Disclaimer- I do not own Escaflowne or anything related to it. Here's a quick lil chappie for your reading pleasure. And thank you to my reviewers and to those who have me/my story on alert 3

"Father, can you talk to King Van? I would like for Hitomi to be my handmaiden," Millerna requested. Dinner was over and Millerna, her father and Meiden were in one of Aston's private parlors. It was white walled with Asturian blue moldings and medium sized windows that let in the night air.

Aston knew that Meiden had planned on kidnapping the girl tonight-not that he could blame his old friend. If it were not for the love of his deceased wife and the child's age being so close to his own daughter's, Aston might have tried to sample her himself. Meiden, he knew, would have a tough time deciding whether to keep the girl as his mistress or sell her to the highest bidder night after night.

He always did like them young, Aston thought as he shot a glance towards Meiden before looking back towards Millerna. Oh, how she reminded him of Therese! Maybe that is why he could not deny her. "I will speak to him, Daughter, but ultimately the decision is his."

Millerna's eyes lit up, "Oh! Thank you, Daddy!" She hugged him and bid her father and Meiden goodnight before leaving.

Aston begun to apologize to Meiden but Meiden cut him off with a wave, "Nothing lost just yet. Having Lady Hitomi around would certainly prove to be an interesting game. Although her ideas..."

"Is that what you fear, Meiden? That her ideas will persuade me?"

"No, not necessarily. It is Millerna I fear for. She already seems convinced of Lady Hitomi's beliefs, and I say this as a friend and a father, you are easily persuaded by your children."

"So you worry for power? Never fear Meiden, I trust that your son can take care of the throne just fine." The men toasted each other. "As for this mess with Zaibach..."

Dilandau was in his rooms, along with his two Dragon Slayers, Chesta and Miguel. He was rubbing his cheek and wondering about The Girl. She was supposed to be from the East, yet she talks like she has lived in Zaibach all her life! Surely there are no countries as advanced as Zaibach in those dried up lands! He was going to point out that, as well as what Allen had said that day at the Castelo, but a stern look from Folken stopped him. It was the kind of look that promised of Sorcerers.

Like he would really go through with it! Arrrr! Politicians! They never cut to the chase! Fine, I'll wait! But you too, Folken! Just wait and see what I do to your precious books!

Miguel and Chesta knew their Lord Dilandau well enough to know what he was thinking.

Uh-Oh, Lord Dilandau doesn't look too happy. Miguel looks nervous as well. Lord Folken better hide his books.

Miguel, the brunette, sighed, Lord Dilandau is in a foul mood. I should warn the others. At least then we'll be quicker about the flames, unlike last time…

"That...girl... She's the reason why my beautiful face...pisses me off...just a wench...." Is that how you really feel? Called a voice. "Be quiet!" Dilandau hurled a bottle of vino towards Miguel and Chesta, they dodge just in time and give each other meaningful looks.

Did we say anything, Chesta?

Chesta shrugged and shook his head,No, poor Lord Dilandau, his scar must be aching.

I wish he would just go to a healer for some pain relief.

You know he doesn't like to show weakness.

"Be quiet!" Dilandau shouted again and the boys snapped to attention. He stroked his cheek while whispering, "I'll get you back. I'll make you pay for this, you better watch out...."

Folken found Hitomi wandering the halls. He was intrigued by this girl. She was unlike many of the women he has met in his life. She seemed boyish, but feminine, outspoken but caring. He wanted to actually know her. For the most part he kept his distance from people, but he felt drawn to her.

"Hitomi?' he called tentatively,

She turned around, "Yes?"

"What are you doing wandering the halls?" He walked closer to her.

"I, er, got lost." Truth was that Hitomi couldn't go to sleep, too upset, too nervous over everything that had come to pass.

"Do you remember which quarter, or floor? Perhaps I can help you find it or take you to someone who can?"

Hitomi could feel that Folken is a good person underneath it all, maybe now would be a good time to broach his brother situation. "Sure, Folken! I'd love that."

After walking for a few moments in silence, Hitomi spoke, "So, are you really Van's brother?"

Folken closed his eyes and let out a half chuckle, half sigh. "Yes, I am. Where are you from? And please do not say Fanelia."

Hitomi smiled, "I shouldn't say, but I think my cover's been blown anyhow. I'm from Earth."

Folken looked at her quizzically, "Earth?"

"The Mystic Moon," Hitomi clarified.

"How did you get here?"

"A beam of light. Hey, did you know that Gaea was the name for the goddess of Earth?"

"N-no, I didn't. The Mystic Moon seems interesting, much like Zaibach-"

Hitomi stopped, "Some countries, yes but not all. And wars to end all wars don't work. They tried that in my world, and many years later, there are still wars."

Folken turned around to face her with disbelief. He was not used to diminutive women telling him he was wrong, and certainly not used to those women claiming that his methods won't work. "What?"

Hitomi started to walk again, "Technology improved, and I think medicine did too, but generally, people died from sickness, starvation, and the resentment the war caused after it was over created a pathway for more war. I wish I still had that history class, that way I could have just taken out my books and showed you."

"You can read?"

"Education is compulsory for everyone- you have to go. The money for it is taken from taxes."

The clogs in Folken's brains whirled. Not even in such an advanced country as Zaibach was everyone given an education. It was mostly upper class men and women who could afford tutors. "Hitomi, will you tell me all about your educational system?"

His face and voice were so serious and pleading that Hitomi had to let out a laugh. "Of course, Folken. I'll tell you what I can, but I'm no expert and the system is pretty shitty."

Allen was upset. He was tired. But mostly, he was angry. Nothing was going right. He couldn't get to his King first, then enemies had to dine together and as if that wasn't enough, Hitomi...there weren't enough sighs in the world to release his frustration. These were the times that Allen was glad he was a swordsman. Van was practicing on the roof, so Allen decided to join him.

Van was glad to spar against Allen, the man was greatest opponent (besides Balgus) he could ever have. He sensed that much like himself, Allen was looking to relieve some tension and Van was not about to pass up a chance to improve his skills!

Merle, on the other hand, heard Millerna come up from the staircase behind Allen. Besides admiring Allen and wanting to spend time with him, Millerna was hoping to speak to Van briefly about Hitomi.

As much as I don't like Hitomi, I don't like that girl much either. But at least she's not after Van-sama. Letting out a yawn, Merle decided that some sleep was in order. Knowing that Hitomi hated it when Merle's hair was on her stuff, she sought out her room.

Running through the corridors, Merle sees a familiar blur of colors down another hall and backtracks. Hitomi...and Lord Folken? They're laughing and smiling? That traitor! Wait until I tell Van-sama about this. Oh, he'll never forgive her! As quickly as she could, she barreled through the halls and up staircases to reach her beloved. "Van-sama!" she called out, startling Millerna and Van, causing him to almost be sliced across the chest by Allen.

"What is it, Merle?" Van called, nearly out of breath as she threw herself at him.

"I saw them! I saw Hitomi and that evil Lord Folken walking together and laughing and acting like they were close!"

The men looked at each other shocked.

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