The Circle's End: Chapter 5
Sherlgirl@mindspring.com
http://www.mindspring.com/~sherline/animania/esca
===================================================================================
Messengers went out to Allen's last known location, but in the aftermath of the terrible battle of nations, Allen had disappeared somewhere, not to be found.
Word came from Gaddes, one of his loyal followers, however, that Allen had returned to his ancestral home.
Eries finally went to Dryden to seek his permission to carry the message to him personally.
"You know I can not refuse you, although I am afraid of what will ensue," Dryden spoke hesitantly.
"Millerna is not the reason I go," Eries shook her head. "I'm going for myself. I realized something long ago - and that is that I need him here beside me, even if it is only as Caeli."
Dryden looked at her with a measure of surprise and pity at the feelings she chose not to express. He slowly nodded his assent. "Go, then, safe journey, Princess. May you find success."
--
As Eries rode up to the Schezar ancestral home, she saw Celena sitting among the flowers.
"Hello," she found her voice as she stepped down and regarded Celena with awe. It gave her great satisfaction to see her back here. She knew from conversations long ago, that only Celena's return could start Allen back on the road to completeness.
As Celena ran to her and hugged her in child-like fashion, Eries gave Celena a kiss on her brow and took a good look at her. Gone was the occasional wild look in her eyes. She was glad - as one of the few who knew the truth behind Celena's disappearance - she wanted Celena to be able to live a normal and peaceful life.
"Good afternoon, Princess." Allen emerged from behind a tree and bowed slightly.
Eries looked up and regarded his face. He was tired, she could tell, thankfully not hurt or sickly as rumors from the battlefield had indicated. "She looks well, " she smiled, indicating Celena. "As do you."
"Do you bring news from court?" Allen nodded to her wearily.
Eries let Celena continue to play with her flowers and moved towards Allen, never breaking her gaze. There was so much she wanted to express... but where to begin? "I've come to ask you to come back to court."
Allen rested his hand on the tree and looked away, "As knight, I must obey my king, although I must admit my own reservations about this. Celena is still learning so much about this world, and I am afraid for her."
Eries pleaded softly, "Celena will be able to come and benefit from the society of other women. I promise to help you myself by watching over her as my own sister, so that you will never worry while on duty."
"I'd like that" Celena looked up, "May we go please, brother"?" Celena looked at Allen hopefully.
"I - " Allen looked a bit awkward. "I don't know how they can ask me, knowing the history that I have with Millerna."
"They're not asking," Eries looked down at her hands, "In fact, they agreed to the situation, but in truth *I* am the one asking. I've waited a long time for Allen Schezar to come back. Please don't make me wait any longer."
Allen heard the strong words and turned around to look at the Princess. He rarely saw these flashes of emotion from her -- he remembered back to a time when her face also was sad - in Hitomi's chamber that night long ago. A sudden thought startled him.
Eries loved him.
He turned his back to her, and stared at the bark of the tree in front of him.
Eries colored at Allen's weary face and his silence. "I'm sorry to impose on you and Celena. I see that I have offended you with my request. I shall take my leave.." She left quickly, without a glance back at Allen.
Allen turned briefly to watch her ride off and then back to Celena, who watched Eries leave with sadness in her eyes. She was too young to understand that in the world outside, princesses and knights could never be allowed to live out their heart.
----
Dryden sought out Millerna, who often spent her afternoons studying the texts of science and writing letters. He rarely bothered her here, saving most of their discussion for dinner, however - he couldn't wait.
"Millerna," he stepped into her library unannounced.
"Oh!" Millerna flushed prettily as she put down her letter.
Dryden noticed her nervousness. "Is this a bad time?"
"No, please" Millerna came over to him, and led him to a chair. "What brings you here?"
"Your sister." He sighed, still eyeing the letter on her desk. "Her excursions are creating a headache and concern among the guards and several of the townsfolk. She continues with her ladies unescorted into isolated or dangerous places."
