Illicit Pleasure

Chapter: One

Title: Innocent Intentions

Rating: R (for later events)

Genre: Romance

Author: Talia (Cascata)

Disclaimer: Do you honestly think I, a 16 year old person thing could create something as awesome as Escaflowne? OKAY! OKAY! I don't own it!

AN: I am aware that thus far my Escaflowne fics suck. No worries, I'm rewriting the other one adding more depth to the characters and such making for a better plot, etc.  This one I couldn't get out of my head once again so… here we go.

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Marline sighed softly and rested her head upon her hand. Another knight to replace the previous, villainous traitor. Why bother? This one will probably do the same, as had the last four. Her thrown was beginning to make her rear numb and the sensation was most unwelcome. However, squirming would appear somewhat un-lady like so she'd have to cope, as she did with everything else.

Turning her head to her father she waited for the formal introductions. May as well get them over with. Her father, however, remained silent and sat tall and proud, no sign of introductions yet.

"Where is he, father?" Marline finally asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Her father turned and looked down at his daughter, no hint of a smile, but no frown. "He shall be here shortly, Marline. I asked him to do me a favor first."

Marline nodded, not entirely sure if she wanted to know what her father was up to. He had often been known to assign several unusual "favors" to his knights. None of which was not chivalrous or humiliating… just odd.

Moments later, Marline fought to keep her face passive as she sat up straight instantly. A tall, slender man walked into the room, causing all idle conversations to cease. His long golden hair flowed around him in a way that captivated all who gazed upon him. He was young, younger than Marline most likely. But he was handsome, by far more so than any of the other Knights of Caeli.

He was already dressed in the blue uniform all knights wore, though his sword was somewhat different from the rest. It was newer, or so it appeared, and much longer. Though this shouldn't have surprised any, it must have been custom made for him. He was very tall, after all.

He held his head high and walked forward, his hair swaying with each step, and his blue eyes locking with Marline's causing her heart to flutter slightly… but why? Within moments he knelt before the king, head bowed, and spoke with a soft, fluid voice. "Your majesty."

King Aston stood, as did his daughter, and he drew his sword. "Allen Crusade Schezar VIII. You have been chosen to follow the codes of chivalry written for Asturia, to stand amongst the Twelve Knights of Caeli as one of the elite protectors of this country. Do you accept?"

"Yes, Sire, I accept," the knight responded strongly, yet with the utmost respect Marline had ever heard.

"Do you accept the responsibility of protecting my family, our country, and our laws unconditionally, even if your life shall be lost in doing so?" King Aston continued.

"Yes, Sire, I accept," he said again, with the same respect as before.

Placing the sword in Marline's hand he gestured for Allen, shocking his elder daughter. Marline looked up at her father in shock and blinked several times. He merely motioned for Allen again and stepped back.

Taking a deep breath Marline struggled to remember the words, and when she found them she realized that all eyes of the court were upon her. Voice trembling slightly, she spoke in a strong voice as she rested the sword on Allen's shoulder. "Repeat after me."

Allen felt his heart skip upon hearing Marline's voice. He hadn't been expecting this part… and she seemed so nervous. "Aye."

Taking another breath, this one trembling more so she cleared her throat and continued. "I, Allen Crusade Schezar VIII…"

"I, Allen Crusade Schezar VIII."

"Shall live to serve King and Country."

Allen glanced up slightly, only enough to see Marline's shoe, "Shall live to serve King and Country."

"To protect Crown and Country and all they hold dear."

"To protect Crown and Country and all they hold dear."

Taking a deep breath she continued through the Code of Chivalry, each line becoming easier to say than the last as she finally gained her courage.

"To be loyal to friends and the trust they place in me."

Allen smiled, "To be loyal to friends, and the trust they place in me."

Marline sighed softly in relief, then tapped both his shoulders with the sword, which was surprisingly light. "Rise, Allen Crusade Schezar VIII, Knight of Caeli."

Allen waited until she removed the sword from his shoulder, then stood gracefully, eyes locking with hers once again. All in the court cheered in excitement, though their screams were unheard by the two as they regarded each other.

King Aston took the sword from his daughter quickly and sheathed it, then turned to the knight. "Congratulations, Allen Schezar. I now give to you Schezarade, one of our well-known ships named in your honor, as well as your fort, stationed at the border of Fanelia and Asturia. You shall also receive the Guymelef we are preparing for you as well as training."

Allen bowed, "My deepest thanks to you, Sire."

King Aston nodded, then turned to his daughter. "Please escort Sir Allen Schezar to the ballroom, I have business to attend with your sister, Eries."

Marline nodded and watched as her father excused his self, then turned back to the knight, who stood looking at her patiently. Blushing already she motioned for the doors he came from and was shocked when he offered his arm. Taking it gently she began to lead him towards the ballroom, ignoring the chaos going on around them.

"You did a wonderful job up there princess. Does he have you swear knights in often?" Allen asked softly, smiling when he felt her arms relax slightly around his.

"No… that was the first time actually," Marline responded softly, eyes remaining on the path.

"Any idea as to why your father would have you do that?"

Marline looked up at him, her mistake realized only when it was too late and their eyes locked. "So that I may have the practice I suppose… he always surprises me with things like that to see how well I can grasp situations."

Allen nodded, eyes still locked with hers and they stopped walking. "I never did introduce myself to you, Princess."

Marline gasped when he dropped to his knee, taking her hand in his, and placed a kiss on her soft skin. "I am Allen Schezar, sweet princess, and I am at your service."

Marline smiled serenely and gazed down at him, then in a soft voice responded, "I am Marline Aston, eldest Princess of Asturia. Pleasure to meet you."

Allen smiled and stood, once again offering his arm of which was taken almost immediately. Within moments, too few for the two of them, they arrived at the ballroom and were greeted by many of the guests and her father.

A slow waltz had begun moments before and Allen led the way in and gently pulled his arm from Marline only long enough to bow and offer his hand, "May I have this dance?"

Marline smiled and nodded, then placed her hand in his.