Disclaimer: Obviously I don't own anything in Vision of Escaflowne, or it wouldn't be a fanfiction. Don't sue me :D

synopsis: With Evan gone, Van focuses on the affairs of state and his bride, or that's how it should be.

Authors note: Song - Fanelia ^_^ (the faster instrumentalized version of Aoi Hitomi)

***

Van adjusted his coat, and looked around the table. The Magistrate, Foreign Advisor, and other public officials as well as ones appointed to assist Van with the dealings of the country, sat around the table. The King was at the head, with the rest going down in rank away from him. Evan had even sat in at the other end, for a single meeting. Usually held only weekly, several of the officials had shown concern and asked for more, since he had returned. So it was twice a week, now.

Great.

Smiling, Van started to speak about things the men had concerns with, and he tried to stay interested and ontop. He was determined to be a good ruler. He had to be.

One of the men, a man who dealt with the taxes, spoke up.

Your Highness, I don't agree. Blah blah blah, blah blah BLAH blah blah!

Van wished Evan was here to shut this man up. They were more civil when he had been, possibly even afraid. Van was losing the favor of the court, and he couldn't afford that.

*

Van pulled Hitomi onto his lap. She looked up surprised, but did not fight the display of emotion. They were infront of a large amount of courtiers, and Van was seated on the throne. Giggling, Hitomi let Van whisper things into her ear. Van waved his hand to keep the courtiers talking. They were listening to proposals on when the royal wedding should take place. The kingdom had to be prepared.

Getting a serious tone, Van whispered into Hitomi's ear again. See how the courtiers will take a bit of distration on your part, but you must let them know you arin't ignoring them. They will try harder to grab your attention thereafter. See watch? He stopped speaking as the girl he had waved his hand at stepped a few feet closer, and spoke with a sharper and more direct tone. She also added flambouyant words to her speach, and talked more swiftly to make her point heard. But she still wants to sound pretty. Let them do that. It makes them happy. He smiled at the girl as she finished, and someone else took her place and started speaking. Now he payed attention and knows I will lose interest in him if he bores me. Never let them control you He said sharply and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

She whispered, and adjusted her position. Almost falling, Van put his arm under her knees and pulled them up and over the side of the throne. This caused her to completely drape across him, and she put her head on his shoulder and watched the man out of the corner of her eye.

My Lady Hitomi, when is the best time for such ceremonies on the Mystic Moon? We would not want to offend our beautiful new Queen-bride on her wedding day, nor her beauteous Mother. Whatsay you, M'lady?

Hitomi turned her head to him and smiled. My Lord, any time of day would suffice, as long as I, and the city, have enough time to prepare before the ceremonies. I would not want anyone to be inconvienced on such a grand occation! she said speaking elequently and gently.

Van smiled and gently rubbed his thumb back and forth on her back, where his hand rested against her waist. She was getting off to a wonderful start. A compassionate Queen would always do well with a country, especially Fanelia.

*

Picking Hitomi up, instead of having her stand to vacate the throne, Van carried her down the stairs as the court dismissed. Putting her down to walk beside him, he spoke gently.

They were very in awe of your respect to them, and your generosity. We, as a people, always assumed the Mystic Moon was barely populated and only had very noble seeming people on it, it any! You have earned their respect and proved their thoughts of your home, and it will pass from them to the rest of the city and to the countrylands. Thank you, Hitomi. He said and put his hand gently on her elbow to guide her out the side door.

Walking out of the throne room, Van walked a little closer to her, careful not to trip on her skirts.

he started quietly. I asked you to do that not only because you must earn their respect and trust, but also because I must leave shortly. I don't wish to marry in Evan's absence... he helped us stop being childish about one another and I want him to be there. I also think he would help with the court, and we need every bit of help we can get. Wouldn't you agree? He said looking at her.

Hitomi turned as she kept walking and lowered her eyebrows.

Where are you going? I don't think that.. I can exactly run the country in your absence. They would know. What if they refuse? I don't have a crown yet, Van. She looked concerned and uneasy to him.

Van smiled warmly at her. Hitomi, I would tell them you are making sure you can handle without me, incase I do leave.

But you are leaving! She protested.

Shh not so loud. Some of them might have spies around. He said and grinned at her, leading her away faster to discuss in private.

Opening a door after the royal couple passed and was well down the hall, the servant girl smiled. Several of those in the court would pay money for the information she had, and she so loved a bit of spending money.

*

Several days later, and several days closer to the wedding (which was to be held in one month and a weeks time) Van strapped his sword on his hip, and smiled at Hitomi. They made their way to the gardens to make their recent nightly walks. They had started these walks to keep suspicions down when Van did leave. Stepping into one of the more remote locations, Van took off his shirt and handed it to Hitomi. She carefully took it and tied it under her skirts. Giving her a quick kiss on the lips, Van then turned and grabbed the lowest branches to a tall tree.

I will be back as soon as I can. Remember what we planned ok? If only Evan were here he could pretend... well if he were here we wouldn't have this problem would we? he said sighing. Pulling himself up, he climbed to the highest he could while still being supported by the thick branches. I'll be back Hitomi, don't worry.

Good luck!

You too... He said and dove off the branch and down the hill. His wings burst from his back and he glided past the city and out into the fields. Hitomi waited several minutes, until she couldn't see his form any longer. She looked hopeful past the city, and then saw it. A bright shaft of light appeared and ascended into the sky, towards Earth.

Good luck, Van...


***


:D

Any ideas on why he went back? I'd like to here all of your theories ^_^ ( I already know, so you won't be giving me any ideas though ^_^)