Chapter 9 ~ Matters of the Heart
"The heart has its own reasons which reason knows nothing of."
Hitomi said nothing of the scene that unfolded in front of her eyes. As a matter of fact, she was very surprised. Van has just jumped out at the Princess, and proposed to her. It was rather disturbing for Hitomi, and she didn't know why her heart ached the way it did. Yet when she looked at Van she didn't see him heartbroken or sad. He just looked…. Perplexed, in lack of any other word. So, what were his motives? Hitomi would have liked to know.
"Van?" she asked a little unsure of herself.
The king turned to look at her, his raven hair ruffled and his chocolate eyes pained. It was more than internal pain. It looked as if the king was battling his own inner ghosts. Hitomi didn't know what to think.
"Think nothing of that. Do not assume that you know what is going on. And pack your bags. We are leaving within the hour." Van told her.
He then turned around, and with silent steps left the hall. Hitomi stared after him, her mouth dangling open.
"The fool's telling me not to make assumptions, yet what am I to think? He made that poor girl cry!" she thought angrily.
Hitomi rose from her spot by the stone column, and took a few shaky steps. Her conception was swirling with ideas, questions and emotions. Why Van would have asked the Asturian princess to marry him was beyond her understanding, yet she did seem to recall something about the conversation between them, and a deal being struck. Could that mean that Van made a deal with King Aston and did not love the princess? Hitomi suddenly felt sad for the girl. She was doomed by her social status to marry for benefit and not for love. On the other hand, Hitomi was free to do as she pleased. Not that she found anyone worth her attention. From experience, Hitomi had learned that every time she tried to get close to someone that person betrayed her. This problem was quickly solved.
"Basic Survival Rule #1: Never get close to anyone." Hitomi thought, slightly amused.
She had let herself get close to Yukari. The redhead has such and entrancing personality, that Hitomi couldn't help but share her joy of life when she was around her. She couldn't say that she had shared much of her life story with Yukari, however. Certain parts had slipped out, but Hitomi hoped she kept her in the shadows for the most of it. She did not care to share her story with anyone. Long ago the emerald eyed thief had come to terms with her past, and nothing anyone could ever say would unlock the things, which she so carefully protected. Hitomi had accepted her loss of memory, the occurring dreams of a past childhood, and the fact that a monster had adopted her. They were all part of a life she had left behind two years before. In Nadya's care Hitomi had learned compassion, patience and restraint. She wished to leave the webs of her untimely maturity behind, and set her foot upon the world, carefree. However, Hitomi was not one to deceive herself. She knew that her past would come back one way or another. What she tried to control, was the effect it would have on her. Thus, if fewer people knew about it, the more chances she had at actually seeming normal. Over time, her rule became carved in stone.
"Hitomi? What happened here?" she heard Yukari's melodic voice.
The young woman looked up into Yukari's worried face, and feigned a smile. She looked around, and saw a very expensive tropical flower knocked over, the fresh earth spilled all around her.
"Well, King Van just proposed to Princess Millerna, and she just ran out of here crying." Hitomi said emotionlessly.
"You're not serious…" Yukari exclaimed.
"Yeah, I am. A regular dramatic moment." Hitomi said. "But I do think we should go see if she's all right." She suggested.
"Yeah, from what I spoke with her she's in love with a young merchant." Yukari observed.
"You spoke to her?" Hitomi asked incredulously.
"Yeah. She's a really nice person once you get over her royal training." Yukari smiled.
Together, the two women went in the direction of Millerna's muddy footsteps. They weren't hard to follow, and the two women soon reached two large oak doors. The broken sobs of the blonde haired princess echoed from inside. She seemed to be really miserable. Instead of being happy at the proposal, she was sobbing her heart out.
"What should we do?" Hitomi asked, looking puzzled towards Yukari. She had never had any girl friends, or any friends of that sort, and she wasn't experienced in the matters of the heart. The young girl was absolutely confused about how she should act.
"We're going to go comfort her silly!" Yukari said, shocked that Hitomi could be so insensitive.
"Ok, if you say so." Hitomi shrugged. She then knocked on the door. "Princess Millerna, come out for a second, we want to talk to you!" she called out.
