Disclaimer: Don't own Escaflowne just the new names like Perlis, Otis, Relim, Yotsu you get the point.

A/N Sorry it took me a while to add another chapter hope everyone isn't too mad. I just kinda got in an accident and tests and school so I've been busy. Thanks to all the reviewers!! And those who write me and encourage me! I hope everyone enjoys and thanks for reviews. Enjoy.



The buzz of strings slicing air and foots crushing the morning crust of mud filled the clearing. Soldiers packed their horses and grumbled hearty laughter with each other. The glittering sunlight of the cheerful gold orb crept into ever nook and cranny of the forest. Clouds faded with the retreating moon and blue skies spilled into view. For a moment the tiny paradise relished in the peaceful morning blithely ignoring the dire circumstances.

Among all the movement Hitomi merrily rose from the tent floor. Last night had been true bliss but Van had insisted that they return to camp for fear of a search party. The soft chirp of blue jays and squeak of forest creatures greeted her ears in the morning hassle. Leaning forward Hitomi pulled the tent flaps back to find her emeralds mere centimeters away from bright blue orbs.

"MORNING HITOMI!" Merle's happy voice cheered

Hitomi giggled at the bouncy cat woman in front of her, "Hello Merle"

Merle's grin spread from one end of her face to the other as she pulled Hitomi from the propped up tent.

"Lord Van is helping with the packing and Allen is organizing the armies, we're heading back today. Well you are I'm going with Relim to visit Westin."

Hitomi froze in her step and turned with an mischievous grin to her cat friend, "Really now?" she inquired

Merle narrowed her eyes to visible slits and extended her claws, "Really, he invited me this morning you want to make something of it?" she hissed

Hitomi giggled and pulled Merle along towards the still burning group fire. Relim and Otis were packing up pots and pans. Erant sat on a log hugging his wife who still refused to let off with her rib-crushing embrace. Relim arched his back and rubbed his neck after kicking some dirt into the large fire.

"Feather bed," he reminded himself

"Vacation," was the only mutterings Otis produced.

Erant smiled at the two, "Quit complaining and finish packing up"

Otis just kept up his vacation mutterings but Relim kicked a clod of dirt at Erant's feet, "It is only for fear of embarrassing you in front of your lady that I don't challenge you right here you lackwit!!!"

The threat only caused more laughter to flow from the mirthful King.

"Very well," he managed in between chuckles

Relim glared until he turned to see the approaching Merle and Hitomi.

"Good Morning ladies!" he waved, "Merle will you be accompanying me to my oasis retreat?" he smiled at the ever apparent blush on Merle's cheeks

"Um…" she stuttered and Hitomi giggled.

Merle elbowed her friend in the stomach and turned to grin at Relim, "Yes Lord Van said I could"

"Great!" he smiled, "We'll be leaving any minute now"

Merle nodded and turned to drag Hitomi back to her tent to pack. But Hitomi was frozen.

"Merle did he say oasis?" she whispered in abhor

"Yea, Westin is the Kingdom of the desert it's built in the largest oasis on Gaia despite the heat it's very beautiful. I haven't been there in years now after Zaibach destroyed it the desert people kept to themselves shamed at their kingdom in shambles. They've just recently really opened back up to Gaia."

Hitomi felt the nausea sweep over her, something wasn't right but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Desert. The sand. Thoughts shot through her mind of all the possible reasons she could be so frightened by the golden specks of the dunes but she couldn't figure it out. Finally she pulled herself out of the trance, with the help of Merle's shaking of course.

"Hitomi!!?!? Hitomi are you alright?!" the frantic voice jerked her out of her thoughts

Pushing her hand against her forehead Hitomi urged the ground to stop spinning and begged her feet to remain balanced as Merle continued shaking.

"Yea Merle I'm fine," she gave a faint smile trying to reassure her friend

"Alright," Merle skeptically scanned her friend's features before removing her paws.

