Disclaimer: I do not own G Gundam or any of its characters.
A.N.: Hello, my loyal readers. I wish to apologize profusely for the long delay in this chapter. I am quite grateful to Mina for posting the last one for me.
Also, if you enjoy my work, please feel free to check out my G Gundam short story, 'Sometimes.' Leave a review and you get a prize! ^_^ not really, but if it motivates you, then okay!
*~*~*~*
THESE FOOLISH GAMES: Chapter 14
*~*~*~*
All that's left has gone away
And there's nothing there for you to prove
.
Oh, look what you've done
You've made a fool of everyone
Oh well, it seems likes such fun
Until you lose what you had won
.
Give me back my point of view
'Cause I just can't think for you
I can hardly hear you say
What should I do? Well, you choose
.
Oh, look what you've done
You've made a fool of everyone
Oh well, it seems likes such fun
Until you lose what you had won
*~*~*~*
Just before she turned the corner, Marie-Louise turned and sent Rain a worried look, then disappeared.
Domon took her hand and turned her toward him. "Marie-Louise, what is going on?"
Oh Lord.
Rain gulped nervously. It would seem that he had pinned her this time, metaphorically speaking, that is. She hated lying, it went against her principles. She was an honest person, and was proud of her sense of right and wrong. Besides, she had just won his trust. If she lied now, she would betray it and lose the valuable prize he had given her.
However, if she revealed the truth now, she and Princess Marie-Louise would be in quite serious trouble. They hadn't come this far and worked this hard to end it all now. Besides, she was required to obey her lady, even if she was older. If she revealed everything, after only a few days had passed Marie-Louise would surely have her head, metaphorically speaking, she hoped.
She turned to face him and took a deep breath, an attempt to calm her frantic nerves.
"I'm not quite sure why she addressed me as 'Rain,'" she replied calmly as she feigned ignorance as best she could. "Perhaps it was the shock. She did seem to be in a rather fragile and unstable state."
Domon nodded, accepting her lie as truth. It was understandable, considering her unfortunate circumstances. "I'll send for one of my men to come and deal with this soldier later."
Rain released the breath she had been holding, relieved that he did not pursue the slip up any further. Yet as he offered her his arm to walk back to the celebration, she couldn't help that strange feeling of guilt from washing over her.
Oh, look what you've done.
*~*~*~*
Allenby silently watched the events taking place below, her green eyes observant and waiting. Swirling the goblet she cradled in her right hand, she leaned against a pillar and sipped the rich wine, its palatable flavor pleasing to her senses.
There.
Her emerald orbs flashed as she caught sight of Princess Marie-Louise and Prince Domon, and she flicked an aqua strand of hair over her shoulder. Stealthily, she observed from the balcony above for a moment. The princess hung on his arm, a small smile on her content face. Allenby scowled. She always seemed so happy. Of course, if she was a princess with handsome men chasing after her with proposals of marriage, then she'd be pretty thrilled too.
Her eyes narrowed at something strange. Her lady in waiting. She wasn't there. Women of royalty and status never went anywhere without at least one. Well, she herself didn't have ladies in waiting by her side, but that was different. She couldn't stand hers, the only reason she kept them at all was to help her dress. Other then that, she insisted that they leave her alone.
But for the princess of Mersenia to be without a lady in waiting, now that was something different. Not only was she a Princess and future Queen, but she was also the heir to the Mersenian throne, one of the largest and most influential nations around. Every eligible male in the land was seeking her hand in marriage now that her father deemed that she was of proper age, each one striving to just get their hands on the wealth and power of Mersenia. So for a woman of her standing to be alone with a male, nevermind that he was the prince of Sauvillia, was a very strange occurance. A true lady, especially a princess, would have a firmer understanding of such social confinements.
A young man approached the couple, his orange hair making him easily noticeable, and she recognized him as the loyal friend of Domon, George de Sand, the famous Sauvillian 'Rose Knight'. His royal blue velvet tunic contrasted with his vibrant hair, and she detected that he wore no weapon on his belt, much unlike Lord Ulube. Of course, a true gentleman such as the Rose Knight would never think of bringing weapons into an important event such as this. He held his hand out to the princess as an invitation to dance. Allenby watched as the couple left, and decided now was the perfect time to make her move.