"Go away!" Millerna exclaimed, through sobs.
"Dear, we only want to help, and see if there's anything we can do for you." Yukari intervened.
"There's nothing you can do. My life is doomed." Millerna said from behind the oaken door.
"Sure there is. Now, don't cry. We'll help you out of your little problem if you let us in for a little talk." Yukari added.
"I doubt there's anything you can do, but you may have your fun." Millerna said, opening the door.
Hitomi - who had stayed silent all the while- noticed the change in the beautiful princess. Her hair was a tangled mess, and her eyes were red, along with her face. She was holding a crumpled handkerchief, and her dress was wrinkled. "Poor girl, she must be going through hell. I don't understand why though. She knew this was going to happen sooner or later, it's not like Van's THAT repulsive." Hitomi thought.
"Please come in." The princess said quietly.
She led them in her sitting room, a large room with two couches and a few chairs seated around a round table. A soft Persian carpet spread before them. On the table were a few open textbooks and a few notebooks. Hitomi noticed certain diagrams of dissected animals, and lots of detailed description. She silently wondered what the princess was reading.
"Take a seat, I was studying minutes before." Millerna said simply.
Hitomi and Yukari sat down on the couches, looking carefully at Millerna. Finally, not being able to hold her silence any longer, Hitomi asked.
"Why don't want to marry Van? He is the king of a rich country." she stated quietly.
"Because I do not love him. My heart belongs to another." Millerna said, getting a dreamy far away look.
All of a sudden, Yukari got up from her seat, and went to Millerna, hugging the young princess mightily.
"Dear, I know how you feel. Have you talked to your father about this? Maybe he will change the whole agreement." she said, with glowing eyes.
"The whole reason for this agreement is my love. My father doesn't want me marrying Dryden. He thinks he is bellow me. He doesn't approve of him, just like he doesn't approve of my chosen profession." Millerna said, a tear running down her cheek.
"Why?" Hitomi asked.
"Dryden is a merchant that is trying to succeed at his chosen career. However, he is young, and he is having a bit of trouble. Right now, he is at the start of his career. My father was looking for the right time to marry me off. I can't believe he chose it now, when Dryden is so far away!" Millerna stopped trying to contain herself, and broke down in sobs.
"Do you love him?" Hitomi asked coolly.
"Yes. With all my heart." Millerna responded breathlessly.
"Would you be willing to give up your status for him?" Hitomi asked.
"I never asked to be born a princess. I'd rather be a doctor and help people that way." Millerna said though hiccups.
Hitomi leaned forward on the table. "Then run away," she said, with glowing green eyes.
Millerna and Yukari were shocked. "Run away? Just like that? Leave everything and run away?" Millerna asked, her voice quivering.
"Yes. If you love him, go to him, get married before your father finds you, consummate the marriage and there's nothing he can do to you." Hitomi said, smiling a rather cruel smile.
"It wouldn't work. My father has spies everywhere. They would catch me before I leave the city." Millerna sighed.
"You could always say you want to get to know you future husband better. Travel with us for a while, and then one day just break off and find your sweetheart. It could work." Hitomi said, smiling.
Millerna thought about it for a second. Hitomi watched as her face brightened, little by little, until she was beaming with happiness. The princess jumped off the brown leather couch and leaped over to Hitomi, hugging the girl with all her might.
"You have no idea how happy you have made me. Gods, you are a genius. Thank you so much. Anything you want will be yours." Millerna was laughing, tears of joy falling down her cheeks.
Hitomi shrunk away, taken aback by the sudden change in the princess. She couldn't believe that her little suggestion could have made her so happy. First of all, Hitomi had been only joking. Second of all, she didn't think it was so intelligent. Any sensitive person would have thought of running away sooner or later. Apparently the princess wasn't too sensitive or observative.
"Royalty, makes you wonder why we make them run our countries." Hitomi thought.
"When are you leaving?" Millerna asked.
"Within a few hours. Be ready by then. I think we are taking a levi-ship to Freid." Yukari said.
"Freid, I could visit my sister Marlene. She's due to have her baby any time soon." Millerna said absent-mindedly.
