would be honored, My Lord." The look of pure joy in his eyes made her heart skip. As he led her to their seats, she felt his hand touch hers for the briefest of moments and felt her hand tingle. Maybe she wouldn't disappear just yet. Afterall, humans were so entertaining and what would life be without a little excitement?

Heero stood at the front of the sanctuary, his princely attire feeling rather cramped and uncomfortable. He shifted from one foot to the other as he waited for everyone to finish filing in. at any moment, she would walk in and all of this would be worth it. After the death of Dermail, he had wanted to marry Relena as soon as possible but there had been issues of greater import that had needed taking care of. Sanq had needed emergency repairs; the people that had regained their memories were confused and had needed their prince and princess to reassure and guide them. He had, of course, offered and and all aid his kingdom possibly could to strengthen their restored ally to their former glory. Yes, it had been a long year, but as the music began to play and she made her entrance into the hall it was all worth it.

She was breathtaking.

Having spent much of the last decade forced to wear white as a swan she had opted, instead, for a sky blue dress with an empress cut waistline. The silk flowed perfectly down her slender form in the most flattering of ways with the finest lace brocades accenting delicately and made up the veil that covered her face. Even through it, he could see her honey-colored hair had been swept off her neck and shoulders and bound in a twisted braid, but a few tendrils had been allowed to frame her beautiful face. As she neared him, he felt his heart almost beat in time with her steps.

When at last she reached him, He took her from her brother who lifted her veil and kissed her forehead. "Take care of her." he whispered.

In the light of the candles she looked ethereal. He smiled at her, a small smile reserved only for her. She returned his smiles, aqua eyes lighting up, glassy with unshed tears of joy. How long had they waited for this? Truly? Since the day so log ago in their tree when they pledged themselves to always be theirs.

As they said their vows and slipped the rings over each other's fingers, he could only see her and the joy radiating off of her. When at last the priest pronounced them wed, he reached out his arms to her and pulled her close, tipping her chin up to look into her eyes. He closed the distance between them, pressing his lips to hers and a gentle, but passionate kiss that sealed their vows and the unspoken promise of many more to come. He pulled back and rested his forehead against hers as all those present gave rousing cheers! She giggled softly.

"We did it." She stated softly. He hummed his response, still holding onto her. "I love you, my Heero" she breathed out.

"I love you too, my Relena." With these words, they shared another kiss, deeper and more meaningful before turning to face their people and their new life together as King and Queen.