With the grace and fluidity of a lioness, Allenby descended the spiraling stone staircase, the silken skirts of her dress grasped gently between her fingers. Her chin parallel to the floor and eyes on her target, she approached Domon's reclining figure.
She found herself admiring his lean build and quiet strength as she drew closer. He wore a sleeveless scarlet tunic, similar to Sir George's, that laced up the front and was decorated in an ornate silver detailing. The vivacious color contrasted to the starch white shirt he wore underneath. The gloves that typically he wore were missing at the grandiose event tonight, as was his quintessential sword. His black leather boots squeaked as he crossed his ankles to lean against the wall in silence, his eyes always on the dancing figure of the Princess.
"It's nice to see that you decided to join the rest of us for the feast tonight, my lord Prince Domon."
Domon tore his dusky eyes away from the dance to turn towards her.
"Duchess Allenby," he commented, a bit surprised by her presence.
"You were gone for relatively some time, but I see you were gone with good reason. That reason seems to hold your attention quite steadily tonight. Tell me Domon, how did you manage to get rid of her lady in waiting? Just how good is she? Not better than me, I certainly hope."
Domon's eyes flashed a hazardous dark russet in warning. "That's enough, Duchess Allenby," he growled. "I won't have you tarnishing the Mersenian Princess' reputation. Just because she has a crystal clean past and you don't, doesn't mean you have the right to destroy it. People respect her for her morals and extreme kindness."
"Yourself included," she mumbled under her breath just loud enough for him to hear.
"I know you've chased away other competition in the past, but I won't stand for it this time. Not with her. She deserves better than that."
She crossed her arms when he turned away, making his indifference to her presence apparent. Damn him, this wasn't going as planned. He was simply too entranced by the princess for him to even notice her. Perhaps her callousness and obstinacy weren't going to win him over anymore. At first, he found her feistiness and spirited ways attractive. However, with the entrance of the gentle princess, it was time to start a different approach.
"I-I'm sorry, Prince Domon," she lowered her head and when she could see that she caught his attention again, she clasped her hands together. "I don't know what makes me say such cruel things. Please, forgive me."
She lifted her head, turning her hopeful eyes on to him.
"Allenby..." he whispered.
"Please don't be upset with me. I know I say things at times, but I really don't mean them. I can never be like her, but...I want to try to be a better person, Domon. I want to be someone that I can be proud of. That a future husband could be proud of. For too long have I lived recklessly, but now seeing her. I realize that everything I've done, I've done out of selfishness and greed. I was so rude to the princess when she came, I was jealous of who she was and how she acted, but now," she looked over at the princess.
"She's so kind, Domon, and so altruistic. Looking at her, I saw everything that I should be as a lady, everything that I *want* to be. She's inspired me to become someone better, more refined and lady-like. I know I come off as coarse and uncouth at times, but- I'm trying. I'm trying. That's all I wanted to say."
Domon studied her carefully, then took her face between his hands when she refused to look at him. "I forgive you."
Allenby placed a hand over his and smiled, leaning her head into his touch. "I'd like it if we could still be friends. It'd be nice to have your support and friendship, but after everything I've done, I'd understand if you don't wish it to be so. I've put you through so much, I don't even deserve your forgiveness or a second chance."
"Everyone deserves the chance to truly prove themselves, Duchess Allenby. Of course, we'll stay friends."
"Oh, Prince Domon, thank you!" She wrapped her silken black arms around him in a grateful embrace. Hesitantly, he returned the gesture. As she held him, she looked over at the dance floor to make eye contact with a dancing princess who looked rather shocked. She smirked.
All right, Lord Ulube. I held up my part of the bargain. Now it's time for you to do yours.
*~*~*~*
General Ulube Ishikawa was still standing from after shaking the hand of his 'partner'. Needless to say, he was disappointed that his partner, although zealous in achieving revenge against the Kasshus and the kingdom of Sauvillia, was still too moralistic to agree to murdering the youngest son. Despite the obstacle the young prince presented, Ulube was not easily deterred. He decided that it was time to look for the princess and proceed with their plans.