Millerna shook her head, "She rarely listens to anyone, myself and father included. Only Allen was able to get through to her."
"Allen is nowhere to be found." Dryden responded neutrally.
"Actually," Millerna responded rather quickly, "I have heard news of his location. If you were to send news..."
"Yes," said Dryden thoughtfully as he stroked his chin, "perhaps this warrants recalling Allen Schezar. But should it not be you who sends for him?" Dryden pressed gently. "Would that not bring him here?"
Millerna looked away, "It hardly seems appropriate. I would rather not."
Dryden looked confused, "Millerna - I am not blind to the observation that you have been pining for Allen all the time I have known you - why this need for propriety?"
Millerna colored, and then picked up the letter in her hands and threw it at him. "You daft man!! Do you expect me to send this and then another letter asking him to come?"
She ran out in a fit of emotion, leaving a stunned Dryden in her wake.
Slowly , he picked up the letters off the floor and read them quickly. He, in a flurry of joy, quit the room.
-------------
With King Aston's death, all of Gaea came out to honor the passing and to also honor the instatement of the new King and Queen.
Familiar faces were plenty. And Allen Schezar was among them. The Knight Caeli could not evade his final duty to escort the funeral pyre to the ocean nor the summons of his new masters.
Allen walked around in a cloud of gloom. Most assumed from his tense expression that he was deeply affected by the King's death. But in truth, Allen's turmoil related more to the daughters of the family.
In his pocket, Millerna's letter sat. It had come several weeks past and while it bore less than hopeful news for him, it had begun a process of burying the past.
... as the presumed Heir, I see that I have other duties and a husband who desperately wants something more than a political marriage. When I first met Dryden, I thought him at best a foolish man, at worst , a mercenary. But as I learn more of Dryden, and learn from him, I grew to respect him.
Slowly, I have learned that respect becomes the basis for love. I don't know if that's something that makes sense to you. But I love him and owe him my every effort to try to build up a marriage. He loves me completely and solely, enough to have let me go when he thought you and I wished to be married. It was then I experienced my first awareness that I loved him. Please understand. -M
When Allen had read Millerna's letter to him, he accepted her desire to move on from the past and build a future with Dryden. He knew that it was only right, as Dryden was her husband according to law. When he opened the second letter, he expected to read that he had been posted to the outer reaches of Asturia, to allow the couple peace from speculation and distrust. But the second letter from Dryden, apparently asked him to return to the city.
Allen had wondered about this strange request. Perhaps the change in power needed to be safeguarded, or some new trouble was a foot. He could not rest until he knew the truth. Finally, he found Dryden on the grounds studying a rather strangely sculpted bush and was able to ask.
Dryden looked amused, "I do not think there are any plots to overthrow the apparent Heirs. Especially not with the people of Asturia on our side."
"Then," Allen looked puzzled, "why not let me continue supervising the rebuilding of our forts?"
"King Aston expressed his regret in his final days that he did not have you stationed here. He trusted your judgement and loyalties," Dryden spoke smoothly, "as Millerna and I trust yours. We wish you stay, if that is your will, and continue to assist us with defending the honor of Asturia. "
"Dryden - " Allen looked embarrassed, "Is that wise, considering all our mutual history? "
Dryden shook his head, "The past is past. And I have a need for a soldier in my council. A merchant has a certain distaste and unfamiliarity with war. "
"Then," Allen bowed, humbled by Dryden's trust and generosity. "I agree to serve Asturia and the King."
Dryden stroked his chin, and laughed at the formal address. "That is rather odd, I wish you and the others wouldn't do that."
Allen smiled slightly. "Sire, you need to become acquainted with that title and role. What particular detail would your Highness ask I handle at this time?"
Dryden picked up a flower and studied it carefully, "Millerna and I would like you to assign a special detail to Princess Eries."
"The Princess!? Have there been threats?" Allen's eyes narrowed protectively.
