Chapter 11
"That's why Van was so antisocial when we first came here, before he knew you were the princess." Hitomi looked up from her spot near the unlit fireplace, books spread around her. Merle was sitting in a large chair, and was busy filing her nails with the same red nail file she wore around her neck during Hitomi's first trip to Gaea. Merle looked up and smiled at her. "He was so relieved to see he wouldn't have to marry some wingnut."
Hitomi frowned slightly, her eyes narrowed. "Are princesses from here suppose to be wingnuts?"
"In Van's opinion, no... but in mine... well..." she smirked at the older girl, her tail flicking slightly against the soft fabrics of the chair. Yuki looked up and watched the small motion from her spot next to Hitomi, her great blue eye watching with a sort of tired fascination.
"The queens and princesses from here have always been quite nice." Millerna told Hitomi. She had been pacing the room, eyeing all the books with as much interest as Dryden probably would have. He had changed her, she noticed.
"Anyway, when you were off doing something the first day we were here, I had to listen to him blab on about how glad he was it was you and all that..." The cat girl rolled her eyes and turned to look out the window. The day wasn't so hot as all the others, a small bit of overcast prevented the sun from shining through. But the humidity was still obvious.
Selena, seated at the window smiled over at her friend. Hitomi had learned that Merle and Selena had become quite close over the years. Once Merle got over the fact that Selena was once Dilandau and had tried to kill Van countless times. And now that Hitomi had talked to the girl more, she had come to like her as well. She figured that Van was still nervous around the girl though... he always seemed a bit on edge whenever they were in close quarters, as if she would suddenly change back into the albino.
Merle turned back to Hitomi as the heiress spoke again. "That would probably explain why Van suddenly went into hysterics." She grinned at the memory of the young king laughing, trying to gain his breath back as he talked to her, laughing at her confusion.
"It will be complicated though." Millerna had picked up a book from a higher shelf, standing on tiptoe to retrieve it. Once bringing it down, she placed a hand instinctively over her belly, not yet swollen.
"What do you mean?" Hitomi watched the queen take a seat at the remaining armchair, placing the book in her lap as she examined the front cover.
"Marrying another member of royalty." Millerna frowned. "You'll have to split rule." Hitomi raised her eyebrows, causing Millerna to chuckle. "You will both have to rule both countries... but you can't be everywhere at once... if you want to be together often." She shrugged. "Both of you will have to appoint a dictator... or some sort of council to run things when your not in the country."
"Oh..." Hitomi looked down at the book currently in her lap. It was filled with maps of the harbours and about ship travel and trade. Her grandmother had given her a list of things to read up on before she took the throne. She didn't want to be completely ignorant to her own country.
"It will all go fine though." She patted the top of the book, as if patting Hitomi's shoulder, and smiled. "It's just easier to marry a merchant, or some rich person with connections."
Hitomi blinked. "Why did you end up marrying Dryden?" Than, realizing how bad that sounded, tried to fix her mistake. "I mean, I thought you liked Allen." She blushed and opened her mouth to change her sentence, but stopped. She truly was curious.
Selena turned from her spot in the window to watch the queen's reaction. She had a small grin on her face, so Hitomi knew of her past, or still existent affections towards the knight.
Millerna blushed slightly, but the look on her face was filled with childhood fancy. "Dryden is a good man... and I gave him another chance..." She shrugged. "I fell in love with him."
"Allen is with Princess Eries." Selena added from the corner, a grin on her face.
Hitomi blinked in surprise and turned to Millerna. "Your older sister?"
She nodded. "It doesn't really surprise me... they're in love." She shrugged and opened the book waiting in her lap. Without looking up she added. "He was the one that told me to give Dryden another chance."
Hitomi stared at her, passing a look to Selena. The platinum haired girl only shrugged. "But- don't they dislike each other."
Millerna nodded, and grinned. "Really stupid actually..."
"Men are stupid." Merle added lightly, now petting Yuki's head as the tiger came over to her.
"That's not very nice." They all turned towards the door in surprise. Once again, Hitomi had completely forgotten about Josceline. He was so quiet, standing in a corner near the doorway. Now he was watching them, specifically Hitomi, with mild amusement.
"Than don't listen to a girl's conversation." Hitomi's voice was light and playful, causing Hitomi to earn a raised eyebrow from Merle. She wasn't flirting with her guard... was she? She instantly turned back to the books, ignoring the blush that suddenly swamped her cheeks.