"Well I'll see you in a week I have to get going Relim is leaving. Be careful Hitomi and watch over Lord Van for me!"

Hitomi waved to the retreating back of the cat girl then she frowned as a realization dawned on her.

"HEY! WHAT ABOUT THE COUNSEL YOU'RE LEAVING THAT ALL TO VAN AND ALLEN?!?! YOU LITTLE SNEAK!!!"

Merle stopped her tail twitching as she turned around. She gave Hitomi a sheepish grin and a wink.

"I have no idea what you're talking about!" she called back, "Have fun!"

Hitomi rolled her eyes, 'That Merle' she shook her head smiling all the while. It didn't take long before everyone said their good byes and armies began to disappear. Basram left with an apology to King Van and Freid disappeared through the foliage. Richard led Zaibach home whistling all the while. Erant couldn't express his thanks as much as he wanted to and Van understood so he finally sent Erant and Genevieve back to Telan with the soldiers. Otis and Relim had left laughing at their jokes Merle stifling her own giggles. So Allen, General Sakuma, and Van rounded up Fanelia and Asturia's armies and headed home for Fanelia.

Hitomi currently sat daydreaming up at the hypnotizing sunlight cracking through the lush treetops overhead. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't see the horse pull up along side her.

"Do I fit somewhere in those thoughts?" the man questioned smiling and the sudden jolt that went through Hitomi

She blinked and turned to see Van grinning like a fool from her right side.

"Maybe," she teased turning back to the front of her horse.

"Maybe! Lady I'm insulted! I demand to know who commands your thoughts so I may challenge the him!"

Hitomi giggled at Van's outrage, she knew it was for show so she just clung to her reins ignoring Van's intent gaze.

Van harrumphed and just smirked as he rode past Hitomi to leave her to her thoughts. He had to admit the scenery was quite beautiful. However he needed something to keep himself occupied so he reached back to grab the satchel Merle had given him. She had dropped it in his hands the other night he had returned from his little private escapade with Hitomi. His cat sister had smiled the entire time and told him to open it later.

He figured now was as good a time as any so he pulled the string on the tiny bag and pulled the cloth out of the way. He gasped at the sight that caught the corner of his eye. There laying in the middle of the bag was a ring.

*~Last night~*

"What is it?" Van asked suspicious of his sister

"Something I picked up before we left to look for Hitomi I knew it would come in handy when you found her," she winked and pranced off back to the fire with a smirk, "Open it later Lord Van" she called over her shoulder

*~End~*

He gazed down at the gold band lying on the leather circle. It was an amazingly gorgeous mix of red and gold. The ruby teardrop lay securely fashioned with tiny diamonds outlining its sides. The gold smothered the sides and held the stones to the band. A blinding flash caused spots in the young monarch's eyes as she eyed the ring in the sneaky sunlight.

He couldn't do anything but gape at the magnificent ring. He knew exactly what Merle intended him to do with it and he couldn't help but smile. Was he supposed to let Merle's efforts go unrewarded? Never. The precious ring immediately settled itself in his heart just the same as his lovely Hitomi. So he pulled the ring from it's leather prison and slipped it onto the chain holding Hitomi's pendant. Burying the two irreplaceable items in the folds of his shirt he prayed they would stay hidden until he could reach Fanelia.

After all he wanted Hitomi to be surprised when she saw her engagement ring.



Merle winced as her horse jumped over another bump. She whined as the pain shot up through her hips. She couldn't remember the last time she had ridden so far.

Relim raised his hand and pulled the company to a halt.

"Are you alright Merle?" he asked leaning over towards her

Merle grimaced up at him, "Just a little sore"

"It is getting kind of late should we set up camp?"

Merle shook her head, "No! Westin is just out of these trees right?"

"We'll have to travel over a few dunes but Westin is close yes."

"Let's just keep going then," Merle insisted pushing her horse forward.

Relim shook his head at the stubborn cat girl and smiled trotting after her.