"The Princess is not careful," Dryden sighed, "she travels without guard quite a bit, and into areas that even the townspeople fear are not safe for her. It seems that shortly prior to her father's death - that she became quite obstinate to the idea of an escort."
"Is she unwell?" Allen grew thoughtful.
"Not in body, but in spirit." Dryden looked at Allen candidly, "She seems to have suffered some sort of disappointment recently. Please protect her. You are the only one she trusts."
"I see, if my King requests, I must oblige. "
"Allen," Dryden frowned, "there is one other thing you must do. King Aston had final words to give you, but since you did not appear, he gave something to me to hand to you. He was insistent that you get this, and that when you were ready, to come to me so that I could help fulfill whatever his last bequest was for you."
Allen regarded the scroll sealed with the royal emblem curiously. He bowed quickly and then withdrew for privacy.
--
Eries was often visiting the orphanages and refugee establishments around town. In the aftermath of all the war and destruction, refugees were flocking to Asturia for assistance. Even with both Dryden and Millerna ruling together, they needed so much help.
She found comfort in this - despite the memories it brought back memories of another time, when a young knight had accompanied her to these selfsame places.
She was aware that Allen was at court. After all, all the knights and soldiers of Asturia were recalled to court with the passing of her father to maintain order in the town and to also pay homage to the new king and queen.
But she kept away - despite her past tendencies to find him, wherever he was.
She knew her behavior, even her solitude worried Millerna and Dryden excessively, but as their elder, they had to respect her wishes and leave her be. Even the normal attachment of guards she had sent away - choosing only to take a few handmaidens. The guards intimidated the children, she argued, and were not welcomed into many of these places.
It was often dusk when she left, and dark enough to give her the opportunity to slide back into the palace where a hot meal would be waiting in her own chambers. She rode this particular evening more quickly, as she had lost time trying to help manage a particularly ill child.
As she traveled down the road with her accompanying handmaidens, it was a lonely ride . They had been quite far out this day and most folks were inside eating their evening meal.
She saw in the distance, a lone figure riding on horseback toward their party. The ladies formed a tighter formation and began to speed up.
They passed the man, and then continued onwards, choosing to make haste.
"Excuse me, your Highness," the man on horseback turned around had circled back to follow.
Eries frowned as she slowed the horse. Her handmaidens drew protectively to her side.
"I apologize. If I may ask, will you let me accompany you?"
She started as she heard the familiar question. She turned around in her seat and stared at the man.
Allen Schezar smiled at her and her ladies. "It seems that it has been a long while since I have had the pleasure of escorting your Highness. I have neglected my position as protector, and it is one that apparently King Dryden felt I needed especially to fill. " He bowed his head politely, "If I may accompany you back."
Eries nodded, and allowed Allen to pull alongside her. Her ladies, out of deference, pulled back slightly.
"Allen Schezar," she was glad for the darkness, for it hid her blush. "Are you staying then in the city?? Has my brother convinced you to stay?"
Allen paused, "I have a specific commission to stay by your side, Eries. I'm completely at your disposal."
Eries shook her head, "You must understand this is not my doing. When you would not come before, I accepted your choice, Allen Schezar. "
"Dryden had recalled me." Allen spoke. "And your father's passing had mandated that I return. But do not be angry with me. I want to tell you something I had thought."
I had wrongly assumed," Allen spoke gently, "that you had become infatuated with me." He took something out of his cloak, "But your father left a scroll for me in which he had pointed out something interesting to me."
Eries' eyes widened.
"He apologized for putting me in such difficult assignments and for sending me alone away from court. But then he mentioned something interesting. I had always wondered," he smiled, "why Millerna was successor, and why an older princess was overlooked." Allen finally reached over and took her reins. "Are these two circumstances related??" he asked gently.
Eries looked off far in the distance, "Father must have known that even after what happened with Marlene, I was in love with you." A tear rolled down her cheek. "Father knew, and saw that as long as you were there, I would keep refusing every match intended to bring me to the throne. He kept you away to punish me into accepting his will."