"Well, we'll be off now, just be at the docks within the hour." Yukari said and stood up.
"Once again, thank you very much." Millerna said, and gave them both a heartfelt hug.
Hitomi and Yukari said their good-byes, and left the princess to her happy packing. Once out in the hall, Yukari motioned Hitomi to keep on walking. The two friends walked in silence for a while.
"What made you suggest that?" Yukari asked Hitomi quietly when they were out of hearing range.
"It seemed like the logical thing to do." she answered.
"You seem to know much about escapes to be able to plan one so quickly." Yukari observed.
"Neah, just have a big imagination. Plus, I was only making a suggestion. She took it too far." Hitomi snickered.
"You do know she believes you, and will go through with this." Yukari added.
"Her choice." Hitomi said impassively.
"Your suggestion." Yukari shot back.
"It's not my fault she didn't think of it until now." Hitomi shrugged.
Yukari didn't say anything. She just stole a glance at the strange girl. Hitomi had never revealed much about herself during the course of the few days they knew eachother. Yukari had just thought her as shy, but as she got to know her more, she discovered that the emerald eyed girl was not shy. As a matter of fact, she was bold and fearless. Yukari discovered coldness in Hitomi, an iciness that she had hidden very well inside her. However, that same cold calculated precision resurfaced now, when she had so plainly stated out Millerna's problem and offered a dangerous solution.
"You're one to take risks aren't you?" Yukari asked, a small smile adorning her face.
Hitomi looked at Yukari, and blinked at the sudden direction the conversation had turned. "You can't live without risking." she said simply. "But now I must go pack. Van said to be ready soon." Hitomi added, and dashed from Yukari's side.
The redhead was left to stare off at an empty hallway. She shot a long look at the hallway, and proceeded on her way to her room. Hitomi would come out of her shell when she wanted to. All Yukari could do is wait. She sighed, counting the days when she would be in Lowenia. Her journey would end there, and she couldn't wait to see her beloved land. "Just a little while longer, and you will be there. Hold on, I'm coming."
~~~~
He was sitting in the shadows, gently hugging his sword, his raven hair blocking his vision. King Van Fanel was deep in thought, high above the levi-ship's hangar. His heart had always ruled Van, and his latest decision had been made with his head. He knew he would never be able to go through with the wedding. He didn't love her. Sure she was pretty, but he didn't love her. What King Aston suggested had been blackmail. "It's not fair! I shouldn't be forced to choose between my life and my people. I've struggled to keep those different, but look where I ended up!" Van let his sword drop. He brought his knees up to his chin, and circled them with his hands. He hated the whole business. As a king he had been taught about political and economic liaisons, but he didn't actually think he would be forced into one. "All my life I've had this wrong conception that my life is different from that of my kingdom. Only now I see that as a king I must sacrifice my life for the benefit of my people. Politics run deeper than just kingdom matters. I've been a fool." The young king hated the decision he got to. There was no way out. It was he, versus all the population of Fanelia. He gently tapped his vest, where the package for King Amano was carefully sewn. This and that strange tale of the woman got him engaged to Millerna. He had to admit she wasn't half bad looking, but Van knew Millerna wasn't his type. However, the matter had been decided for him. He was going to marry her. End of story. "Why did I jump up at her like that? I could have waited, not like she was going anywhere." Van couldn't explain that to himself. The meeting with the strange woman who resembled his mother had disturbed him. She said he had a destiny. Ha! Van doubted that. He was not one to fight, and the more he thought about it, the more the woman's story seemed false. "I do not believe the tales of strange women." Van decided.
"What are you doing up here my King?" Van heard Dilandau's voice behind him.
"Oh nothing, just waiting for take off." Van said, looking up at his Albino officer.
"The levi-ship is being looked over right now." Dilandau told him in a cold impersonal voice. "It would be so easy." the soldier thought.
"Thank you." Van said. "Dilandau?" he asked, as the man was walking away.
"Yes?" Dilandau answered, a bit irritated.
"If you had to pick between you, and your country, who would you pick?" Van asked.
"It depends on the situation m'lord." Dilandau answered, and turned away.
Van sunk back into his thoughts. They were getting more muddled, and the more he tried to sort them out, the crazier they got.
