Catching the King's Eye
Disclaimer: Vision of Escaflowne doesn't belong to me. The song, "You Don't See Me" by Josie and the Pussycats doesn't belong to me. And, oh yeah, I got the lyrics of the song from www. findanylyrics.com
Fei-fei chan Thanks again for all the people who reviewed! ^_^ Replies to the people who reviewed are below. For those wondering, blond and blonde mean pretty much the same thing. I think the one with an e can stand alone, but the blond is usually used as an adjective. Anyway, on with the story... One more thing, some parts of the song may not fit Hitomi's place right now, but most of it did. ^_^
Previously on Catching the King's Eye:
Van's train of thought was cut off when he heard Hitomi sigh, 'Oh, I forgot about her.' He noted that she looked quite sad, but right now he just wanted to go and meet the blond lady. So, he quickly said an "Excuse me for a while, Lady Hitomi," and then rushed off to meet the lady he was completely smitten with.
Chapter 2: You Don't See Me
Van stood behind the blonde, gathering his thoughts before speaking to her. 'Alright, you can do this, Van. Go for it.' He inhaled and then spoke to catch the blonde's attention, "Milady?"
The lady turned around and immediately recognized the King, "Your Highness!" she exclaimed. She stifled a gasp and then bowed in front of Van. Then she asked in a polite voice, "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Well, now that you asked, I really would like to get to know you," Van replied with a grin.
"What would you like to know about me, your Highness?" The lady asked in a high-pitched voice with obviously too much sweetness. She was oblivious to the angry stares and glares she got from the other ladies; her focus was just on the King and the King alone.
"For starters, I'd like to know your name."
"It's Susanna, your Highness."
"Susanna, that's a nice name," Van said her name, rolled it in his tongue and made it linger there; he didn't want to forget her name. He was intent on getting to know Susanna and was willing to spend the whole night with her if necessary. He asked her more questions about herself, and he also gave out information about himself. Van finally thought he was at ease and it showed because he was positively glowing, 'I think I have finally found my queen.'
Both of them seemed as if they were in their own little world. They didn't mind the glares or the envious looks focused on them. They also didn't notice a look that neither held anger nor jealousy, but a look of pure melancholy.
* * *
Hitomi felt really sad, but most of all, she felt inferior, inferior to the beauty behind her that the King was clearly taken to. She thought that she actually grabbed the attention of the King for that split second, but apparently, it wasn't enough, after all, it was only a second. 'Well, didn't I wish to go home? This is my chance, right?' Hitomi thought, cheering herself up. 'Maybe it's just not meant to be,' and with this thought, Hitomi felt the all too familiar misery creep up in her soul once more.
She wondered once more why she was feeling the way she was for the King, 'I just met him, but how come I'm like this?' Although she was trying hard not to, her thoughts veered in the direction of the young King yet again. Hitomi dared to spare a glance behind her, to catch a glimpse of the King, and when she did, she ultimately regretted it. The scene before her was too much to bear that Hitomi had to look away immediately just as fast as she had spared that glance; the King and the blonde were so caught up in their conversation, and in each other, that they took no heed of everyone else around them as if they were the only ones who exist.
Hitomi's eyes glistened with tears, and it threatened to fall at any moment. Hitomi didn't seem to feel or didn't seem to mind that she may cry; all she could think of at that moment was despair and the agony of rejection. She was too focused on her thoughts that she was thoroughly surprised when tears started streaming down her face. Hitomi brought a hand to her cheeks, feeling the wet, salty tears. She couldn't fathom what was wrong with her, why she was crying like this over a man she hardly knew, and then it hit her: she fell in love, love at first sight.
A pair of emerald eyes widened and the tears halted as the realization dawned on her, 'So, this is what love feels like.' Hitomi smiled a shy smile and felt her heart beating thrice as much as its normal speed. 'I was always dubious about love, particularly love at first sight, but then I guess now I know better.' Her smile didn't last long; however, it faded as an even bigger realization dawned on her, 'Too bad he doesn't feel the same way. It's just one-sided.' Her green eyes threatened to spill tears once more.
