Newest Chapter...counting down to the finish...
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or ideas behind Escaflowe:The Movie or Visions of Escaflowne. Any original character and the plot of this story is mine.
Shakily, the Zaibachian battle cruiser landed in the cleared meadow outside of the capitol city of Fanelia. Aefron felt a mix of emotions as he stood outside Laota's quarters. He'd been at the Empress's side since they'd left this same spot a few days earlier. Since the Rebel Event, as the council had coined the happenings in the Northern Mountains, she'd grown into an aggressive monarch that was now making things happen in her country. She'd managed to capture the fleeing rebel leader, his beloved Kallie's sister, Talon; grieve for her deceased sibling in the privacy of her own rooms; and place her foot down with the remainder of her demanding council, reminding them who the actual leader of the country is. The people of Zaibach had been overjoyed to see their ruler helping clean up the damage from the Dragon Fire with her own hands, interacting on the common level. But with her new found strength and actions, Aefron knew her security and protection would be more difficult, the stresses of Royalty never seemed to end.
Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the steel door of his Empress' cabin.
"Your highness…" He called out after a few moments of silence. Trying the handle and finding it unlocked, Aefron shook his head and pushed its metal form open. What he discovered inside brought a smile to his face.
The Empress sat in a heap of fabric, surrounded by discarded clothing. She had decided that she didn't need the hand maidens she was so accustomed to traveling with and left the castle without them, it was obvious that had been a mistake. Laota was completely absorbed with the collection of dresses and wasn't even aware of his presence. Coughing for attention, Aefron watched as the dazed eyes of the Empress looked up at him, widening in surprise and embarrassment.
"Aefron…" She exclaimed, shocked.
"My lady, I believe we've arrived in Fanelia. Would you prefer me to ride ahead and retrieve a maid from the Fanelian castle to help your decision?" The emissary asked sweetly, not hiding his amused smile.
Glaring at him with blue icicles, Laota responded quickly. "No, I don't need a Fanelian or a Zaibachian maid telling me which dress to wear." She turned away from him, her face red.
"Very well your highness, I shall await you outside." Aefton turned to leave shaking his head, humored by her stubborn nature. "If it matters, I prefer the dark blue. It's appropriate for the ceremony and it brings out your eyes," he called out, smiling wider at his presumptuous remark.
Reddening even more, Laota felt a smirk tug at her face. Aefron and she had become friends throughout the ordeal. She didn't look at him as a councilman anymore, someone that was below her, now she felt his equal. Strange, it's nice having a friend; she thought a brighter grin filling her flawless face. Picking up the navy blue dress from the mound of clothing, Laota chuckled to herself. It had been a long time since she'd dressed herself and it felt good.
Gasping, Aimi's eyes shot opened to her bedchambers. Varie was still sleeping soundly in her arms. She could feel the spilled tears on her face from the dream, a vision that she couldn't remember but nagged at the corner of her mind. She had been given important information, but what?
Taking a shaky breath, Aimi moved the little girl onto the bed and tucked the sheet in around her. They had both slept most the morning away.
"You'll spoil her," a familiar matriarchal voice teased.
Gasping, Aimi jumped turning in mid-air. Merle was perched on a windowsill; cat fanged smile plastered on her uniquely stripped face. "You look much better." The woman informed Aimi.
Flushing, Aimi turned from Merle. "I do feel better, like a weight is off my shoulders." The dragon tamer responded.
"Oh, and here I was thinking you felt better because Folken finally put that frantic heart of yours at ease, making honest people of you both. Something about late night strolls with young men tends to bring out color in some women." Merle said grinning more broadly now.
Blushing, Aimi met the cat woman's eyes. "News travels fast!"
"Fanelia's not that large of a kingdom dear and it's the Prince. It doesn't help either that Folken has already head up most of the immediate friends and family with the news. He'll formally introduce you to the council this morning before your interview and the ceremony." Merle told Aimi, her play on words masterful as she watched the other woman's priceless reaction.
"Interview…c-cer-ceremony…" Aimi paled. "This is…this is happening very fast," she stuttered pacing around the room, her voice low for the sleeping child.
"Oh," Merle feigned surprise. The girl was most entertaining. "Well, the interview is simple, just questions about you and how you'll handle situations. The ceremony is to be this afternoon. Empress Laota arrives this morning to attend."
"The Empress is coming to my wedding?" Aimi squeaked confused.