Van pulled his horse into the stables leaning over to see his army disappear into the barracks. Millerna was still in the castle and Asturia's army would stay the night. Van jumped off his horse dropping his reins and Hitomi's. She had long ago fallen asleep leaving Van to guide her horse. Gently tugging on the tattered dress he managed to pull her off the horse without waking her. She glided into his arms and he marveled at the enchanting hue the pale moonlight gave her.

Smiling he felt the cold ring rub against his skin. Tomorrow he would take her to the garden and give her the final shred of proof that he would never leave her again. He felt the nervousness rattle his heart. He hadn't really considered her saying no, she had said she loved him. She would say yes to his proposal as well, he was sure of it. Quietly slipping out of the stables and into the castle he nodded to guards here and there. One fainted at the sight of the supposedly dead king.

Marching up the stairs he made his way through the royal wing and pushed open the door to Merle's room. He gently lay her down on the soft feather bed and tucked her in. Hitomi shifted in her sleep and clung to Van's hand subconsciously.

"Don't go," she whispered

"Don't worry love I'll be back get some sleep," he smiled kissing her forehead and sneaking out the door. The council had been awakened and he was sure Allen was giving them all the wonderful details. Van reluctantly slumped down the stairs and to the council room. The moment he burst through the doors a deafening silence filtered out of the would be whispers.

Van frowned at the white faces of his advisors, Allen just smirked and leaned back against his chair.

"I gave it to them," he stated

"All of it?" Van asked surprised as he made his way over to the head of the table

"All of it," Allen said raising his eyebrow and pointing to the ring that had slipped out of his tunic and lay sparkling it all its glory.

"You knew?" Van almost bellowed

"Of course I knew Van! Now sit down."

Van sighed and turned to his advisors, "Well then gentlemen what say you? Although I intend to marry with or without your consent," Van growled glaring at the men

The shock that swept over the advisors was very entertaining as they gave each other appalled looks of disbelief that the King would go against their ruling.

"I am King here," Van clarified, "And I will choose my Queen. I have done things without your knowledge before I won't hesitate to do it again," he growled through clenched teeth

The advisors believed him considering his recent actions regarding Perlis.

"Well your majesty although the lady Hitomi is a hero of Gaia she isn't of royal blood ther-…" Van cut the man off with a glare

"Therefore what?" he snapped

"Um…therefore..um we are willing to make an exception due to the circumstances," the man stuttered dabbing his sweat

Van leaned back against his chair and smiled over at Allen who was currently grinning at the nervous advisor.

"Good," Van smiled, "But no announcements will be made until I propose to Hitomi is that understood?"

The council members nodded.

"Now about how I handled the Telan situation," Van cleared his throat and looked around the room, "I realize I should have handled it differently and I will consider that for next time. Dismissed"

The leader stood to pipe up his opinion only to receive Allen's hand pushing him on the chest.

"Its late man cease your babbling and go to bed!"

The council members grumbled as they filed out of the meeting room leaving the two friends to the black velvet blanket of the night.

"How are you going to do it?" Allen asked leaning forward onto the large oak table.

"Tomorrow afternoon in the garden, terrible?" Van asked sliding his eyes towards Allen

"Nah it'll work," Allen yawned and kicked his chair back standing up, "Night Van I'm exhausted and you need your rest. The strange looks and questions you'll be getting for a few days are going to drain you."

"Good Night Allen," Van said walking to the window giving view to Fanelia's magnificent city.

Allen was about to leave when Van's voice shattered the silence one last time.

"Thanks Allen, thank you for everything."

Allen smiled but didn't turn he simply opened the door, "Hey what are friends for," with that he closed the door behind him

Dawn came much quicker than the raven haired king would have liked. Last night he hadn't been pestered that much from his nosy council but he was sure they would let it on full force today and the thought made him crawl back under his covers and groan.

On top of looking forward to the nagging he found he was nervous as hell. Here he finally had Hitomi safely tucked away in his castle, ring close to his heart, and he couldn't bring himself to even consider proposing to her.