"Anyway..." Merle stood, stretching her arms up over her head, her back curving as she did so. Very cat like. Though Hitomi also noticed how grown up the cat girl looked. It startled her. She could see why Griffin was attracted to her. "I'm off to go find Van... he was meeting with a messenger from Fanalia."
Hitomi looked up in surprise. "What about?"
Merle shrugged. "We probably have to go back soon."
Hitomi felt her stomach sink. "Why?" She knew it was a stupid question. Van was the king of his own country... just as she would someday be the queen of hers. They couldn't always be together, just as Millerna had said.
"He likes being king, Hitomi. Now that Fanalia is rebuilt." Merle's voice had taken on a gentle note, and she found that Josceline, as well as Millerna and Selena were watching her. "He doesn't like to stay away too long."
Hitomi forced a smile. "I know, Merle." Than, gathering her books into her arms, she stood as well. Smiling at her guests as Yuki rubbed up against her thigh. "I think I'll take these to my room and read them there. I need to have a bath."
Millerna nodded. Something like sympathy in her eyes, well Selena passed a look to a suddenly nervous looking Josceline. Hitomi noticed however, and raised an acquiring eyebrow in his direction, but he pretended not to notice, only turned and followed her quickly out of the room and down the hallway.
Once she had entered the royal hallway, however, her shoulders visibly slumped and she walked a bit slower.
"Your upset about your king leaving?"
"What do you think Josceline?" She told him, her voice coming in a whisper.
He shrugged. "I wouldn't know what to think, I've never known the feeling."
She eyed him carefully. "How did you feel when you had to leave your family to come live here."
He was quiet for a moment, and Hitomi stopped at her doorway, turning to him. His face was aloof, no emotion on his face, but than he sighed and said. "Relieved, actually."
Hitomi bit her lip. "Why?"
"It's a lot of pressure, being in a house with so many expectations." He smiled slightly at her, and reached up a hand to her arm, lightly touching her shoulder before pulling away and looking at the floor. He took a few steps back from her and coughed uncertainly. "I'll see you later."
She watched him for a moment, confusion on her face, before she turned and silently entered into her room, closing the door with a small click behind herself.
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She had only been in there for an hour or so before the a knock came at the door. Hitomi stood from her bed, accidentally knocking a book to the floor, but the door opened before she even got very far.
"What? You don't knock anymore?" She placed her hands on her hips and glared at Van who now stood in the doorway. He was dressed in brown shorts that came to his knees. Something she hadn't seen him wear yet, and he wore a forest green shirt.
He didn't answer her, however.
He took four long strides into the room and pulled her into a passionate kiss, which she returned after the initial shock of the action. One hand was snared in her hair, the other moving along her back, ruffling up her T-shirt from Earth. It ignited pure need in Hitomi, which only intensified when he traced her mouth with his tongue, and left her mouth to wander his kisses down her neck and collarbone, pulling her up and closer to get to the spots he wanted.
She had already wound her own hands in his messy hair and brought an arm around and up, grasping at his shoulder, pulling him down to her, when he pulled away.
His breathing was uneven, his lips red and slightly swollen as Hitomi guessed hers would look as well. He removed a hand from her hair, and grabbed her hand which was entwined in his, kissing it tenderly, never taking his eyes off her face. She suddenly realized what he was there to do.
She forced herself to smile. "Your going back to Fanalia."
He didn't move for a moment, than nodded slowly, stepping closer to her if the action was even possible. He ran a hand over her flushed cheeks, than cupped them gently. "I want you to come with me."
She inhaled sharply. She hadn't even thought about that. She could leave... she wasn't queen yet. And she hadn't even been to see Fanalia since it had been rebuilt. "I would be able to?" Her voice was small, her heart pounding. She would happily go, if it meant she could stay with him.
"I'm sure they would let you leave for a bit." He seemed unable to resist himself as he placed small kisses on her face. Her cheeks, eyelids, and forehead, nudging at her temple with his nose as he whispered. "I can't be without you again."
Gods... she could melt right there. Instead, she just clung to him, burying her head in his shoulder and neck. She felt like crying the relief was so great.
"I'll talk to them too... maybe convince them. Besides..." He lifted her chin up with his hand, a small smile on his face. "You'll be the queen of Fanalia one day as well..."
With a rattling sigh, she moved away from him and sat at the edge of her bed, causing another book to fall to the ground which she ignored. Van bent to pick it up however, placing it back on the pile with the rest, than shoved them all back so he could sit beside her.