"Well?" a voice asked, as Dilandau descended the long metal staircase.
"We're getting there. Just play your part." he growled, and walked away.
The figure smiled in the shadows. "Yes, we're getting there." it said, with a rather grotesque timber of voice.
Hitomi had finished gathering all her stuff, and put them in her small leather bag. With all the stuff she had so conveniently "collected" and then sold on the Asturian market, she had a total of 100 gold pieces. A rather nice and round sum. Van had been the mass contributor of it all, and Hitomi smiled satisfied. He hadn't once figured out how he kept on losing his money pouches. Typical of all men, he was rather slow-minded. A woman could have certainly pieced it together. Hitomi knew why she loved stealing from men the most. They were quite stupid.
"My pretty, pretty money. You'll make the orphans so happy. Yes, now stay there, and don't jiggle too much." Hitomi thought, gently caressing the leather pouch, and carefully putting it amongst her clothes. She then strapped on her cloak, loaded her crossbow, and grabbed her bag.
"Let's go see Freid." she muttered to herself, and headed for the hangar. The walk was not long, and within minutes she stepped into the lighted hangar. A giant levi-ship spread its wings in front of her, and Hitomi gasped, amazed that such a machine could carry people in the air. It looked rather heavy made of wood and metal, with it's thin white sails, Hitomi doubted it could even take off, nevertheless carry them all the way to Freid.
"Impressive no?" Van, who had noticed Hitomi staring at the ship asked from up above.
The girl looked up, and in the shadows distinguished the king.
"Oh, hey. Yes, but its sails are too thin. We're going to uh... crash." she told him.
Hitomi heard Van chuckle in the shadows. A few seconds later, he was walking down the staircase, making his way towards her.
"What's so funny?" she asked him seriously.
"Silly bint! It's fully tested!" Van said, laughing at Hitomi's sour expression.
"I am not a bint!" she told him, acting offended, yet her eyes gleaming with playfulness.
"Yes you are! Afraid of heights Kanzaki?" he challenged.
"Never. I love heights!" she told him, smiling.
"Let's see it when we get on there!" Van told her.
Hitomi gave him her famous oh-yeah-are-you-so-sure-of-it-now look, and advanced towards the ship.
"I'm ready, are you?" she called back to him.
Van just laughed, and followed her. In a few minutes, the ship began to fill with the passengers ready to fly to Freid. Van's caravan was there first, followed by Yukari, and at last, Millerna.
"I'm here, what did I miss?" she asked, smiling happily at Yukari and Hitomi.
"Nothing, we're just about to take off." Yukari told her.
"What's she doing here?" Van asked, glaring at Millerna.
"Well, future husband, I want to get to know you better. I thought I'd travel with you." Millerna told him sweetly.
"Does your father know?" Van questioned.
"I left him a note. He was in a conference. But I'm sure he will not object." Millerna smiled.
"I don't have time to look after you." Van told her plainly.
"I'm not asking you to look after me darling." Millerna told him. "I can do that myself."
"Fine, you come, at your own risk." Van scowled, and left the people, to go up to the control room.
The levi-ship took off, and began to soar over the wonderful view of Asturia. Hitomi, Yukari and Millerna didn't move away from the window one bit. Round green hills, thick vigin forests, crystalline lakes, and golden wheat fields spread below them, colouring the land a wonderful rainbow of pastel colours. Before they knew it, the journey was over, and they were in Freid. There, the landscape abruptly changed. The fertile lands of Asturia were replaced with the rocky mountains of Freid. The multitude of lakes increased, and the evergreen trees became very common.
"Get ready for landing!" Rafael announced the ladies.
Hitomi was amazed at how fast the time passed. However, the fat pouch dangling by Rafael's side distracted her. A fishy smile adorned her face.
"Come to mama sugah!" she thought, as she discreetly lounged for it. Gently, Hitomi slipped through the crowd, trying to get as close to Rafael as possible. Just as her fingers were reaching for the rope, Rafael turned around, his blue eyes starring at Hitomi.
"Do you find anything that attracts attention about me?" he asked, smiling.