"Wedding…who said anything about a wedding?" Merle acted confused. "Oh, no...You thought…" The cat woman began to laugh. "I'm joking with you dear. The ceremony is to honor the soldier; I believe his name is Nathan."
Exhaling, relieved, Aimi turned red from embarrassment. "You really had me believing I was getting married. I don't think I'll ever get used to you Merle," Aimi said playfully flicking her tail.
Chuckling, Merle jumped to her feet and embraced the surprised Aimi. "Just remember, that we are all thankful for what you did and even more thankful that you're to become part of our family." Pulling from Aimi, Merle smiled genuinely and patted her hair. 'Besides, it's about time Folken gets married, he's such a slob." Merle complained, all humor returning to her face.
Laughing Aimi glanced out the window; she could see a funeral pyre being built in the center of the courtyard. Cremation, she thought finding the method appropriate for Nathan. I'll spread your ashes at the cliff side, she promised him wondering why of all places that one struck her so suddenly and so perfect.
"Laota, I mean, the Empress is coming to honor Nathan?" Aimi asked, turning her face to Merle.
"Yes, apparently she made quiet an emotional scene when Kallie told her the news of her brother," the cat woman informed with a smile. "Never would have thought Laota had any emotion in that prime arrogance she displays."
Swallowing, Aimi wondered what her first encounter with Laota would be like. No one in Fanelia seems to think very highly of her, but if she's anything like Nathan I'm sure we will get along fine…I hope. Aimi thought nervously.
"So…" Merle started cutting into Aimi's thoughts. "The reason I am here is to get you dressed. After what poor Maragret went through last night, I granted her the day off. Can't say I've ever seen her so angry. She was very disappointed in Folken's actions, stealing you away and what not."
Eyes wide, Aimi blushed again. "We didn't do anything wrong. We just needed to talk privately."
Laughing, Merle skipped over to the armoire and swung the doors open. "Don't be so defensive. I helped raise Folken; I know he's a gentleman."
Flipping through the dresses, Merle stopped at the garment she wanted. It was deep maroon almost violet. The sleeves were short, the neckline cut low. "Here," Merle said throwing the dress at Aimi.
Catching the article of clothing mid-air, Aimi glanced over at the peacefully sleeping child. What she'd give to sleep so soundly again. Stepping behind the dressing screen, Aimi peeled the bed clothing off her body; she looked out at Merle who had now attained new undergarments from the air.
"When did you…" Aimi stopped speaking, shaking her head in defeat. The cat woman would never cease to amaze her.
"I never reveal my secrets," Merle teased picking up the dirty cloths and handing the naked woman her clean underwear.
Staring at the pieces of cloth Merle was claiming to be underwear; Aimi began to wonder what the cat woman was thinking she would be doing during the day and who would be seeing these particular items. Pulling the underwear up her legs, Aimi looked around the screen toward Varie. The little princess was wide-awake, staring wordlessly at Aimi.
With a small squeak, the dragon tamer moved back to the cover of the screen to cover her exposed parts and tripped over a small ottoman behind it. Sprawled on the floor Aimi thought humorlessly, perfect, I probably scared her.
"Varie, sweetie," Merle's voice sang out. "Can you go gather the maid?"
Nodding her head, Varie jumped out of the bed and ran to the door. She glanced back once, covering her mouth to stifle the oncoming laughter, and closed the door behind her.
Beet red from embarrassment, Aimi picked her body up from the floor and tugged the underwear into the appropriate areas of coverage. "That was embarrassing," she mumbled, knowing the eleven-year old was, most likely, scarred for life.
"I had actually forgotten she was still in here," the cat woman said with a chuckle. "I'm sure you entertained her though; quiet a graceful spill you had over the ottoman."
"How is it that Sarda is so normal?" Aimi grumbled pulling the dark dress over her head.
"Sarda isn't normal! He's the most level-headed person I know and in Fanelia, that isn't ordinary." Merle wailed her laughter ceaseless.
Sighing, Aimi sat on the bed and awaited the maids to attend to her hair and face, listening to Merle's cackling.
Stomach in his throat, Folken paced outside the councils chambers. They had been gathered, addressed and now waited to interview Aimi but he wanted to see her before she went in. Hearing the shuffling of feet, the prince looked up and found Aimi watching him curiously, a small smile on her face.
"Good morning," she spoke softly, her eyes now downcast. A young maid bowed toward him, her arm wrapped tightly around Aimi's.
Maragret wastes no time informing the servants of what happened, even after I asked her not to say anything. Folken thought rolling his eyes.