"Would you like to come?" His voice was quiet, unsure, teetering on the edge of nervousness. She was suddenly reminded of his younger self and, smiling, leaned against his side with her head on his shoulder. He smelt, as he did all those years ago, of the fields. She closed her eyes, just happy to be surrounded by the gently scent, and the soft tickled of his breath as he looked at her.
"Of course I want to come with you." She reached out, not moving from her spot, and took his hand in hers, playing with his fingertips as she spoke. "I want to see Fanalia again too."
He smiled, and pulled her into his lap so easily that it startled her. Reminding her once again that he had grown up, all traces of the younger more nervous Van was lost completely as he slipped his hands along the inside of her thigh, causing a small shudder to arise from her. She found herself praising her own chose of clothing for that day, wearing a jean skirt that he easily hiked up to her waist, and moderately sexy underwear she had bought on Earth (though at the time she hadn't had any real hope of a male actually seeing them). Not to mention the easy to discard band T-shirt she had picked out.
Oh yes... she had come to find this new change in Van very, very enjoyable. And was just thinking that when he laid her down against the bed with all intention of being completely dishonourable.
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Josceline sighed in irritation as he watched Selena approach him. He was seated in the middle courtyard, trying to look immersed in a book on war tactics he had taken from the library earlier. Hitomi had shown it to him, not sure if he would be curious or not. To tell the truth, he wasn't entirely interested. It was an Asturian book, written long ago. But he had already read it when he was younger. But he couldn't come to tell the princess this information for reasons unknown to him.
He put the book carefully down in his lap as she stopped in front of him, a small smirk on her face. "Are you busy."
"No..." He couldn't lie, but his voice sounded absolutely miserable as he spoke. Any other man would be happy to be with this young women. Her skin was milky white and perfect in the low light that lit the courtyard. Her platinum blonde hair wavy with small curly cues, pinned at the back of her head half-heartedly. A fighter hastily put together into a women.
"Good." She gracefully took a seat next to him, though not too close. She examined her hands in her lap for a moment before turning to him, that same smile still on her face. Josceline, surprised, felt goose flesh break up his arm. He turned away, studying the cover of this book before setting it aside.
"Would you like something?" He asked, using his best polite voice which came off rather cold.
"Not really." She pouted slightly. "Can't I talk to you?" He didn't answer. "I'm bored, and I wanted a little fun before we go back to Asturia."
She moved closer to him suddenly, and before he knew what was happening; his sharp keen senses and reflexes failing when it came to stuff like this, she was playing with his hair and placing small hot kisses on his cheek and ear.
He jumped away. "What are you doing?" He stood before her now, his breath coming fast. He felt his body beginning to react, which wasn't good. He turned away.
"Having my fun." Her voice was filled with mirth and laughter, and when he turned to her again, a small smile was on her face, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Well, have it somewhere else." He glared furiously at her, dropping his polite act. "Your going to get me into trouble."
"Why?" She was still smirking. She knew the answer, and he knew it.
He nearly growled at her. "I'm a Celestial."
She shrugged, and leaned back against the fountain, surveying him. "You can't do anything?"
He hesitated for a moment, feeling himself getting lost in her beautiful blue eyes. He blinked. His mind racing fast. "Not with a women."
"Interesting..." She leaned forward. He was suddenly grateful for the Asturian dress she was wearing. Tight at the neck so that nothing showed when she did such an action. She placed a delicate hand to her cheek as she watched him.
"Just... I'm going to act like this didn't happen."
"No... you see Josceline. I know the rules of the Celestials." She was standing now, inching towards him. He took a step back, not turning his gaze from hers. "You can't sleep with me... that's true. But it doesn't disclude other things."
"Other things lead to forbidden things." He told her dryly. Though his heart was beating rapidly. His head was reeling.
She closed the distance between them, and placed a soft kiss on his lips. He return it... but he didn't push her away either. His took a sharp intake of breath when she pulled away and smiled.
"See... no harm done." She grinned, and took his lips with hers again, tracing a hand up his chest and over his shoulders to his back. Still, he didn't move. She pulled away, eyeing him carefully.
He had closed his eyes during the contact, and kept them closed as he leaned against her and, to her surprise, ran his hands through her hair, loosing some pieces from her hastily done-up style. He placed his head in the crook of her neck, causing feelings of pleasure to swamp her as his breath tickled her throat. She leaned her head against his.
But he pulled away just as suddenly as it happened, taking several steps backwards away from her.