Hitomi mentally slapped herself, 'Oh that's just great, Hitomi, make yourself feel depressed all over again, why don't you? Good going.' Hitomi sucked in a breath of fresh air, mentally exercising her brain to think of happy thoughts, thoughts that didn't include the palace or the King.
But just then, a voice Hitomi knew all too well and a voice she didn't want to hear right now made an announcement that made Hitomi's brain malfunction and completely stand still. She heard Van's voice rise above the incessant chatting of everyone in the throne room, "Attention everyone, attention! I am thrilled to introduce to you my bride-to-be, Susanna." Hitomi's breath caught in her throat and she couldn't react to the announcement Van had just made. She vaguely heard everyone quiet down for a second, and then everyone resumed talking, some were happy with the announcement (Van's advisors) but most were horrified (the ladies).
Hitomi's brain panicked, having no thought to counter what Hitomi's ears had just heard. Hitomi seemed to be out of it, she didn't even look conscious because her eyes were just blank and dull. All she could register was Van's announcement. Hitomi distantly felt her feet moving, but to where, she didn't know, and neither did she care; she just wanted to get out of the throne room.
* * *
Van was all eyes and all ears to Susanna. He held in her every word and put to memory her every movement. Nothing could grab his attention away from the woman in front of him. Most of all, nothing and no one could sway his decision about Susanna. After talking to her for just a few minutes, Van felt that he already knew Susanna well enough and he was willing to continue knowing about her.
Van looked around, seeing everyone else seems to be talking to someone. He stood straight, smiled confidently at Susanna, and then amplified his deep voice for everyone to hear his important announcement, "Attention everyone, attention! I am thrilled to introduce to you my bride- to-be, Susanna." Van looked at Susanna's radiant face and then he took her hand to show everyone his future wife. He saw everyone hush up at the mere sound of his voice, but it got even quieter when he said his announcement and Van could've sworn he could hear a pin drop because of that silence. But just as quickly as everyone shut up, everyone started talking all at once again.
Van saw that his advisors were overjoyed with his announcement and were headed towards him, 'Probably to pat me in the back or give me a thumbs up.' He also saw most of the ladies were enraged, and this made him laugh to himself. The corner of Van's eye spied someone walking away, and he was about to turn around to see who it was, but his advisors got to him and grabbed his attention.
* * *
When Hitomi came to her senses and her brain started functioning again, she found herself in the balcony overlooking the garden. Hitomi took a while to register her surroundings, 'Wow! This is really beautiful.' She was amazed at the scenery before her, flowers of every kind and color brightened the garden, a fountain made of stone stood at the center of the garden, and behind it was a maze. 'This must be prettier at night,' Hitomi thought as she was viewing the garden.
Then, Hitomi recalled what just happened and her depression came back to her in full force, 'He's marrying her.' She felt upset but what else could she do but resign to the fact the King wanted someone else, not her. Everything that happened weighed down on Hitomi. She began to sing a song which matched what she was currently feeling:
This is the place where I sit
This is the part where
I love you too much
Is this as hard as it gets?
'Cause I'm getting tired
Of pretending I'm tough
I'm here if you want me
I'm yours, you can hold me
I'm empty and taken and
Tumbling and breakin'
'Cause you don't see me
And you don't need me
And you don't love me
The way I wish you would
The way I know you could
I dream of worlds
Where you'd understand
And I dream a
Million sleepless nights
I dream of fire when
You're touching my hand
But it twists into smoke
When I turn on the light
I'm speechless and faded
It's too complicated
Is this how the book ends,
Nothing but good friends?
'Cause you don't see me
And you don't need me
And you don't love me
The way I wish you would
This is the place in my heart
This is the place where
I'm falling apart
Isn't this just where we met?
And is this the last chance
That I'll ever get?
I wish I was lonely
Instead of just only
Crystal and see-through
And not enough to you
'Cause you don't see me
And you don't need me
And you don't love me
The way I wish you would
'Cause you don't see me
And you don't need me
And you don't love me
The way I wish you would
The way I know you could
After Hitomi ended the song, she felt good letting out what she felt, although it did nothing to soothe her aching heart. Suddenly, she felt someone was behind her and when she turned around; she saw amber eyes staring right at her.