He caught sight of the embracing figures of Duchess Allenby and Prince Domon, which lifted his spirits somewhat after the recent unsatisfying encounter, and realized that the Princess must be near by. No sooner had he turned his eyes away from the couple then he saw the Mersenian heir. She was dancing with a red-haired man, and while she never missed a step, her surprised facial expression made it clear that she was uncomfortable and confused by Prince Domon and Duchess Allenby's embrace.
Not wishing to lose anymore time, Ulube walked purposefully over towards the dancing pair and tapped the red-head on the shoulder to draw their attention to him.
"Pardon me, kind sir, but would you mind if I danced with this lovely young lady?"
*~*~*~*
Rain was stunned at the way Domon was behaving with Lady Allenby. A few moments ago, he was completely genuine and kind to her, apologizing for his actions, and now he was throwing himself back into the arms of that woman? What, had he decided that since he couldn't have her, that he might as well go back to Duchess Allenby's waiting arms?
So caught up was she in watching them together, she didn't even notice the tall approaching figure until Sir George stopped dancing.
"Pardon me, kind sir," he addressed Sir George politely, "but would you mind if I danced with this lovely young lady?"
George nodded, "Of course, sir." He took her hand in his and bowed elegantly at the waist. "With your leave, my lady."
She nodded in acquiescence as he walked away, and the other gentleman took her hand. He seemed to be a fairly attractive man, tall and muscular in build, his chestnut hair brushing his shoulders as he bowed. The only thing that deterred from it was the curious silver mask the concealed half of his face.
"General Ulube Ishikawa, my lady," he said to introduce himself.
Her eyes grew as wide as saucers at his name. "Ulube," she hissed quietly, so as not to make a scene, yet with enough ferocity to make her anger clear. "You! You're the man who had my stable boy, Sai Saici, whipped!" She yanked her hand out of his grip and pulled away to glare at him.
Ulube was confused by her words. Stable boy? Then it came to him. The foolish cuckold who startled his horse. That must have been who she was referring to. How would he get out of this one...
"Stable boy?" he questioned. "I don't know who you are talking about."
"You had my stable boy whipped for being late to attend to your horse, with salt poured in the wounds to further aggravate his injuries. How could you be so heartless and insensitive?"
"Oh. My lady, I am sorry for that. You see, it was completely out of my hands. I had no idea that Lord Karato would have him punished to that extent. If I had, I assure you, I would have made sure that the boy was not put through such torturous reprimand. I ask your forgiveness, for I did not know."
Rain was a bit hesitant, then spoke, "Yes, I see. It was not your fault if you did not even know. I could not possibly hold that against you. Perhaps, though, you could make sure to remind your attendants to be less aggressive in their punishments, especially for something so trivial."
"Of course, my lady. I will as soon as I leave tonight. But until then, may I have this dance?"
She smiled, and allowed him to take her hand in his own.
"I also wish to apologize for the intrusion, my lady. I hope I did not seem too bold or rude to your partner, but I simply had to dance with you."
Rain blushed at his complement. "Thank you sir, but your words are overly kind."
He feigned a sort of shock at her words. "My Princess, surely you realize how stunning you look tonight. Why, just glance around the room," he gestured with his free hand, "Every man here has his eyes on you, each one just waiting for the chance for you to smile his way." He lowered his voice and drew her more intimately toward him, "And here I am with you, lucky not only to be honored with a single dance from the most charming woman I have ever seen, but also that her delightful smile is for me and no one else."
She blushed again. "Sir, I am sure that I do your words injustice. You are far too kind."
"I am a General, my lady, and with all due respect, it is my duty to make sure that justice prevails. I would never speak any words unless they were the absolute truth."
*~*~*~*
TBC
*~*~*~*
A.N.: I was going to include Sai, Cecil, and Marie-Louise, but it seemed to drag on too much for one chapter, so that's what's up for next time. Au revoir for now.