Hitomi gasped a little then regained her calm. She gently grabbed the hilt of Rafael's sword. "Well, I was just wondering, how you could carry around such a big and heavy sword. I doubt it is easy to wield, it's so big and great, and firm , perfect for a man of your stature." Hitomi took the hilt in her hands. "And you keep it so nice and shiny too. I bet that sword hasn't shed much... blood." Hitomi smiled an innocent smile at Rafael, while her fingers continued to caress the sheath.
Rafael looked at Hitomi, and gulped. Gently he pried Hitomi's fingers away from the hilt. "Uh, that's very... uh nice." he said, and licked his lips thirstily. "She is just so pretty, and innocent too, perfect... Oh god! I can't stand this!" "Excuse me." Rafael said and ran away as quickly as possible. Hitomi just stared after him... or more like.. after his money pouch.
"I'll see you later." she thought, and said goodbye to the nice and fat money pouch.
"We're here! I can't wait to introduce you to my sister Marlene!" Millerna ran up to Hitomi.
"Uh, what?" the green eyed girl turned and asked.
"Marlene, she's married to the Duke of Freid, she's my oldest sister. Come on!" Millerna said, and grabbed Hitomi's hand, dragging her along. On their way out, they managed to get a hold of Yukari, so all three of them headed out to find Marlene.
The castle of Freid was similar in architecture to the Asturian one, only it was not as big, and not quite as fancy. Marble was replaced by limestone, and the size was cut down. The corridors were not as large, or nowhere near as impressive, but Hitomi didn't mind it. The castle of Freid had a homey feel to it, almost like it was the secret hideout of two doves.
"So, Queen Marlene is your sister?" Hitomi asked Millerna.
The princess nodded, and then added. "She's in a similar situation as me. My father forced her to marry the Duke of Freid to create a liaison between the two countries. She wasn't happy at first, but the duke was a real gentleman, gave her rooms similar to what she had at home and everything. I think she came to love him though, because she's carrying his child now." Millerna sighed. "I don't want that though. I love Dryden too much."
Yukari put her hand on Millerna's shoulder. "Well, we've got the plan, don't we?" she smiled.
"Yes we do. I plan on asking my sister about Dryden's whereabouts. She knows all about him." Millerna smiled back.
"Well, and if the plan doesn't work, then you know that this arranged marriage business does work to some degree." Hitomi told her.
Millerna looked at her and frowned. "It will work. It has to." she sighed, as the continued their futile search for Marlene.
~~~~
Van watched the three women in his life disappear in some search for Marlene. He sighed, wondering how on Gaea he got stuck with three women all of a sudden. A really fun one, which he liked the most, his fiancée, and a real stubborn know-it-all that challenged his every move. "Women, can't live with them, can't live without them." the young king thought exasperatedly.
"I am looking for the Duke of Freid." he asked the Minister that came out to greet them.
"The Duke is presently engaged in the North. He will be home by late night. You may talk to him then." the minister informed Van.
Van nodded, and with the man's help, he got everyone settled into his or her room. The troubled king did not feel like inquiring about anything. He knew he had to warn the Duke of the spies infiltrating his country. As he lay on the bed, sleep quickly over took him.
It was cold; he was running, running away from something. He had to get somewhere. He had to get to her. It was cold, very cold. He was too late. He could never save them. Too late. Out of time. Too late.
"Son, don't fight your destiny." he could hear his mother's voice. But where? He couldn't see her. She wasn't there... he was alone. He had to find her. He had to... he couldn't lose. Not now... not when he finally understood.
Van jumped out of bed. He was cold, and sweaty, and the window was open, letting the cool night's breeze seep through. The curtains fluttered in the wind creating an eerie sound of night. The moonlight seeped through the window, illuminating small patches on the floor. Van ran a hand through his sweat-drenched hair, struggling to forget the crazy dream. He could only remember segments of it anyway. There was a knock on his door.
"Come in." Van said.
"The Duke is here. He wishes to see you now." a servant told him.
Van nodded, grabbed his sword, and headed for the Throne Room. The duke was waiting for him there. He was a tall, husky man, with a clearly defined face and a thick brown beard. He looked wise and powerful, and Van couldn't stop himself from bowing deeply.
"Rise, young man." the Duke, said.