Allen looked at her beautiful features clearly, but chose not to comment on her words. She had a look of regret which he knew he could not say anything to appease at the moment "Princess, Come with me now," he urged her horse to follow, "we must see Dryden."
She followed him meekly, perhaps still in shock over having all this revealed to Allen. She barely noticed Allen leading her to Dryden's library.
"Dryden," Allen bowed quickly, "I've come to make a request of you according to the terms we agreed earlier. It seems that the King made one final request which I have decided to honor."
Dryden took the offered scroll and read it. He then nodded, "Proceed."
"The king has made a request that I return to the city as Knight Caeli and as especial guard for the Princess Eries according to my own conditions."
"I will grant those conditions if it is in my power, Knight."
"Your Highness," Allen took Eries' hand and led her forward. "I have agreed to this commission. But in order to further protect her name and reputation, I desire to do so as her consort."
Dryden looked at the startled figure of Eries, "I as King do have the authority, but require the opinion of the princess." He looked at her kindly. "What say you, Eries?"
She looked to the floor, torn because she wanted Allen to marry out of love, not duty. But, she also knew that would be too much to ask. She would accept that life then "I consent, my liege... "
"Then," Dryden smiled at Allen, "I declare it so. The marriage will take forth in three moon's time. As it in my power, I also give to you the lordship of your betrothed's familial lands in its entirety. Allen Schezar, this effectively also gives you a seat on the High Council"
Dryden congratulated them and then dismissed himself.
"Why, Allen?" Eries finally broke the silence. "Did this happen so Father could keep you here to protect our family? "
"I came back for the King and Queen," he spoke quietly, "but I stay for different reasons." He took her hand," I don't want to marry you out of political convenience or because of a code of honor, Princess." Allen looked into her eyes, "I have always allowed openly my admiration of you and your faithfulness and trustworthiness. But that day you came, I doubted the truth of your feelings. I let you go, so to protect you from what I thought was a fancy." He cleared his throat, "But your father's word illustrated the steadfastness of your feelings."
Eries bowed her head.
"Allen," she blushed, "You told me then that you would never love again... I could do with your respect and your honor, I'm not a naïve woman who expects you to forget the past -"
Allen took her face in his hands and looked at her. "Let me tell you something. Don't think about Marlene, Millerna or even Hitomi --they are come and gone. When you had asked me to come back with you , I had already thought to answer "Yes," but I had stopped, when I considered your position and mine. I was afraid of repeating the past - falling in love with a woman I was sworn to protect and then watching that woman leave me."
"Allen!" Eries looked up and saw his sincerity reflected in his face. "But-"
"Shh." He shook his head, "This is the way it should be, Eries. Now no one will tell us otherwise." He looked into her eyes, and before she could voice another word, he silenced her with a kiss.
=====
It was a glorious day for a wedding, as Eries and Allen traveled separately down the canal taking them past the throng of well-wishers who had turned out in record numbers.
Perhaps it was the desire to see the infamous Allen Schezar - master swordsman and foresworn bachelor - finally get married. Or perhaps it was to see the last of the princesses of Asturia finally married.
Whatever the reason - Knights never married their princesses. However, as Princess Eries Aria Aston and Knight Allen Schezar walked down the red carpet together, to the salute of the eleven Caeli - conventions were being rewritten.
The crowd marveled as the vows were spoken and the rings were exchanged.
Neither knight or princess paid much attention to the crowd. As Allen Schezar leaned down to kiss his new wife, he smiled mysteriously. As he looked into her beautiful, serene face - he had suddenly thought back to a dinner conversation where Meiden the merchant had once asked. "Is it a sin to love something so beautiful?"
And as the crowd continued to roar, he knew his answer.
Apparently not.
===
And may I say, "The end!" For those who want to see the accompanying fanart to this chapter please go to the listed URL. You will also find a story in progress that follows Dryden and Millerna (and a bit of Eries and Allen as well!)