* * *
Van was speaking to his advisors when he heard someone singing in a tuneful voice. He was captured by that voice and he decided to follow it and see who the voice belongs to. He spotted a woman alone in the balcony, and she was the one singing. Van found himself glued to the floor, just listening to the woman sing and he felt the emotion behind the woman's voice. He waited until the woman finished her song.
The woman must have felt his presence because she turned around and looked at him. Van's eyes doubled its size in recognition of the woman standing before him, 'Hitomi?' He felt very awkward at having caught Hitomi at such a private moment and felt compelled to say something, "I heard someone singing and came to look for the woman behind the voice. You have a very stunning voice." Van smiled at Hitomi and he immediately felt discomfort because she was just standing there looking at him, 'What is she thinking?'
Hitomi didn't seem to acknowledge Van's presence although she was staring at him, 'Maybe she's mad at me for intruding her privacy.' Van was about to apologize when Hitomi spoke, "Thank you, your Highness." Van would've smiled but he could detect the sternness in her voice and saw her stiff posture.
Van could feel that some (some? You mean all! ^_^) of Hitomi's behavior was aimed at him, so he wanted to apologize. Unfortunately, the words haven't even left his mouth yet when his future wife appeared, "Van? Your advisors are looking for you. What are you doing here, anyway? Come on, let's go." Susanna took Van's hand and dragged him inside.
Before Van was completely dragged away, he spared a glance at Hitomi, and what he saw shocked him. He saw in Hitomi's emerald eyes anger, but most of all, grief, all directed at him. Van suddenly felt miserable and he found that he couldn't stand the sight of Hitomi looking sad. 'What is this I'm feeling?' He couldn't ponder on that thought for too long because he was already in the presence of his advisors, but he couldn't get Hitomi out of his mind. 'What is going on with me?' Even the sight of Susanna couldn't calm Van's raging feelings.
TBC
Next on Catching the King's Eye: We all heard Van's announcement, but what is this...he's having second thoughts? Stay tuned for the next chapter!
Replies:
Dilandau-is-My-Boyfriend Well...here's the 2nd chappie...hope that means you're speaking to me again ^_^
Moonlight34 Thank you! I hope you've enjoyed this chapter and please keep reading! ^_^
Shelly this is a definite V/H, but you know stories out there, they have an antagonist, and mine is the blonde. Don't be confused, she's just there to liven things up. ^_^
Blingurll yup, I know the blonde sucks but, someone has to be the antagonist!
Ink yeah, I know, but don't worry, Van will learn his lesson!
Love Witch + Shara Wow! Thanks for the entertainment with the dialogue thingy. Anyway, I hope you both enjoyed this chapter. And Shara, I hope you're not offended with the blonde thingy, I have nothing against blondes. ^_^
Hitomi-chan don't worry, Van will get to his senses soon, see? He's already starting! ^_^
Freelancer47 I hope this answers your question about Millerna being the blonde. ^_^
Michelle Van will see clearly next time, I see to it! ^_^
Kiya I put a little twist in the story and made Van a little mean by "choosing" the blonde. But never fear; I'll give Van a spanking! ^_^
Lady Starlight Thanks! Hope you enjoyed this chapter! ^_^
Fae Rain I guess Hitomi felt like crying too ^_^ hope you liked this chapter!