"I can't go in there with you," he finally spoke. Aimi's eyes shot up her brow furrowed.
"What do you mean?" She asked her voice higher now.
Sighing, Folken tilted his head. "Aimi, they are going to ask a lot of questions. Some you will want to answer, many you won't. They'll inform you of the duties your to uphold and the preparations for the marriage ceremony." Folken smiled, he was trying to keep her calm while trying to control the urge to steal her away avoiding all the formality. "You'll be fine my love," he leaned toward her and gently kissed Aimi's cheek. Folken barely acknowledged the dirty glare of the maid as he walked away from the two women, a smile broadening on his handsome face. Breaking courtship rules was beginning to become a habit that he was truly enjoying.
"Milady," the maid looked up at Aimi's pale face. "It will be okay." The girl reassured her charge pushing the door in and moving forward practically dragging the Dragon Tamer into the room.
Swallowing hard, Aimi allowed herself to be pulled into the large chamber. Several men sat at a long table, all facing her. She didn't recognize anyone at first, then her eyes found Van's, and they were warm and filled with something that almost reminded her of fatherly pride. Pride for me? Her thoughts wondered, not understanding why he'd be so proud.
A scuffle from behind Aimi, gained her attention. Merle shut the doors to the chambers and smiled. "Please have a seat," she said moving to Aimi and squeezing her arm gently.
Sitting with her hands in her lap, Aimi cautiously looked up at the table of gentlemen; Merle remained standing at her side. I can do this, I fought in the arena for my life against dragon and guymelef, what can these men do to me? She thought, trying to catch the fleeting courage that was leaving her.
"Lady Aimi," a squat man spoke first, standing then bowing gracefully. "I am Ivas, the treasurer of Fanelia. I determine where our nation's funds are needed most and appeal these needs to our King," he introduced himself, sitting down.
"My lady," the man next to Van now stood. "Call me Bvalden." The man was massive, his fist at his chest in a silent salute. "I am the captain of the guard, general of the military." He finished also taking his seat.
The entire table introduced themselves, one by one. Trist, the secretary, a thin man with glasses; Crio, the people's representative, he was young and energetic; and Reon, the ambassador to outside countries. Aimi absorbed the information like a sponge, reminding herself that these men were as important to Fanelia as Van or Hitomi. Though they hadn't been elected by the people of Fanelia, they had been appointed by the King and Queen; Aimi had to trust in their judgment.
"Now that we're finished with the formalities," Van began, catching Aimi's attention. He stood, wearing a regal royal purple tunic with a silver dragon fashioned on his chest, to address the room. "It has been brought to my attention, that my son has asked you to become his wife. Is this the truth?" He asked a small smile on his face.
Flushing, Aimi responded. "Yes, I accepted." The formality of the council was almost humorous, but she kept her face as expressionless as possible, she didn't have enough nerve to laugh.
"My lady, with what has recently passed how can we expect you to change our teetering relations with Zaibach?" Reon asked; the floor had apparently been open to begin the discussion.
Swallowing hard, Aimi's eyes widened. "I…I don't know. I understand there is hardship between both countries based on both historical and present occurrences, but I have yet to meet the Empress, so I cannot answer you to the best of my abilities," she replied, her mind hurting. What is this? She thought swearing. I feel like I am interviewing for a job…of course, because I am. I'm interviewing to be Queen of Fanelia…eventually, she reminded herself hoping it wouldn't be for a long time.
"Understandable," Reon smiled. "Prince Folken informed me of a concept you told him about, the United Nations, I believe is what he called it. I would love to discuss it further with you in a less formal setting."
Aimi felt her mouth drop. Folken had been listening to her that morning. "Um, that would be nice." She answered stupidly unsure of what else to say, squirming slightly in her seat.
"Speaking of other nations, would you mind explaining the rebellions leader's tactics?" Bvalden spoke up gruffly.
"Talon's tactics…" Aimi said thinking aloud. "Sorry," she mumbled, swallowing hard. Her thoughts turned to the arena; tears came to her eyes as she relived the horrible memories. "The priestess was creative," Aimi spoke again softly. She pushed her emotions to the side and focused on the question asked. "Talon would use anything to entertain the soldiers. It kept them happy while enforcing the beliefs of the rebellion. But, she was a beautiful, intelligent woman being used as a pawn." The dragon tamer finished. "I believe she would have been an exceptional leader had she stayed on a better path."
"It's unfortunate that the Priestess Talon used her skills in such an event. Her use of entertainment to keep control of her troops isn't unheard of though," Bvalden replied.