Sherlgirl@mindspring.com
http://www.mindspring.com/~sherline/animania/esca
===================================================================================
Messengers went out to Allen's last known location, but in the aftermath of the terrible battle of nations, Allen had disappeared somewhere, not to be found.
Word came from Gaddes, one of his loyal followers, however, that Allen had returned to his ancestral home.
Eries finally went to Dryden to seek his permission to carry the message to him personally.
"You know I can not refuse you, although I am afraid of what will ensue," Dryden spoke hesitantly.
"Millerna is not the reason I go," Eries shook her head. "I'm going for myself. I realized something long ago - and that is that I need him here beside me, even if it is only as Caeli."
Dryden looked at her with a measure of surprise and pity at the feelings she chose not to express. He slowly nodded his assent. "Go, then, safe journey, Princess. May you find success."
--
As Eries rode up to the Schezar ancestral home, she saw Celena sitting among the flowers.
"Hello," she found her voice as she stepped down and regarded Celena with awe. It gave her great satisfaction to see her back here. She knew from conversations long ago, that only Celena's return could start Allen back on the road to completeness.
As Celena ran to her and hugged her in child-like fashion, Eries gave Celena a kiss on her brow and took a good look at her. Gone was the occasional wild look in her eyes. She was glad - as one of the few who knew the truth behind Celena's disappearance - she wanted Celena to be able to live a normal and peaceful life.
"Good afternoon, Princess." Allen emerged from behind a tree and bowed slightly.
Eries looked up and regarded his face. He was tired, she could tell, thankfully not hurt or sickly as rumors from the battlefield had indicated. "She looks well, " she smiled, indicating Celena. "As do you."
"Do you bring news from court?" Allen nodded to her wearily.
Eries let Celena continue to play with her flowers and moved towards Allen, never breaking her gaze. There was so much she wanted to express... but where to begin? "I've come to ask you to come back to court."
Allen rested his hand on the tree and looked away, "As knight, I must obey my king, although I must admit my own reservations about this. Celena is still learning so much about this world, and I am afraid for her."
Eries pleaded softly, "Celena will be able to come and benefit from the society of other women. I promise to help you myself by watching over her as my own sister, so that you will never worry while on duty."
"I'd like that" Celena looked up, "May we go please, brother"?" Celena looked at Allen hopefully.
"I - " Allen looked a bit awkward. "I don't know how they can ask me, knowing the history that I have with Millerna."
"They're not asking," Eries looked down at her hands, "In fact, they agreed to the situation, but in truth *I* am the one asking. I've waited a long time for Allen Schezar to come back. Please don't make me wait any longer."
Allen heard the strong words and turned around to look at the Princess. He rarely saw these flashes of emotion from her -- he remembered back to a time when her face also was sad - in Hitomi's chamber that night long ago. A sudden thought startled him.
Eries loved him.
He turned his back to her, and stared at the bark of the tree in front of him.
Eries colored at Allen's weary face and his silence. "I'm sorry to impose on you and Celena. I see that I have offended you with my request. I shall take my leave.." She left quickly, without a glance back at Allen.
Allen turned briefly to watch her ride off and then back to Celena, who watched Eries leave with sadness in her eyes. She was too young to understand that in the world outside, princesses and knights could never be allowed to live out their heart.
----
Dryden sought out Millerna, who often spent her afternoons studying the texts of science and writing letters. He rarely bothered her here, saving most of their discussion for dinner, however - he couldn't wait.
"Millerna," he stepped into her library unannounced.
"Oh!" Millerna flushed prettily as she put down her letter.
Dryden noticed her nervousness. "Is this a bad time?"
"No, please" Millerna came over to him, and led him to a chair. "What brings you here?"
"Your sister." He sighed, still eyeing the letter on her desk. "Her excursions are creating a headache and concern among the guards and several of the townsfolk. She continues with her ladies unescorted into isolated or dangerous places."