Black Earrings here's the continuation, and more cliffies! Hehe...^_^
Shinigami06 Thank you for the compliments! I appreciate it ^_^
~Flow~ Yes, this is a V/H story; I just had to put an antagonist. ^_^
Esca-lover I didn't make it Millerna because I didn't think she would be vying for Van's attention. Besides, she's not Fanelian, right? ^_^
Van lover don't you fret, Van will get a taste of his own medicine! ^_^
CinderellaxVan Yup, I definitely will make Van suffer; starting now, he's pretty discombobulated (hehe...cute word!). ^_^
Disclaimer: Vision of Escaflowne doesn't belong to me. The song, "You Don't See Me" by Josie and the Pussycats doesn't belong to me. And, oh yeah, I got the lyrics of the song from www. findanylyrics.com
Fei-fei chan Thanks again for all the people who reviewed! ^_^ Replies to the people who reviewed are below. For those wondering, blond and blonde mean pretty much the same thing. I think the one with an e can stand alone, but the blond is usually used as an adjective. Anyway, on with the story... One more thing, some parts of the song may not fit Hitomi's place right now, but most of it did. ^_^
Previously on Catching the King's Eye:
Van's train of thought was cut off when he heard Hitomi sigh, 'Oh, I forgot about her.' He noted that she looked quite sad, but right now he just wanted to go and meet the blond lady. So, he quickly said an "Excuse me for a while, Lady Hitomi," and then rushed off to meet the lady he was completely smitten with.
Chapter 2: You Don't See Me
Van stood behind the blonde, gathering his thoughts before speaking to her. 'Alright, you can do this, Van. Go for it.' He inhaled and then spoke to catch the blonde's attention, "Milady?"
The lady turned around and immediately recognized the King, "Your Highness!" she exclaimed. She stifled a gasp and then bowed in front of Van. Then she asked in a polite voice, "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Well, now that you asked, I really would like to get to know you," Van replied with a grin.
"What would you like to know about me, your Highness?" The lady asked in a high-pitched voice with obviously too much sweetness. She was oblivious to the angry stares and glares she got from the other ladies; her focus was just on the King and the King alone.
"For starters, I'd like to know your name."
"It's Susanna, your Highness."
"Susanna, that's a nice name," Van said her name, rolled it in his tongue and made it linger there; he didn't want to forget her name. He was intent on getting to know Susanna and was willing to spend the whole night with her if necessary. He asked her more questions about herself, and he also gave out information about himself. Van finally thought he was at ease and it showed because he was positively glowing, 'I think I have finally found my queen.'
Both of them seemed as if they were in their own little world. They didn't mind the glares or the envious looks focused on them. They also didn't notice a look that neither held anger nor jealousy, but a look of pure melancholy.
* * *
Hitomi felt really sad, but most of all, she felt inferior, inferior to the beauty behind her that the King was clearly taken to. She thought that she actually grabbed the attention of the King for that split second, but apparently, it wasn't enough, after all, it was only a second. 'Well, didn't I wish to go home? This is my chance, right?' Hitomi thought, cheering herself up. 'Maybe it's just not meant to be,' and with this thought, Hitomi felt the all too familiar misery creep up in her soul once more.
She wondered once more why she was feeling the way she was for the King, 'I just met him, but how come I'm like this?' Although she was trying hard not to, her thoughts veered in the direction of the young King yet again. Hitomi dared to spare a glance behind her, to catch a glimpse of the King, and when she did, she ultimately regretted it. The scene before her was too much to bear that Hitomi had to look away immediately just as fast as she had spared that glance; the King and the blonde were so caught up in their conversation, and in each other, that they took no heed of everyone else around them as if they were the only ones who exist.
Hitomi's eyes glistened with tears, and it threatened to fall at any moment. Hitomi didn't seem to feel or didn't seem to mind that she may cry; all she could think of at that moment was despair and the agony of rejection. She was too focused on her thoughts that she was thoroughly surprised when tears started streaming down her face. Hitomi brought a hand to her cheeks, feeling the wet, salty tears. She couldn't fathom what was wrong with her, why she was crying like this over a man she hardly knew, and then it hit her: she fell in love, love at first sight.
A pair of emerald eyes widened and the tears halted as the realization dawned on her, 'So, this is what love feels like.' Hitomi smiled a shy smile and felt her heart beating thrice as much as its normal speed. 'I was always dubious about love, particularly love at first sight, but then I guess now I know better.' Her smile didn't last long; however, it faded as an even bigger realization dawned on her, 'Too bad he doesn't feel the same way. It's just one-sided.' Her green eyes threatened to spill tears once more.