"I believe Talon knows what she did was wrong and will probably spend her entire life repaying Gaea for the scars she created on its surface and in the people's hearts. I also believe that she will no longer trouble Zaibach," Aimi said with a small hopeful smile, her mind on the confused priestess in the forest, the one that thought she was saving Gaea from an out of control Dragon.
"You are correct in that assumption for the Empress has both the Priestess and her accomplice in custody awaiting their judgmental hearing to determine their sentence." Bvalden informed her.
"Wait, Talon and Brutas, can they be sent to death?" Aimi asked her eyes wide realizing that no matter what either of them had done to her, she didn't want them dead. No more death, please.
"It's a possibility. However if it concerns you, I would suggest discussing this with the Empress herself." Bvalden finished.
"Thank you," Aimi said with a head bob, taking note to do as he recommended as soon as she could.
"You care deeply about people, good or evil. It's something that can be considered a weakness, but for you I find it to be a strength," Crio spoke, evaluating her. "The people of Fanelia need a strong queen, someone who won't think twice before making a personal sacrifice for her nation. Will you be able to do that?"
Finally, Aimi thought. The real question they want to know and something I can answer. She smiled and stood silently. "I may not be very good at question and answer sessions," Aimi began, receiving a few chuckles. "But sacrifice is something I know very well. It was because of me that Gaea was in danger of total destruction. Because of me, a fortress's ruins now lie in the Northern Mountains destroying the beautiful greenery surrounding it. And because of me a good man is dead." Aimi bowed her head silent for another moment then returned her steady gaze on the council members.
"To save Gaea, to try and reverse what I had done, I was given a difficult choice." Aimi paused; she could see the attention of her audience growing. What she planned to say needed to be revealed, for not just herself but the people of Fanelia. "I don't know whether any of you are religious or not, it doesn't matter anyway. But I offered my life to the Goddess of Gaea to save it and she refused me. So I was given a choice, the choice to return to my home, the Mystic Moon, with no memory of my plight, leaving the planet raped by the Dragon Fire, burning until everything was ash. Or, to abandon everything I've ever known and had, staying on Gaea with no possibility of ever returning to my home, my family." Aimi looked between each council member. "All of you know the choice I made, the sacrifice of my family and past was one of the most difficult decisions of my life. Is this the kind of personal sacrifice you want a queen to be able to make for her kingdom, her world?" Aimi asked her stunned audience.
Standing from his seat Crio approached the woman from the Mystic Moon. "You're truly amazing," he said softly bowing before her. "I know the people of Fanelia would be honored to have you as their Queen."
"T-Thank you," Aimi stammered with a smile, seeing the rest of the council bow to her, including Van and Merle.
"Now on a much lighter note how about the wedding?" Ivas interrupted a warm smile on his face as everyone settled back into their seats.
Aimi breathed a sigh of relief. Public speaking had never been her strong point, but with the topic being so personal she had found the passion to say exactly what she had wanted. And eloquently I might as well say, she thought to herself proudly.
Watching Crio return to his seat, Van turned to Trist and asked, "The ceremony is to be when?"
The secretary looked through his books. "We have a few choices your highness. The soonest could be at the end of the week." The man finally said.
"Aimi," Van addressed her now. "I know this is sudden but for the sake of the people would that date suffice?" The king seemed to be almost pleading for her agreement; as if he was scared she would come to her senses.
Feeling her stomach drop, Aimi nodded. How can anyone plan a wedding in three days? She felt a hand on her shoulder leading her back to the chair.
"Milady, we will only brush up on your responsibilities for the wedding right now. More detail will follow in the next few days." Trist spoke softly.
Nodding silently again, Aimi felt her hands get clammy. She had duties and responsibilities now and she wasn't even married to Folken yet. "What do I have to do?" She asked, taking a large breath in preparation.
Folken stood outside the council's chambers patiently awaiting his bride-to-be. He knew she was going to be feeling overwhelmed and confused so he wanted to be there in case she needed support. After this meeting, Crio would formally announce the engagement to the nation then introduce her the next day. They would walk through the city in a meet and greet setting with the people of the kingdom. And by the end of the week, we'll be married, he thought. He'd already begun to rearrange his bedchambers to fit her needs, everything had to be perfect.
At the sound of the locks clicking Folken turned and watched the council room empty, each member begging Aimi a formal farewell. At last, all who remained were his father, Merle and Aimi.