Millerna shook her head, "She rarely listens to anyone, myself and father included. Only Allen was able to get through to her."
"Allen is nowhere to be found." Dryden responded neutrally.
"Actually," Millerna responded rather quickly, "I have heard news of his location. If you were to send news..."
"Yes," said Dryden thoughtfully as he stroked his chin, "perhaps this warrants recalling Allen Schezar. But should it not be you who sends for him?" Dryden pressed gently. "Would that not bring him here?"
Millerna looked away, "It hardly seems appropriate. I would rather not."
Dryden looked confused, "Millerna - I am not blind to the observation that you have been pining for Allen all the time I have known you - why this need for propriety?"
Millerna colored, and then picked up the letter in her hands and threw it at him. "You daft man!! Do you expect me to send this and then another letter asking him to come?"
She ran out in a fit of emotion, leaving a stunned Dryden in her wake.
Slowly , he picked up the letters off the floor and read them quickly. He, in a flurry of joy, quit the room.
-------------
With King Aston's death, all of Gaea came out to honor the passing and to also honor the instatement of the new King and Queen.
Familiar faces were plenty. And Allen Schezar was among them. The Knight Caeli could not evade his final duty to escort the funeral pyre to the ocean nor the summons of his new masters.
Allen walked around in a cloud of gloom. Most assumed from his tense expression that he was deeply affected by the King's death. But in truth, Allen's turmoil related more to the daughters of the family.
In his pocket, Millerna's letter sat. It had come several weeks past and while it bore less than hopeful news for him, it had begun a process of burying the past.
... as the presumed Heir, I see that I have other duties and a husband who desperately wants something more than a political marriage. When I first met Dryden, I thought him at best a foolish man, at worst , a mercenary. But as I learn more of Dryden, and learn from him, I grew to respect him.
Slowly, I have learned that respect becomes the basis for love. I don't know if that's something that makes sense to you. But I love him and owe him my every effort to try to build up a marriage. He loves me completely and solely, enough to have let me go when he thought you and I wished to be married. It was then I experienced my first awareness that I loved him. Please understand. -M
When Allen had read Millerna's letter to him, he accepted her desire to move on from the past and build a future with Dryden. He knew that it was only right, as Dryden was her husband according to law. When he opened the second letter, he expected to read that he had been posted to the outer reaches of Asturia, to allow the couple peace from speculation and distrust. But the second letter from Dryden, apparently asked him to return to the city.
Allen had wondered about this strange request. Perhaps the change in power needed to be safeguarded, or some new trouble was a foot. He could not rest until he knew the truth. Finally, he found Dryden on the grounds studying a rather strangely sculpted bush and was able to ask.
Dryden looked amused, "I do not think there are any plots to overthrow the apparent Heirs. Especially not with the people of Asturia on our side."
"Then," Allen looked puzzled, "why not let me continue supervising the rebuilding of our forts?"
"King Aston expressed his regret in his final days that he did not have you stationed here. He trusted your judgement and loyalties," Dryden spoke smoothly, "as Millerna and I trust yours. We wish you stay, if that is your will, and continue to assist us with defending the honor of Asturia. "
"Dryden - " Allen looked embarrassed, "Is that wise, considering all our mutual history? "
Dryden shook his head, "The past is past. And I have a need for a soldier in my council. A merchant has a certain distaste and unfamiliarity with war. "
"Then," Allen bowed, humbled by Dryden's trust and generosity. "I agree to serve Asturia and the King."
Dryden stroked his chin, and laughed at the formal address. "That is rather odd, I wish you and the others wouldn't do that."
Allen smiled slightly. "Sire, you need to become acquainted with that title and role. What particular detail would your Highness ask I handle at this time?"
Dryden picked up a flower and studied it carefully, "Millerna and I would like you to assign a special detail to Princess Eries."
"The Princess!? Have there been threats?" Allen's eyes narrowed protectively.
