Chapter Two: Crush
Disclaim: I don't own Escaflowne (I wish!), but I do own the characters and plot that I made up.
"You did what! How could you do such a crazy thing?" Alias DeCour asked in disbelief.
"I have done crazier things than that. Besides if father can talk about uncle Folken, then why can't he talk about Escaflowne?"
I paused to take a doll from my basket and handed it to a little girl. I decided that every birthday I would give the children toys since I would be receiving something of my own. The sun was in its afternoon set. I covered my eyes with my hand.
Thank heavens I decided to wear my green pants and white top.
Normally I would wear my royal gown, but I didn't want people looking at me funny. My pants come under my knees and my blouse was frilly at the ends and I had a sash around my waist. My auburn hair was pulled up and braided down.
"When a man goes to war, it changes everything about him," Alias voice cut through the air.
I whipped around and gave him my angry stare.
"What do you know about Escaflowne!" I said accusingly.
I could see Alias swallow hard trying to compose himself. I didn't wait for his answer. I simply walked towards the stand filled with merchandise. I saw a rose quartz ring hang on a golden vine string. I cautiously picked it up and held it at eye level.
"How much?" I inquired gesturing my head towards the ring.
" Five copper coins," the merchant smiled smugly.
I reached into my basket, pulled out my pouch and handed him the coins. I thanked him and silently congradulated myself when I saw the look on his face. I headed in the direction of the castle. Alias come up beside but didn't speak. I stole a glance of him. He was around 5 foot 9, with blond hair like Folken's except not spiked and deep green eyes like Fanelia's forests. He was only 16, but a lord serving on the council as the ambassador. His mother and father had died when he was young, so he practically loved with me for 10 years. He caught my stare, reached up and brushed a stray of hair away from my eyes. I looked back into his intense green eyes.
" So, are you going to tell me why you brought that ring?" Alias asked as we walked through the garden towards the pavilion.
" I have to get married sometime." I blurted out.
I was going to say I liked the colour, but I don't know what came over me.
"We grew up together. I think of you as a brother, but I have two brothers already. I guess I could say I'm quite fond of you in a more than friends way."
I could feel my cheeks burn. I forced myself to look up at Alias. To my surprise he reached down and took my hands into his.
"When we were little, I thought of you as a sister, but as soon as we got older, we saw each other as friends and I suppose we are called blossoming young love. I just don't think your brothers will approve.
His last sentence hit me pretty hard. Alias kept his eyes down refusing to met mine.
"My brothers trust you. They trust that you will protect me, take care of me and make me happy. What more could they want!" I shouted.
I freed my grasp with Alias and gave him a cool stare.
"Haven't you considered the fact that just because they trust me doesn't mean they'll trust me to be your husband. They are your brothers and they have to worry even if I'm their friend. Being a companion and a husband are two different things," Alias shouted back.
His voice sounded upset. I turned my back to him soaking in my anger. I felt his hand grasp my left arm.
"Don't, " I said annoying trying to free myself.
I didn't have time to realize that he was now holding me close to his chest. My head fit right under his chin and his right arm wars around my waist and the other holding my free hand.
"Look, I just don't want you mad at me tomorrow because your brothers saw us together and ordered me to stay away from you," Alias said softly.
"I'll survive," I answered back and lifted my head to met his eyes.
He picked up my right hand and gently kissed it. I smiled. My heart was beating rapidly against my chest. He lifted his eyes and I stared right back. He bent his head forward to my face and as he came closer, I shut my eyes and lifted my face to his. Our lips touched and he pulled me closer to him. I savoured every moment not wanting this kiss to stop.