"I can't do this." Than, without another word, he gathered up the book from the side of the fountain and left the courtyard at a very fast pace.
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Hitomi laughed as her best friends stared in wonder at the large leviships and merchant vessels that were coming into the harbour, the large harbour control tower ringing the gong that sounded their arrival to the swarming docks. They were watching this all from a tall lookout that wrapped around the palace.
It was Griffin's idea that her, Van, Yukari and Amano all venture up to this spot, and the cat boy had the cooks prepare a supper for them which they carried between them up to the spot. They had laid out a blanket taken from Yukari's room, and now sit, nibbling on herb bread.
"I can't believe how beautiful it is here..." Yukari tore her gaze away from the harbour to smile at her best friend. "And your so happy here."
Hitomi nodded, feeling Van press a gentle hand to her back. She had been feeling terrible lately, not being able to see her best friends as much as she would have wanted. They were going back the next morning so, on Earth, they would be arriving during the morning. "I will miss Earth."
"But..." Yukari frowned, a sad look on her face. "You'll be able to come visit, won't you?"
"I imagine so." She smiled reassuringly. "If you can come... I would image I could go there."
"Oh..." She moved forward and pulled her friend into a tight hug, which was returned full force "I'll miss you still."
"I'll miss you too." Hitomi found that tears were coming to her eyes, but she blinked them away. She wasn't going to cry. She would see Yukari and Amano again. Smiling to the silent Amano behind Yukari, she reached out a hand to him which he took and squeezed gently.
"Stay strong." He told her with a smile. Then, turning to Van he added. "And you better watch out for her, she's a lot of trouble."
Hitomi moved to give him a small thwack on the arm, but Yukari beat her to it, lightly cuffing her boyfriend on the top of the head. "Don't say such things." She told him playfully. Hitomi found herself laughing.
"It's getting dark." Josceline's voice cut through their goodbyes, bringing them back to reality.
Hitomi turned to him with a pout, but, instead of his usual looks of amusement... or annoyance for that matter, he watched her for a moment before turning away. He had been very very quiet all afternoon since Hitomi finally emerged from her room. She hoped it had nothing to do with the fact she had emerged from the room red in the face and looking dishevelled along with Van. Now, he leaned against the tree nearby, arms crossed over his chest, head bowed as if thinking.
"All right..." Hitomi stood up, pulling her skirt into the right position as she did so. Van got up and began to quietly gather the stuff back into the large basket well Amano helped. Yukari walked over to the edge of the lookout, still watching the scene below with awe.
Hitomi moved over to Josceline. He seemed to stiffen slightly as she approached, and stiffened even more when she asked if something was bothering him.
He shook his head. "Nothing, Hitomi."
She blinked at him. He had used her name. "Are you sure?"
He nodded, forcing a smile. "I'm fine." He motioned with his head back to her company. "They're waiting for you."
She turned, and sure enough, Van was carrying the heavy basket well Amano held the large blanket bundled up in his hands. Yukari was carrying a capped jug of wine that Griffin provided. All were waiting patiently for them.
She turned quickly back to Josceline, but she shook his head, and ushered her forward, placing a hand gently at the small of her back.
"My soul worry is for your protection." He told her, his voice quiet as they approached the group, his hand feather light against her.
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AN/ there we are... another chapter for you all... not much happens in his chappy... ah well...
I'm really really growing attached to Josceline... I feel quite sorry for him. Selena is evil. No really... this is how I've always pictured her to be. well... quiet at first... but I always thought some traits of our Piro maniac Dilly would show through at some point, right?
Van and Hitomi are like friggin Bunnies! O.O I would be too if I had to stay away from Van for that long and my teenage hormones kick in... god... he is sexah!
On to more important matters...
I'm going to finish this bit off... just a few more chapters... or 3... or 4... than I will be done this story. But not the worry! I will create a sequel. AND that sequel will have all the action, mystery suspense, etc. that I will no longer build into this instalment. So all the hints at things like dangerous ancestors... and male Scryes and such will be incorporated and concentrated more into the sequel. Not the mention the dream Hitomi had. That will be in the sequel.
I'm doing this because it has been brought to my attention that lots of people like simple fluff and goodness... but I was going to branch off into not so goodness with bad stuff and scary stuff and the like... so if you like that stuff... you can read the sequel... if not... you can just finish reading this story and that will be that. -nods- I would like you to read the next instalment... but you don't have to is what I'm saying.
CheersSa-chan