Hitomi mentally slapped herself, 'Oh that's just great, Hitomi, make yourself feel depressed all over again, why don't you? Good going.' Hitomi sucked in a breath of fresh air, mentally exercising her brain to think of happy thoughts, thoughts that didn't include the palace or the King.
But just then, a voice Hitomi knew all too well and a voice she didn't want to hear right now made an announcement that made Hitomi's brain malfunction and completely stand still. She heard Van's voice rise above the incessant chatting of everyone in the throne room, "Attention everyone, attention! I am thrilled to introduce to you my bride-to-be, Susanna." Hitomi's breath caught in her throat and she couldn't react to the announcement Van had just made. She vaguely heard everyone quiet down for a second, and then everyone resumed talking, some were happy with the announcement (Van's advisors) but most were horrified (the ladies).
Hitomi's brain panicked, having no thought to counter what Hitomi's ears had just heard. Hitomi seemed to be out of it, she didn't even look conscious because her eyes were just blank and dull. All she could register was Van's announcement. Hitomi distantly felt her feet moving, but to where, she didn't know, and neither did she care; she just wanted to get out of the throne room.
* * *
Van was all eyes and all ears to Susanna. He held in her every word and put to memory her every movement. Nothing could grab his attention away from the woman in front of him. Most of all, nothing and no one could sway his decision about Susanna. After talking to her for just a few minutes, Van felt that he already knew Susanna well enough and he was willing to continue knowing about her.
Van looked around, seeing everyone else seems to be talking to someone. He stood straight, smiled confidently at Susanna, and then amplified his deep voice for everyone to hear his important announcement, "Attention everyone, attention! I am thrilled to introduce to you my bride- to-be, Susanna." Van looked at Susanna's radiant face and then he took her hand to show everyone his future wife. He saw everyone hush up at the mere sound of his voice, but it got even quieter when he said his announcement and Van could've sworn he could hear a pin drop because of that silence. But just as quickly as everyone shut up, everyone started talking all at once again.
Van saw that his advisors were overjoyed with his announcement and were headed towards him, 'Probably to pat me in the back or give me a thumbs up.' He also saw most of the ladies were enraged, and this made him laugh to himself. The corner of Van's eye spied someone walking away, and he was about to turn around to see who it was, but his advisors got to him and grabbed his attention.
* * *
When Hitomi came to her senses and her brain started functioning again, she found herself in the balcony overlooking the garden. Hitomi took a while to register her surroundings, 'Wow! This is really beautiful.' She was amazed at the scenery before her, flowers of every kind and color brightened the garden, a fountain made of stone stood at the center of the garden, and behind it was a maze. 'This must be prettier at night,' Hitomi thought as she was viewing the garden.
Then, Hitomi recalled what just happened and her depression came back to her in full force, 'He's marrying her.' She felt upset but what else could she do but resign to the fact the King wanted someone else, not her. Everything that happened weighed down on Hitomi. She began to sing a song which matched what she was currently feeling:
This is the place where I sit
This is the part where
I love you too much
Is this as hard as it gets?
'Cause I'm getting tired
Of pretending I'm tough
I'm here if you want me
I'm yours, you can hold me
I'm empty and taken and
Tumbling and breakin'
'Cause you don't see me
And you don't need me
And you don't love me
The way I wish you would
The way I know you could
I dream of worlds
Where you'd understand
And I dream a
Million sleepless nights
I dream of fire when
You're touching my hand
But it twists into smoke
When I turn on the light
I'm speechless and faded
It's too complicated
Is this how the book ends,
Nothing but good friends?
'Cause you don't see me
And you don't need me
And you don't love me
The way I wish you would
This is the place in my heart
This is the place where
I'm falling apart
Isn't this just where we met?
And is this the last chance
That I'll ever get?
I wish I was lonely
Instead of just only
Crystal and see-through
And not enough to you
'Cause you don't see me
And you don't need me
And you don't love me
The way I wish you would
'Cause you don't see me
And you don't need me
And you don't love me
The way I wish you would
The way I know you could
After Hitomi ended the song, she felt good letting out what she felt, although it did nothing to soothe her aching heart. Suddenly, she felt someone was behind her and when she turned around; she saw amber eyes staring right at her.