"My lord. I have come all the way from Fanelia, to warn you of the Solarian spies which infiltrated your country." Van said, getting right down to the point.
The Duke only nodded. "My boy... you are too late. I have found them, and I am taking action right now." he said.
"Also, I would like a ship to take me from here to Lowenia. I have important documents which need delivery there." Van told him. "You must also contact King Aston as quickly as possible. We must mount our defenses against the Outer Circle." Van added.
The duke nodded. "Tomorrow morning, you shall have your ship. You may go now."
Van bowed again, and left, satisfied that he had done his duty. The door closed behind him, and the Duke was left alone, with only she candle throwing eerie shadows on his face. The tip of a sword glinted in his back.
"You will not speak to Aston," a deep voice said.
The duke sighed. "Very well. What are your other terms for this, which you are making me, do?" he asked.
"You will not let them get to Lowenia, do you hear me? If they get there, your wife and unborn child will die. You know you cannot reach them in time." the voice said, chuckling sadistically.
"If you harm one hair on her body, I will personally kill you!" the Duke barked.
"Watch your tongue man. We have your country. It is only a matter of who pulls the strings. You're only a puppet to us. Remember, you are expendable!" the voice told him.
The duke sighed, and waited for the footsteps to fade away. "Marlene, I'm doing this for you, you and our baby." he sighed, and walked out.
~~~~
"What will you name it sister?" Millerna asked, as she was sipping the tea Marlene had offered them.
The young duchess rested a hand on her swollen belly, and sighed in satisfaction. "If it's a girl, I'll call her Nyaughine, if it's a boy, I'll name him Chid. The Duke granted me the privilege of naming our baby," she said, smiling contentedly.
Hitomi and Yukari were quietly eating the cookies offered to them.
"Do you love him?" Millerna asked.
Both Hitomi and Yukari exchanged guilty glances, as they waited for Marlene to answer.
"Yes, at first I didn't, but now... I love him with all my heart. I would do anything for him." Marlene said, getting a very eerie look of peace on her face.
"Is it what he told you to say? Or is it what you truly feel?" Hitomi asked coldly.
Marlene turned her blue eyes upon her, and smiled. "He would never tell me what to say. I grew to love him with time, for every little thing that he did for me. This child is a symbol of that love." the duchess said, resting a hand on her belly.
Hitomi sipped her tea again. "Did you hate him at first?" she continued her inquiry.
"Yes, with all my heart, it time, it changed."
"Do you think I should give up my status and run away to Dryden?" Millerna asked out of nowhere.
The room was silent for a long time. When Marlene finally regained her composure, she stood up abruptly and said. "It's late, and I am tired, I will see you all in the morning." she said, and gently led the trio to the door.
Once they were out, the girls split up, looking for their respective rooms. A shadow loomed through the palace, and Hitomi thought she caught a slight movement out of the corner of her eye. She ignored it, but a nagging suspicion still tugged away at her.
OOC: OH look! She wrote another chapter! Ehhe, YAY *audience cheers* sorry for the long wait guys, school, parents, friends, and about 11 RPG's one of which is my own have kept me busy for the last month or so. I did write it now tho! Eheh, I hope you enjoy this chapter. Bean, the sword moment was for you *smiles* I'm sure you'll be the one enjoying it the most. Uh… sorry for the lateness/logic flaws in this chapter. I hope I've managed to add more mystery to the whole deal. It's a chapter with NO plot in my POV. Ehhe, I hope you guys have some started wondering who on earth is everyone? Uh… pardon me, who on GAEA.. yes… gaea. Anyway. I shall try to write more often… uh… I doubt it tho, I have a hard semester ahead of me and my grades need a bit of attention. I'm sorry for the long wait. Thank you for all of those who kept on reviewing… and uh… I hope… I won't get as many death threats this time *grins* You all can't kill me now! Cuz I wrote more! Mwahahah., Ehh.. ok, late night… got to me. Eek… this was all done in like… 3 hours…. It's 4 a.m. now. Hehe, anyhow, please review, I read all your comments, I loved and appreciated them all. Please excuse the typos in this chap ok? Byes for now!!!!! I hope you like it!