"Don't worry about the dress," the cat-woman told the girl. "I'll handle that."
"But what about the sword fight?" Aimi's eyes were huge. What am I getting myself into? She thought, wondering what it proved.
"It's a custom, more of a show for both of your skills. Though neither Hitomi nor I partook in it, the country was still in ruins at the time." Van said trying to calm her.
"Don't worry; I'll go easy on you." Folken chimed in.
Turning to face him, Aimi paled more. "You're not helping," she whined, crossing her arms.
"We'll have Sarda, or perhaps Allen, give you some lessons. It will give Folken some challenge," Merle informed her with a Cheshire grin.
"But wasn't Nathan training you?" The prince asked. She had after all injured him in battle once already even though she was swinging a sword around like a wild thing.
"Yes," Aimi mumbled remembering the fun she'd had out in the field with the soldier and how incredible of a sword fighter he'd been. He never once got to show me his skills in battle, she thought soberly. Nathan would want me to participate in this, not run away.
"Look maybe we can skip this custom. We've been through a lot and…" Folken interjected into her thoughts.
"No," Aimi interrupted, her voice stern. "I can beat you," she finished looking up into the prince's eyes.
Folken could see the fire in her eyes blazing brightly. It excited him and amused him all at the same time. He had no doubts that he wanted to parry against her and it would be a tremendous challenge. "I hope so," he countered with a lecherous look.
Blushing furiously, Aimi huffed and walked towards the door, in need of an escape. She felt a firm and steady hand grab her arm, an electric jolt running through her at the touch.
Folken swiftly spun the woman around and stole a kiss in front of Merle and his father, both sharing an amused look.
"Folken!" Aimi exclaimed in surprise, after he pulled away. She couldn't hide the smile or the gleam of happiness that shined so brightly on her face.
"Just a little longer and you're with me forever." The prince whispered sending shivers down her spine.
"Enough," Merle said clapping her hands and grabbing Aimi gently. "There's a ceremony for Nathan that we must be attending and I do believe Folken's duty is to welcome the Zaibachian Empress." The cat-woman grinned mischievously.
"What?" Folken asked thoroughly confused, watching the love of his life get whisked away. He turned to his father who shrugged in response.
"I have no idea what she's talking about," Van answered the same suspicious smile on his face. "Laota arrived hours ago."
Merle walked quickly. The meeting with Laota needed to be brief and Aimi didn't need to know where she was going until they got there. Stopping in front of a large wooden door adorned with a scene of the Asturian Ocean, Merle lightly tapped.
Aimi looked at the door and then at Merle. She didn't know what they were doing there. She'd never seen or been to this room. Just before she decided to speak the door opened. A man around Folken's age with glasses and friendly hazel eyes answered the door, behind him a familiar blue-eyed woman was smiling.
"Aimi…" Kallie blurted out pulling the dragon tamer into a surprising embrace. "Oh thank the Goddess. I'm so glad you're here, safe and sound."
"I'm happy you're safe too, Kallie." Aimi murmured into the doctor's hair, relaxing into the hold. "When Brutas threw you off the fortress I thought you were gone forever." The dragon tamer felt the pinprick of tears at the corners of her eyes from the memory.
"Folken…he rescued me," Kallie responded, tears filling her own eyes. The doctor's attention turned to Merle with a warm smile. "Thank you so much for bringing her to us."
Nodding politely Merle spoke gently. "The ceremony will start soon, so this reunion will have to remain brief."
Aimi felt her mouth drop at Merle's uncharacteristic formality. "Merle…" she called out the woman's name gaining attention.
"Lady Aimi?" The cat replied the usual mischievous smile returning to her striped face.
"Never mind," Aimi flushed embarrassed. "I won't be long, I promise."
Continue to smile Merle shut the door behind her allowing Aimi and the Zaibachians privacy. I hope that the introductions to the Empress go all right. Merle thought taking a relaxed position just outside the door against the wall, her ears tuned to the conversations taking place just inside.
"Aimi, this is Aefron, my fiancé and an ambassador for Zaibach." The doctor introduced the unknown man.
"It's an honor to finally meet you," Aefron's quiet baritone spoke. "Kallie has spoken very highly of you. I can only thank you for what you did for Gaea. You saved us all."
Blushing Aimi shook her head. "No, I just stopped the very thing I started."
"Perhaps one day, you'll tell us what happened on the Fortress," Aefron smiled. The woman is beautiful and modest. Folken is a very lucky man, he thought.