"The Princess is not careful," Dryden sighed, "she travels without guard quite a bit, and into areas that even the townspeople fear are not safe for her. It seems that shortly prior to her father's death - that she became quite obstinate to the idea of an escort."
"Is she unwell?" Allen grew thoughtful.
"Not in body, but in spirit." Dryden looked at Allen candidly, "She seems to have suffered some sort of disappointment recently. Please protect her. You are the only one she trusts."
"I see, if my King requests, I must oblige. "
"Allen," Dryden frowned, "there is one other thing you must do. King Aston had final words to give you, but since you did not appear, he gave something to me to hand to you. He was insistent that you get this, and that when you were ready, to come to me so that I could help fulfill whatever his last bequest was for you."
Allen regarded the scroll sealed with the royal emblem curiously. He bowed quickly and then withdrew for privacy.
--
Eries was often visiting the orphanages and refugee establishments around town. In the aftermath of all the war and destruction, refugees were flocking to Asturia for assistance. Even with both Dryden and Millerna ruling together, they needed so much help.
She found comfort in this - despite the memories it brought back memories of another time, when a young knight had accompanied her to these selfsame places.
She was aware that Allen was at court. After all, all the knights and soldiers of Asturia were recalled to court with the passing of her father to maintain order in the town and to also pay homage to the new king and queen.
But she kept away - despite her past tendencies to find him, wherever he was.
She knew her behavior, even her solitude worried Millerna and Dryden excessively, but as their elder, they had to respect her wishes and leave her be. Even the normal attachment of guards she had sent away - choosing only to take a few handmaidens. The guards intimidated the children, she argued, and were not welcomed into many of these places.
It was often dusk when she left, and dark enough to give her the opportunity to slide back into the palace where a hot meal would be waiting in her own chambers. She rode this particular evening more quickly, as she had lost time trying to help manage a particularly ill child.
As she traveled down the road with her accompanying handmaidens, it was a lonely ride . They had been quite far out this day and most folks were inside eating their evening meal.
She saw in the distance, a lone figure riding on horseback toward their party. The ladies formed a tighter formation and began to speed up.
They passed the man, and then continued onwards, choosing to make haste.
"Excuse me, your Highness," the man on horseback turned around had circled back to follow.
Eries frowned as she slowed the horse. Her handmaidens drew protectively to her side.
"I apologize. If I may ask, will you let me accompany you?"
She started as she heard the familiar question. She turned around in her seat and stared at the man.
Allen Schezar smiled at her and her ladies. "It seems that it has been a long while since I have had the pleasure of escorting your Highness. I have neglected my position as protector, and it is one that apparently King Dryden felt I needed especially to fill. " He bowed his head politely, "If I may accompany you back."
Eries nodded, and allowed Allen to pull alongside her. Her ladies, out of deference, pulled back slightly.
"Allen Schezar," she was glad for the darkness, for it hid her blush. "Are you staying then in the city?? Has my brother convinced you to stay?"
Allen paused, "I have a specific commission to stay by your side, Eries. I'm completely at your disposal."
Eries shook her head, "You must understand this is not my doing. When you would not come before, I accepted your choice, Allen Schezar. "
"Dryden had recalled me." Allen spoke. "And your father's passing had mandated that I return. But do not be angry with me. I want to tell you something I had thought."
I had wrongly assumed," Allen spoke gently, "that you had become infatuated with me." He took something out of his cloak, "But your father left a scroll for me in which he had pointed out something interesting to me."
Eries' eyes widened.
"He apologized for putting me in such difficult assignments and for sending me alone away from court. But then he mentioned something interesting. I had always wondered," he smiled, "why Millerna was successor, and why an older princess was overlooked." Allen finally reached over and took her reins. "Are these two circumstances related??" he asked gently.
Eries looked off far in the distance, "Father must have known that even after what happened with Marlene, I was in love with you." A tear rolled down her cheek. "Father knew, and saw that as long as you were there, I would keep refusing every match intended to bring me to the throne. He kept you away to punish me into accepting his will."