"Get it together Fanel," he chided himself

Moaning in frustration he threw his legs over the large feather bed and threw his usual attire on. Marching down the stairs he ignored all the invitations to talk from his council members.

"Not today" or "Later" was his only response to the incessant pleas.

His hair was ruffled and his face flushed by the time he managed to squirm from his advisors questions and into the dining room. He slammed the dining doors behind him and held them closed as the advisors pushed.

"Your majesty! We insist that we discuss the matters of state!! If not of the recent events then about your eng-…"

Van felt the panic sweep over him, he gazed up and caught his breath at the sight of Hitomi. She had obviously relented into wearing a dress and he found his jaw hitting his chest. He could certainly get used to her wearing the dresses, yes sir. She was wearing a pale blue dress with long sleeves and a modest V-neck. The skirt portion had a slit on either side and he could see her long slender legs. Silver thread made up the lining and decorated her arms in jagged patterns.

He swallowed hard and shook his head to regain conscious thought for he was sure her gaze was about to make him faint. And then she smiled at him with those silver clips pulling the front of her hair back revealing all of her facial features. How was he so positive this angel would marry him again? Yes she loved him that was it, right?

'Keep telling yourself that Fanel,' he mentally shook himself as he heard his council about to reveal today's secret and after the panic dissipated he felt the rage take over.

"CEASE!!" he bellowed cutting off the chatters, "GO AWAY! OR LOSE YOUR POSITIONS!"

The chatter ceased for a minute and slowly revved up again challenging Van's temper. Hitomi had been through nothing but hell since she got here and he wouldn't have anymore of it. This was going to be her one pleasant surprise and these dolts wouldn't ruin it. Spinning on his heel her jerked the door open and glared at everyone of the daring members.

"You're fired," he growled, "All of you"

"YOUR MAJESTY!" one tried

"No, I will have no more of your incompetence pack your things and go home you know not when to stop"

"PLEASE!" another begged

"For years you have hindered this castle and done nothing but give my sister trouble because of her heritage. I should have done this a long time ago. Get out." He growled

The men hesitated lingering at the door and with one final glare from Van went slumping to their rooms. Van shut the door and turned back to the gaping members of the dining hall. Van smiled sheepishly and took his place at the head with Hitomi on his left side. She was scrunching her brow at him and Allen was just laughing.

"About time Van," he said finally digging into his breakfast.

"They have been nothing but trouble since you left," Millerna smiled

She had greeted him last night and apologized profusely for not believing in him. Van had only hugged his friend and led her to her room and bid her good night telling her it was okay. Breakfast was the social event of the day it seemed as the friends caught up with Hitomi and laughed at memories. Van finished in silence checking every few seconds to make sure the ring was safely beneath his shirt.

"Van?…"

Van looked up to greet Hitomi's bright green emeralds smiling at him, "You dazed off," she told him

"Sorry," he said clearing his throat

"It's okay is something bothering you?"

'Something you can likely fix,' he mentally smiled

'Really what is it?' she mentally called back

Van froze, Oh by the gods! She could hear his thoughts! How could he have forgotten! Their connection had been growing over the years and now that they were so close it would only make sense that she could read his thoughts. He felt the fear grip his heart as he turned to stare at her.

'Have you been reading my thoughts all this time?' he gulped

'No just heard that last one you were screaming it,' she smiled

Van swallowed hard again and stood up, "Wonderful breakfast and great to see you guys again,"

"I'll be heading back today Van, sorry I can't stay longer but I'll visit again," Millerna grinned

"Sooner than you think," Allen happily mumbled to himself

Van shot the blonde knight a glare and kicked his foot. Allen winced and laughed at Van's nervous state.

"It was good to see you Millerna," Van managed a weak smile and then turned to Hitomi, "How would you like a tour of the gardens," he stumbled over the words as the sweat ran down his face.