"Can I congratulate you on the upcoming nuptials? I heard Folken proposed." Kallie interposed her face lit up.
Flushing again, this time stronger, Aimi laughed. "News really does travel quickly here."
"Only when it deals with Prince Folken and marriage," a voice spoke up from the doorway that led into the bedchambers of the suite.
"Milady," Aefron started with a smile turning to look at the Empress. "May I introduce Lady Aimi," he said with a slight bow of his head.
Standing very still, Aimi watched as the Empress of Zaibach approached her. She hadn't needed an introduction she had already known whom this woman was. The petite redhead resembled Nathan so much that the dragon tamer had to fight to keep her sorrowful emotions in check. "Your highness," Aimi muttered softly bowing her head.
"Please don't bow to me," Laota told the girl, lifting her head with a hand. The woman from the Mystic Moon was nothing and everything that the empress thought she'd be. Aimi was tall, even by a man's standards and athletically slender. She was still somewhat battle-worn but appeared to be every bit as beautiful as Folken claimed. But what Laota found to be striking was the woman's gem green eyes. They had the same strange look Hitomi's had but instead of uneasiness to their peculiarity, Laota felt contentment. I can see why Nathan took such a liking to her. The thought was bittersweet knowing this woman had been the last to see her brother alive.
"After what you've been through, I should be the one bowing to you," Laota continued, a polite but genuine smile on her face. "Though, I do applaud you on the capture of Prince Folken's heart. Your marriage is not unexpected. Both Aefron and I were present when he made his declaration to the council."
"You were there?" Aimi's eyes flashed with interest, she had yet to hear the story.
"It was a rather impressive moment," Aefron said, his seemingly permanent smile getting bigger.
Feeling her cheeks redden deeper Aimi turned from the amused hazel eyes of the emissary and found the steely blue orbs of the Empress watching her intently. She felt her heart ache as she looked at the woman, whose brother had died trying to save Aimi's life. "I'm so sorry about Nathan," Aimi spoke softly.
"I have been waiting to hear what happened to him? Please Aimi, tell me what ensued." Laota pleaded, her eyes filling with unshed tears.
Taking a deep breath, Aimi collected herself. Talking about Nathan's death would be harder than she thought. "I don't know where to start," she spoke, looking at Kallie, who gave a smile and nod of encouragement.
"From the beginning," Laota spoke, laying a soft hand on Aimi's arm.
And so, the dragon tamer began her story, leaving no detail out about the redhead that played such a huge role in her time on Gaea and in her life. Reaching the end of her story, Aimi could feel the tears running down her cheeks. She wiped them from her face and looked sadly at Laota. "I'm so sorry for what happened." She said guiltily.
"No, please don't be!" The Empress responded, approaching Aimi with open arms. Laota brought the younger woman into a gentle embrace. "What Nathan did for you was a choice he alone made and nothing you should be sorry for."
Aimi forced a smile as she hugged the petite royal. "Thank you," she whispered.
A heavy knock on the door interrupted the touching scene between the women. Both separated to watch Aefron open the door revealing Merle with a few Fanelian soldiers as escorts.
"It's time," the cat-woman announced. "The ceremony will begin in the courtyard shortly."
"Understood," Aefron responded. He turned to bow at the Empress before retrieving his jacket from the back of a chair in the study.
"We'll talk more later after the ceremony," Kallie whispered to Aimi. "Perhaps you can tell me how Folken proposed." The doctor giggled grasping her own fiancé's proffered arm.
Aimi smiled at the lighter mood. She couldn't believe that the Empress had accepted the story so graciously. The way Folken had spoken of the woman had made her believe Laota would be heartless and Aimi found that she was anything but that.
"Will you escort me Aimi?" Laota asked looking up at the taller woman with a warm smile.
"Of course," Aimi responded taking the Empress's arm. As they passed Merle, Aimi noted the raised eyebrow of surprise and smirked in return with her own brows raised.
A/N: Thank you for all the favorites and alerts. They mean a lot to me. I'm so glad you guys have stuck it out this far with me. It's been so much fun and I can't wait to finish this and work on other stories. If anyone has any ideas or needs any help let me know, I'm open to it.
I've been really busy this past month traveling over the holidays. I got a Netbook specifically for me to work on for my writing and I love it. It's helping me get the ideas from my head into an electronic device to get to you.
I truly hoped you enjoyed this chapter, though it's shorter than the prior. I think there will be two chapters left and an epilogue. I pretty much know how the story ends and what happens, it just getting it all into the computer.
