Chapter 37

"So why did you visit my wife when she was in the hospital?" Kuon asked with a hint of anger in his voice, fishing for something that Kyoko may not have told him to keep the peace.

"Miroku's little angel needed help." He told him casually and factually.

"I thought you were after Kyoko." Kuon stated in not trusting the man's words.

Reino chuckled. "I may not be afraid of death, but I certainly do value the use of my limbs. I'm not stupid enough to go picking apples from your tree." He smirked.

Kuon snorted. "Only Fuwa's huh?"

Reino laughed. "His reactions were just so...Entertaining. Exhilarating if you will." Reino winked at him and left for costuming.

A small thought crossed his mind and quickly died as soon as it had been birthed. Kuon shook his head and laughed. That is one twisted guy.

"Don't think I won't be standing by if you ever lie to her again, though." Reino whispered to himself as he walked away. "Mr. Fairy Prince."

[Dahlia entered the main hall like a cool breeze and began giving orders for the arrival of the new guests. There were many preparations that needed to be made before Ivan returned with his charges.

"Millicent... Rudolf!" She called out to her Housekeeper and her Butler/Valet.

They both appeared quickly with a curtsy and a gentlemanly bow. "Milady?"

"Millicent... Thirteen guests will be arriving before dusk. Have their lodgings prepared and their meals ready by then please." She commanded.

"Yes Mistress." Millicent left set the maids and cooks to task.

"Rudolf, they will need entertainment. They are soldiers..." She smirked. "Use your best judgment, but be sure to include music."

"Yes Milady." He bowed and left.

"Lily!" She called to her Lady's Maid and the closest thing that she had to a best friend.

"Yes Mistress." Lily answered in a even tone.

"I will need my blue dress with the silver thread embroidery and a rose bath prepared." Ivan liked that dress and the smell of roses kept him calm. He may certainly need it on this night.

"Yes Mistress." She curtsied and left Dahlia to instruct her guards on what would occur.

Her Royal Guard in the Throne Room was informed to expect guests, but not to act without her or, Ivan's explicit permission. Ivan would be at her side for the evening.

By evening everything had been prepared. Baths warmed, rooms cleaned and food was ready to be presented. Musicians tuned the instruments and dancers donned their veils.]

"Cut! Alright everyone.. We need to wait a few hours then we'll shoot the dinner party scenes. Everyone meet back here in... about two hours." Konoe announced as he prepared to review the scenes.

{Dahlia had been washed and perfumed and the dress she had chosen to wear for Ivan had a hint of the Middle-eastern garb that she had worn so long ago. The dark blue silk dress flowed freely like water over her curves and the corset accentuated her already small waist. Her hair was pinned up with silver combs that were decorated with small pearls. Her icy blue eyes were shaded and lined and her cheeks were rouged. Her small feet were covered in the softest of fur-lined slippers. She was ready for the festivities.}

[She smiled to herself as she heard his heavy black armor clanking as he walked down the hall to meet her. She knew it was him, his scent filled her senses as a pair of strong arms wrapped around her.

"You look ravishing in that gown my Love." His breath caressed her neck and ear.

She turned in his arms. "I wear it for you my King." She told him as her small hands snaked up around his neck and pulled him into a kiss.

He smiled, flashing his sharp fangs as he ran his tongue over them. "Our esteemed guests have arrived."

She nodded. "I have instructed Rudolf to show them to their rooms to get settled in before Dinner."

He laughed. "Ours or, theirs?" He joked.

She playfully slapped his shoulder. "Ahh, my sweet Ivan." The camera followed them to the main Dining Hall.

"Milady, the guests have been seated." Rudolf informed her then bowed before opening the large ornate doors to announce their arrival.

All became quiet as Rudolf informed Marius of the arrival.

"Please rise for Her Royal Highness Queen Dahlia of Asterales and His Majesty Sir Ivan of Asterales." Marius called out in a clear loud voice then bowed low.

"This should be interesting." Nodin whispered to his second in command.

The young commander's voice kept silent and his eyes went wide as he saw the young queen being led into the room to her seat by the same young man that had escorted them.

Nodin turned irritably to the direction in which his commander's eyes were trained and gasped. "We were escorted here by the King?" Nodin whispered. "She's his queen?" He commented with incredulity as his eyes followed the couple to their seats at the head of the table.

Nodin watched as Dahlia whispered something to Ivan. Then, in a voice that sent shivers down the spines of those who were not accustomed to him, Ivan called out to the musicians. "Play the Queen's favorite." and with that the sounds of music that had never been heard by the visitors began to play. It was the music that had been played to entertain Asmodeus during his many visits over the long years. Dancers soon came out to gracefully dance with their bare feet and veils, coming close to the men but, never allowing them to touch as their hips swayed in fluid motions and castanets jingled to the relaxed Arabian tones.

Dahlia's eyes closed and a peaceful look fell upon her face as she swayed gently to the music in a way that only Ivan would notice. He smiled gently down at her as he stroked her hand.]

The scene was almost perfect but, had to be redone due to one of the dancers being out of line and then the lighting had needed readjusting. After two takes the dance scene had been finished.

"Cut! Let's break for dinner then we'll do scene 87. Alright everyone... You have 45 minutes." Konoe called to the cast and crew as he checked the final cuts of the scene.

Although the meal had been made for the scene, it was still very real and very tasty, so Konoe and all the cast and crew sat down to enjoy everything for dinner.

"So all we have left of filming is another encampment scene and a few more with the prince, then the cast can return home." Konoe commented in the dinner conversation. "I plan on getting a few more shots of the surrounding area for filler and such."

Around the table each actor revealed their plans for the little bit of time that they would have left before having to return to Japan. Many were going to just go back home and relax, but a few like the LME bunch decided that they were going to stay in the area a bit longer and enjoy the comforts of the chalet and the fresh country air.