Gods why was he so nervous! It's not like she was going to spit in his face! Before he knew it Hitomi was wrapping her arm around his fairly muscular arm and literally pulling him out of the hall.

"Sounds great!" she cheered



Merle settled into the comfortable mattress in her rather large guestroom. Relim had shown her to her door and bid her goodnight with a light peck to her cheek. Merle rubbed her cheek trying to cool the blush still present.

It wasn't bad, Relim was very handsome with his well honed chest she just happened to come upon that afternoon when he had been in the stables cleaning up. It was hot in the desert so she could understand why he had taken off his shirt but it had been a terrible distraction!

She purred as she snuggled in the soft mattress, this was going to be a great week.

Relim ran the towel through his hair and flopped down on his soft bed.

"Nothing like silk," he muttered relishing the soft comforter instead of his scratchy camping blanket.

And he couldn't help but smile as his thoughts drifted to a certain girl. A certain cat girl to be more precise. A special cat girl sleeping in the room right through his wall as we speak. He grinned like a fool at the thought of having her to himself for the week. He planned to take her to the market tomorrow and let her shop, he knew it was one of her favorite things to do.

They had made it back in time for Westin's yearly ball. It was going to take place in two days and he couldn't wait. The ball was for Westin's independence from Zaibach during the Great War and the festivities lasted for a few days, Merle would love it. And frankly that was all that mattered.

Relim crawled under his comforter and watched the flames from his fire place dance across the hearth. Desert or not the sand covered nights could become quite cold. So he wrapped the thick blanket around his chin and sunk into the world of dreams.

When his breathing steadied and his soft snores filled the rather luxurious room was when the cold gust of wind blew in and kicked sand into the fire. The flames spit and sputtered for a few moments before giving in and disappearing.

The cold sands blew in through the open crack of the King's window spinning on his floor. Tiny grains of the golden dust swirled in circles against his rug buffing the stones until they hit something. They brushed up against the boot and danced on the leather and up the leg revealing torn pants.

A pair of eyes giddily scanned the room and cackled at the sight of the sleeping king. Perlis crunched the sand under his heel and walked over the magnificent rug to come up to the side of Relim's bed.

"Good evening King," he whispered

Relim stirred in his sleep and winced as he sat up in the bed. He jerked his head around the room, he thought he had heard someone speaking in his room. Chills slithered up his spine as he focused on the shadows by his bed. Rubbing his eyes and blinking the shadows moved revealing a figure. Perlis.

Relim let his breath catch and fear crept up on him as he realized his dagger was lying on his desk by the fire. Unfortunately glancing at the desk he found the top clear and knew what had happened. But as if to confirm his suspicions he turned and found the glint of steel in Perlis's hand.

"You won't have this kingdom," he growled in defiance.

"Perhaps not but what about you my good man, or your lovely lady friend in the next room"

Relim's heart cried out in agony as he realized his mistake. He had dragged Merle right into the middle of a city under the eyes of a very skilled killer. He felt the fear grip his lungs and restrict his air flow. No, he couldn't let this psycho get Merle, she had been in the hands of this man once and he wouldn't let it happen again.

"What do you want Perlis," Relim growled

"Cooperation," he smirked at the helpless man sitting in the bed

"I'll die first you murderer," Relim spat his feet

"I had a feeling you would say that," the man cackled lunging forward.

Relim gasped as he felt the cold steel plunge through his skin. The cold and unrelenting pain caught him off guard and Relim slammed into the wall behind him grabbing his side. He felt the warm liquid slid down over his fingers like a waterfall. The room started to spin and his vision blurred. He felt unconsciousness grip at his mind and the last thing he heard was the evil laughter of a man too close to Merle for his liking.

Then everything was black and Relim slumped to the bed unconscious.

……

Merle bolted up in her bed sweating, something was wrong. It was that feeling again the one that she couldn't put her finger on. Last time that had happened had been when Hitomi was kidnapped and in Perlis's castle.

"No, Relim," she whispered feeling the cold shadow move through the halls.

