Chapter 2 Bliss and Worry

"Don't worry Hitomi." Van whispered as they were about to enter the throne room. Hitomi just smiled at him and replied, "Don't fret, Van…I'm not really…maybe a little nervous but I know you're there right?" Van just smiled at her and squeezed her hand tighter. But it was Hitomi who let go of his hand as they were about to enter. Van looked at her inquiringly. She knew this so she just returned the gaze and gave him a nod. Somehow he understood what she was trying to tell him. They simply followed the others inside.

The throne room hadn't had a lot of people at that moment. Only the king's advisers and some of the head knights were there with the King when they entered. The presence of Royalty…of Aristocratic people loomed in the air, giving Yukari and Hitomi more chills. They became more nervous than they already were. It somehow felt unreal and sublime that it was almost frightening. Never in their wildest dreams that they had expected something like that happening to them in their lifetime…sure they had dreamed as young girls to be 'princesses' but those were just made up…never real. They could almost question themselves, 'What in the world am I doing here?' But of course they knew the answer.

Both girls seemed petrified with the thought of meeting the highest man in the kingdom. As they looked at their companions and seeing their calm demeanor, it was understandable why they were in such a state but then there was something in then that wondered how they could be so calm in a situation like that. They wondered if the guys knew exactly what they were feeling. The two knew that the guys were doing their best to settle their nerves but it couldn't be helped.

Upon seeing his sons, the King dismissed his advisers and the knights. He then got up from his throne and made his way towards his sons. "Welcome home, my sons. Ah I see you've brought guests with you." He said. Van and Folken bowed as the others followed suit and stayed back.

"Your Majesty, if I may be excused, I wish to do some personal business before I am to be briefed once more." Allen said in a most graceful manner, not breaking his deep bow. "Oh of course, of course. Please extend my regards to your sister, Allen." His Majesty replied. Allen just gave another bow and prepared to leave. Before leaving, he whispered to both Hitomi and Yukari, "Don't worry you guys. His Majesty is a very kind and just King. I will see you guys later." He then took his leave.

"Well he certainly wasn't that much help." Yukari took a mental note. She didn't know that Hitomi had gotten wind of what she was thinking. Her friend laughed secretly at her statement. If only she knew that Hitomi was thinking the same but then again Hitomi decided to not betray any emotion or comments as to concentrate more on what was at hand. She too didn't know what would be the outcome of their meeting that day.

Hitomi wanted to squeeze Van's hand badly or for him to wrap his arms around her to feel safe and secure, but she just took all what she had to stay calm and not say anything. She knew that her best friend was already in such an anxious state that it would really help to at least let her see that she wasn't that afraid. Honestly, she didn't know what to do or say. She figured that it would really feel awkward meeting a boy friend's father but she never expected to meet a King, much to mention fall in love with a real life Prince.

The King was approaching them. Hitomi and Yukari didn't know what to do or say. They were playing every possible scenario they could think of inside their heads. They were even preparing for the worst, like being scolded or something. He was getting nearer and nearer and the two girls' nerves weren't getting any better.

Van took a quick glance over Folken. Folken knew this. He just returned the gaze. They both were silent. They too didn't know what was going to happen and they didn't want to aggravate the situation. Van wanted to hold Hitomi's hand to help but he wasn't sure about his father's reaction. He took a quick glance over her. She met his gaze. Her gaze was somewhat pleading but also reassuring him that she was fine and that she was going to get through it no matter what.

Hitomi's heart was pumping hard inside her chest. She felt that it was about to explode from her nervousness and anxiety. The King was looking straight at her. She seemed frozen in her place. She quickly thought of possible things to say. She went over them in her head as fast as she could and would decided just as fast that they were such a lame thing to say.

The King finally came up and smiled at her. Hitomi bowed nervously and tried to say something but the King said, ""You're Hitomi, aren't you not?" "Yes, Your Majesty." Hitomi felt like fainting at the moment but then again how would it look she thought. So she fought hard against the compulsion to. To her relief he then turned to Yukari. He smiled again and said, "And you are Yukari." "Yes, Your Majesty." She answered.

But then the King did something unexpected. He turned to Hitomi and said, "Do you mind having a little walk with me? There are something I wish to talk with you about alone." He just smiled at her. But he knew that all of them were surprised. Hitomi hesitated a bit. She glanced at Van, Folken and Yukari before finally answering, "Yes, of course, Your Majesty."

The King then offered to lead the way. Hitomi froze from where she stood for a moment but then took a deep breath and followed him. He glanced at her three companions and didn't seem to know what to say or do. She just opted to stay silent. It seemed that her feet were ready to give in on her as she took each step. But Hitomi knew she had to be strong. It wasn't the end of the world after all.

Van, Folken and Yukari stood there saying nothing as they watched the King and Hitomi leave the throne room. "Are you guys sure it's ok to leave Hitomi like this?" Yukari was almost too afraid to ask. Van was a little skeptical too if it were alright to leave things as they were. He knew their father and he trusted that he wouldn't do anything to scare her. He also knew Hitomi. He knew how apprehensive she was then. All he wanted was to take her in his arms and reassure her that everything was going to be fine.

"She's going to be alright." He finally managed to answer Yukari. But she was a little skeptical in believing Van. "Don't worry too much, Yukari. Our father won't bite her head off if that is what you are afraid of." Folken suddenly said. "Yeah now I feel better." Yukari answered him sarcastically. Folken just laughed. "Come on you guys. Hitomi will be fine. Let's wait for her by the garden." Folken just said and proceeded on his way. Van followed him but Yukari seemed to just be looking at the closed door the King and Hitomi had entered moments before.

"Yukari? Aren't you coming?" Van asked. Yukari looked at him and took a last look on the door and said, "Yeah. I'm coming." She then ran to catch up with the two of them. The three of them made their way to the garden. Upon entering the garden, it seemed that Yukari had forgotten about being all uptight about being at the King of Fanelia's presences as the garden took her breath away.

But then her shock was replaced by a tinge of pain. Someone had bumped into her hard which made her fall forward. Ouch! I know reality hits you hard but this is ridiculous. Yukari told herself as she massaged her hurt knees. Van and Folken then looked to see what was going on and saw Yukari on the ground and Merle running up towards Van. She pounced at him. "Prince Van! Prince Van!" She started to say.

Folken walked towards Yukari and offered her a hand. Yukari looked up and saw Folken reach out for her. She took his hand and allowed him to help her up. "What was that all about?" Yukari asked, still hadn't realized that Merle had bumped into her. Folken couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, falling to the ground sure is funny." Yukari said sarcastically.

"No. Sorry. That was Merle." Folken just answered her. "Merle?" Yukari questioned, still not getting it. Then she finally saw the cat girl who was there with Van. Yukari's eyes flew wide open. "Who is that?" She asked. Folken just smirked and replied, "I told you. That is Merle."

"Merle, cut it out! It's nice to see you too but do you really have to do this every time?" Van said, trying to escape from the girl's grasp. "Merle." Folken then called out. The girl turned to him. He just smiled and said, "This is Yukari. You bumped into her a little." He added. Yukari gave her a shaky smile. Merle just regarded her and sneered. "Merle, come on apologize." Van said. Merle pouted and apologize. Geez, what if she finds out Van and Hitomi? Yukari said to herself as a sweat dropped in her face. Folken just smirked. He knew what was probably going through her mind.

(to be continued…)

Ok I know, I know it took like what seemed like forever for me to upload this chapter. Well my only explanation is that I had to review "When the Eyes Met" and get all inspired and stuff. Plus, other fictions on going and school work, not to mention research for these fics of mine. Reviews are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Michiko