Hello me again. Right to answer some of your questions, if you look at the beginning of the fic you will notice I mentioned Chris, who was one of Van's advisors and I also hinted at him and Merle having a relationship. I figured that maybe I should try and develop this more. Also just to reassure some of you (LOVEWITCH) this will definitely be a V/H fic. I'm just trying to work out to get to that point. Oh yeah I'm still not sure who, what or why Lady Z is there yet. She may go either way; good or bad.



Chapter 11: One Down One To Go

Merle stared at Chris in shock. ~ Did he just ask me to marry him? Nah he wouldn't. Would he? ~

"Erm what did you just say?" asked Merle

"I said marry me." Chris was dead serious. He had never been more serious in his life and after last night he knew it was right. He could never see himself with anyone except Merle. He was hoping and praying she felt the same.

"You are serious aren't you?" Merle was still shocked and what he was asking had just began to dawn on her but she realised she wanted to say yes. She wanted to be his bride and to spend the rest of her life with him.

"As serious as can be."

"Oh Chris are you sure, cos if this is a joke I'm gonna kill you."

"This is no joke Merle. I love you. I think you love me and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"Oh Chris yes! I'll marry you." Merle flew out of the bed and onto Chris. They both laughed and held each other tight. Merle knew that everything would turn out right.

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"You are bloody nuts! How can think of even asking me that? The king and I are dear friends and I would never do such a thing!" Lady Zyron marched down the corridor and away from Rubius. He had just told her of his suspicions about the king and the servant girl and had asked her for her help in getting rid of this girl. She was angry and worried. She thought her job would be relatively easy but she had not factored in this mad man. She would have to report back to her superiors and see what they said.

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Van sat on his throne. He was angry with Hitomi and with himself for falling for her. He just wished things could be easier. Part of him wanted to abdicate the throne but he loved Fanalia and knew it would throw her into economic disarray. Van was then suddenly interrupted in the middle of his thoughts by Merle who came barging into the room followed by Chris.

"Oh Van guess what? You'll never guess. Chris has asked me to marry him and I've said yes. AHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Isn't it great?" Merle was extremely excited and rushed down to the throne room immediately after her and Chris had sealed the engagement (AN; I'm sure you guys know what I mean.)

Van just stood still looking at them. Too much was happening too fast and he wasn't sure how to handle it. He then just walked out of the room without a reply or a backwards glance.

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The next day Hitomi was sitting and talking to Jasper. She told him about Allen's proposal and wanted to know what he thought about it.

"Well what do you think about it Hitomi?" Jasper asked.

"Honestly I don't know. I told him I'd think about it and answer him today after supper. I just want all this struggling to stop Jasper. I want a good life for you and although Allen isn't the richest man in the world he could provide well for me and you and he'd be good to us."

"Hitomi I want you to listen very carefully to me. I know I'm just your little brother but I know you. I know when you're happy and when you're sad. I don't want you to marry Allen because of me. If you are sure it would make you happy then I support you but as I said I know you and I don't think you want to marry Allen. In all the reasons you have given me for marrying him, you never mentioned love once. I want you to think about that carefully and then make a decision." With that Jasper got up and left.

Hitomi sat still looking out the door after her brother. She had tears in her eyes. Tears of pride and love. She hadn't realised when Jasper had grown so much.

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Van was strolling in the gardens when he was stopped by Allen.

"Hello Van, we need to talk," said Allen.

Van didn't know if he was in the mood for this; he knew where this would end. "What is it?" he replied.

"Van you and I have been close for very long and I want you to hear this from me and no one else. I love Hitomi and you know that. Yesterday I asked her to be my wife. She is to reply me today after supper and to be honest I think she will say yes. I don't want this to ruin our friendship as you are very dear to me. I know you have a thing for her but I promise you that I will take good care of her and I hope we can still be friends. There I sad it." Allen was happy he got it out in one go; it would be easier for Van that way.

"Yes you did Allen. You said it very well." Van turned and walked away without a backward glance. He was doing that more often these days. He was angry. Angry at Allen for wanting Hitomi. Angry at himself for wanting Hitomi. Angry at Hitomi for not wanting him. Angry at Merle and Chris for being happy. ~Well if everyone is getting married so will I. ~ With that last thought, he stormed off in search of Lady Zyron.

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Unknown to Van, Zyron had witnessed the whole incident and she knew what Van was about to do. She had just spoken to her superiors who had told her to stick to the original plan but after the news of Hitomi's impending engagement, that was no longer possible. Things were moving far too fast and she did not like it at all.





Well what do you guys think? Don't forget to R&R.