Perlis was here.



Hitomi sat on the stone bench smiling at Van's hand in hers.



Merle scrambled from the bed and threw on her dress before bursting into the hall. And sure enough there was the shadow emerging from Relim's room.

She gasped at the dagger in his hand, it wasn't the knife though it was the blood on the knife that caused her loss of breath.

"RELIM!"



Van looked at the clouds passing overhead and grinned at the sweet smell of flowers that surrounded him.

'Now or never' his mind urged

So taking one last hoping glance towards the heavens he stood up. Hitomi went to rise but he managed a weak smile before pushing her back down. Hitomi gave him a confused look before he went down on one knee. The look of surprise was almost enough to knock him over.

'Please say yes'

"Hitomi…." Van cleared his throat and tried to cover the crack in his voice.

"Hitomi…. Years ago you made your way into my country and into a war. I tried to push it aside but I couldn't help but let you settle yourself in my heart. I've been forced to look for Queen's and never have I found anyone to compare to you. You're kind, caring, sensible, beautiful, and …and I love you. It almost killed me the day you left and I never want to see you go again."

Van avoided her eyes as he slid the ring off his necklace and into his palm. Swallowing he looked back up into her dark emeralds and the love shining there gave him a new found confidence.

"Hitomi Kanzaki it would make me the happiest man alive if you would become my wife," he smiled slipping the ring on her fourth finger.

Hitomi gasped at the gems and looked up at Van. He had just proposed! To her! She sat there for a minute letting it all sink in. Van began to worry she would turn him down as he watched the wheels turn in her mind.

Finally after the news sunk in Hitomi grinned down at Van and fell to her knees throwing her arms around his neck.

"Of course I'll marry you!" she laughed against his neck

Van felt the relief wash over him as he pulled her into a bone crushing hug.

"I love you Hitomi," he whispered against her ear aching from his smile, he couldn't believe she was finally his. She would stay.

"I love you too Van," she giggled against him.



Perlis sneered at the cat girl standing in front of him.

"Hello kitty cat," he smirked

"What did you do to Relim!?" she demanded

"Nothing much," he lied

"GUARDS!!!!" Merle bellowed baring her claws

Perlis cursed under his breath as he heard the feet pounding down the hallway.

"I'll be back kitty!" he laughed crashing through the nearest window just as the guards reached the top.

Merle pointed to the window, "It's Perlis go get him quick!" she frantically ordered

Nodding they sprinted back down the stairs ringing the alarm and waking the castle. Merle bounded into Relim's room and skid to a halt at the side of his bed.

Relim was leaning against the wall his hands bloody and clutching his side. Dropping to all four Merle sprinted out of the room and down the stairs to find some healers. The castle was awake and frantic by the time she made it down stairs and people were stumbling over her as she ran to the healers wing.

Bursting into the wing Merle kicked all the doors open, "The King's hurt!"



Allen laughed and patted Van on the back, "You did it!"

Millerna was hugging Hitomi breathless, "I'll be here for the wedding of course!"

Hitomi just smiled rubbing the ring nicely settled on her finger and said good bye to Millerna. She watched as the crusade carried Millerna back to Asturia, Gaddes waving from the bridge.

Hitomi jumped as the arms wrapped around her waist until she realized they were Van's and sunk back into his chest. Van pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head.

"Now all we have to do is tell Merle before she tears us apart for telling the others first," Van laughed

Hitomi closed her eyes and relished the warm feeling of Van's thumb caressing her arm. She was going to marry him in a month. At first she thought she would be worried about her friends and family but she didn't. It felt so right. It felt late. She should have done this a long time ago and she knew it. But better late than never.

Van loved her and that's all that mattered.

A/N Hope you enjoyed! Have a great day everyone! I know he fired his council he'll get new members I've just seen all these pesky annoying council members before I know they weren't very bad in my story but I guess to release all the anger towards all the council members I've read about, some who should be tortured, I had to fire them.