* * *
Van was speaking to his advisors when he heard someone singing in a tuneful voice. He was captured by that voice and he decided to follow it and see who the voice belongs to. He spotted a woman alone in the balcony, and she was the one singing. Van found himself glued to the floor, just listening to the woman sing and he felt the emotion behind the woman's voice. He waited until the woman finished her song.
The woman must have felt his presence because she turned around and looked at him. Van's eyes doubled its size in recognition of the woman standing before him, 'Hitomi?' He felt very awkward at having caught Hitomi at such a private moment and felt compelled to say something, "I heard someone singing and came to look for the woman behind the voice. You have a very stunning voice." Van smiled at Hitomi and he immediately felt discomfort because she was just standing there looking at him, 'What is she thinking?'
Hitomi didn't seem to acknowledge Van's presence although she was staring at him, 'Maybe she's mad at me for intruding her privacy.' Van was about to apologize when Hitomi spoke, "Thank you, your Highness." Van would've smiled but he could detect the sternness in her voice and saw her stiff posture.
Van could feel that some (some? You mean all! ^_^) of Hitomi's behavior was aimed at him, so he wanted to apologize. Unfortunately, the words haven't even left his mouth yet when his future wife appeared, "Van? Your advisors are looking for you. What are you doing here, anyway? Come on, let's go." Susanna took Van's hand and dragged him inside.
Before Van was completely dragged away, he spared a glance at Hitomi, and what he saw shocked him. He saw in Hitomi's emerald eyes anger, but most of all, grief, all directed at him. Van suddenly felt miserable and he found that he couldn't stand the sight of Hitomi looking sad. 'What is this I'm feeling?' He couldn't ponder on that thought for too long because he was already in the presence of his advisors, but he couldn't get Hitomi out of his mind. 'What is going on with me?' Even the sight of Susanna couldn't calm Van's raging feelings.
TBC
Next on Catching the King's Eye: We all heard Van's announcement, but what is this...he's having second thoughts? Stay tuned for the next chapter!
Replies:
Dilandau-is-My-Boyfriend Well...here's the 2nd chappie...hope that means you're speaking to me again ^_^
Moonlight34 Thank you! I hope you've enjoyed this chapter and please keep reading! ^_^
Shelly this is a definite V/H, but you know stories out there, they have an antagonist, and mine is the blonde. Don't be confused, she's just there to liven things up. ^_^
Blingurll yup, I know the blonde sucks but, someone has to be the antagonist!
Ink yeah, I know, but don't worry, Van will learn his lesson!
Love Witch + Shara Wow! Thanks for the entertainment with the dialogue thingy. Anyway, I hope you both enjoyed this chapter. And Shara, I hope you're not offended with the blonde thingy, I have nothing against blondes. ^_^
Hitomi-chan don't worry, Van will get to his senses soon, see? He's already starting! ^_^
Freelancer47 I hope this answers your question about Millerna being the blonde. ^_^
Michelle Van will see clearly next time, I see to it! ^_^
Kiya I put a little twist in the story and made Van a little mean by "choosing" the blonde. But never fear; I'll give Van a spanking! ^_^
Lady Starlight Thanks! Hope you enjoyed this chapter! ^_^
Fae Rain I guess Hitomi felt like crying too ^_^ hope you liked this chapter!
Black Earrings here's the continuation, and more cliffies! Hehe...^_^
Shinigami06 Thank you for the compliments! I appreciate it ^_^
~Flow~ Yes, this is a V/H story; I just had to put an antagonist. ^_^
Esca-lover I didn't make it Millerna because I didn't think she would be vying for Van's attention. Besides, she's not Fanelian, right? ^_^
Van lover don't you fret, Van will get a taste of his own medicine! ^_^
CinderellaxVan Yup, I definitely will make Van suffer; starting now, he's pretty discombobulated (hehe...cute word!). ^_^