Allen looked at her beautiful features clearly, but chose not to comment on her words. She had a look of regret which he knew he could not say anything to appease at the moment "Princess, Come with me now," he urged her horse to follow, "we must see Dryden."
She followed him meekly, perhaps still in shock over having all this revealed to Allen. She barely noticed Allen leading her to Dryden's library.
"Dryden," Allen bowed quickly, "I've come to make a request of you according to the terms we agreed earlier. It seems that the King made one final request which I have decided to honor."
Dryden took the offered scroll and read it. He then nodded, "Proceed."
"The king has made a request that I return to the city as Knight Caeli and as especial guard for the Princess Eries according to my own conditions."
"I will grant those conditions if it is in my power, Knight."
"Your Highness," Allen took Eries' hand and led her forward. "I have agreed to this commission. But in order to further protect her name and reputation, I desire to do so as her consort."
Dryden looked at the startled figure of Eries, "I as King do have the authority, but require the opinion of the princess." He looked at her kindly. "What say you, Eries?"
She looked to the floor, torn because she wanted Allen to marry out of love, not duty. But, she also knew that would be too much to ask. She would accept that life then "I consent, my liege... "
"Then," Dryden smiled at Allen, "I declare it so. The marriage will take forth in three moon's time. As it in my power, I also give to you the lordship of your betrothed's familial lands in its entirety. Allen Schezar, this effectively also gives you a seat on the High Council"
Dryden congratulated them and then dismissed himself.
"Why, Allen?" Eries finally broke the silence. "Did this happen so Father could keep you here to protect our family? "
"I came back for the King and Queen," he spoke quietly, "but I stay for different reasons." He took her hand," I don't want to marry you out of political convenience or because of a code of honor, Princess." Allen looked into her eyes, "I have always allowed openly my admiration of you and your faithfulness and trustworthiness. But that day you came, I doubted the truth of your feelings. I let you go, so to protect you from what I thought was a fancy." He cleared his throat, "But your father's word illustrated the steadfastness of your feelings."
Eries bowed her head.
"Allen," she blushed, "You told me then that you would never love again... I could do with your respect and your honor, I'm not a naïve woman who expects you to forget the past -"
Allen took her face in his hands and looked at her. "Let me tell you something. Don't think about Marlene, Millerna or even Hitomi --they are come and gone. When you had asked me to come back with you , I had already thought to answer "Yes," but I had stopped, when I considered your position and mine. I was afraid of repeating the past - falling in love with a woman I was sworn to protect and then watching that woman leave me."
"Allen!" Eries looked up and saw his sincerity reflected in his face. "But-"
"Shh." He shook his head, "This is the way it should be, Eries. Now no one will tell us otherwise." He looked into her eyes, and before she could voice another word, he silenced her with a kiss.
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It was a glorious day for a wedding, as Eries and Allen traveled separately down the canal taking them past the throng of well-wishers who had turned out in record numbers.
Perhaps it was the desire to see the infamous Allen Schezar - master swordsman and foresworn bachelor - finally get married. Or perhaps it was to see the last of the princesses of Asturia finally married.
Whatever the reason - Knights never married their princesses. However, as Princess Eries Aria Aston and Knight Allen Schezar walked down the red carpet together, to the salute of the eleven Caeli - conventions were being rewritten.
The crowd marveled as the vows were spoken and the rings were exchanged.
Neither knight or princess paid much attention to the crowd. As Allen Schezar leaned down to kiss his new wife, he smiled mysteriously. As he looked into her beautiful, serene face - he had suddenly thought back to a dinner conversation where Meiden the merchant had once asked. "Is it a sin to love something so beautiful?"
And as the crowd continued to roar, he knew his answer.
Apparently not.
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And may I say, "The end!" For those who want to see the accompanying fanart to this chapter please go to the listed URL. You will also find a story in progress that follows Dryden and Millerna (and a bit of Eries and Allen as well!)