**And remember, please R+R, and don't forget my short, one-shot fic, 'Sometimes'!**
*~*~*~*
CHAPTER 13 REVIEWS:
HaRdCORECaNdYCaNeChIlD: hey there, glad to hear from you again! Thanks for the review, I'm glad you liked George. He appeared a little bit here, but hopefully more next chapter. As far as what the future of this fic holds, well, you'll just have to keep reading! (p.s.- thanks for putting me on your favorites list ^_^)
Darkcyrstal24: I will absolutely write more! Thanks so much for reviewing more than once, you rock! I hope that you keep reading and reviewing, I love to hear from you as the story progresses!
youigy hunter: ooooo...did you see how Rain totally avoided telling the truth? Duh dun dun! The suspence builds! When will Domon find out?? Read on, my friend, read on!!
secretperson/ShadowLiger: thank you so much for always reviewing. You're constant pressuring has really motivated me. Thank you thank you thank you!! Hopefully now that some things have cleared up, I'll have more time!
Animechick: sorry to hear about the computer problems, trust me, I have had my fair share of those. This year, my computer has broken down three times ::shakes fist at computer:: grr...but anyway, it's great to hear from you, and I hope you'll keep reading!
LivEviL: I know ::tear:: I'm sad that George has been so neglected, I luv the George...Yet he will hopefully have a larger role with Marie-Louise next chapter! Thank you for the complements and extra-long review! I hope to hear from you again!
Kawaiisempai: sorry about the cliff hanger, but I'm glad that you like how it's going. And yes, my friend Mina is an angel for always helping me when I'm sick. That Marie-Louise, she's always getting off easy. Maybe I'll have to change that. She's been too lucky so far...Anyway, thanks for R+R- ing, I hope to hear from you again!
Iridecent Goddess: I hope you liked this update, it took me forever, I know. I'm sorry!! Hopefully the next one will come a lot sooner than this one. Anyway, I'm always glad to hear from you, no matter what name you use! ^_^
Rayne Rhiana: that Domon, huh? Why's he got to be so observant and mess things up? Lol, anyway, thank you so much for enjoying my story and reviewing. It really means a lot to me and helps motivate me to work faster, something I'm trying to get better at! I hope to hear from you again!
shorty40: I'm sorry you're confused, anything I can help clarify? Leave me a review or feel free to e-mail me at kaoru_fireflies@hotmail.com, okay? Thanks for reviewing!!
MayMooCow: lol, I love your name. anyway, sorry, but Rain doesn't reveal the truth, as you may have figured out. ::dodges flying knives:: I know I know! Soon, I promise, soon!! Anyway, thank you so much for reviewing, and I hope you come back for more!
GoldAngel2: of course, I can always expect a review from you. I am incredibly grateful for your constant support. I try to keep the character's personalities straight, but I'm pretty sure that some (like Allenby) are pretty OOC. ( Anyway, thank you so very much for also reviewing 'Sometimes'. It was very nice of you. And I hope to check out your fic, 'Undying Regrets,' just as soon as I can!!
A.N.: Hello, my loyal readers. I wish to apologize profusely for the long delay in this chapter. I am quite grateful to Mina for posting the last one for me.
Also, if you enjoy my work, please feel free to check out my G Gundam short story, 'Sometimes.' Leave a review and you get a prize! ^_^ not really, but if it motivates you, then okay!
*~*~*~*
THESE FOOLISH GAMES: Chapter 14
*~*~*~*
All that's left has gone away
And there's nothing there for you to prove
.
Oh, look what you've done
You've made a fool of everyone
Oh well, it seems likes such fun
Until you lose what you had won
.
Give me back my point of view
'Cause I just can't think for you
I can hardly hear you say
What should I do? Well, you choose
.
Oh, look what you've done
You've made a fool of everyone
Oh well, it seems likes such fun
Until you lose what you had won
*~*~*~*
Just before she turned the corner, Marie-Louise turned and sent Rain a worried look, then disappeared.
Domon took her hand and turned her toward him. "Marie-Louise, what is going on?"
Oh Lord.
Rain gulped nervously. It would seem that he had pinned her this time, metaphorically speaking, that is. She hated lying, it went against her principles. She was an honest person, and was proud of her sense of right and wrong. Besides, she had just won his trust. If she lied now, she would betray it and lose the valuable prize he had given her.
However, if she revealed the truth now, she and Princess Marie-Louise would be in quite serious trouble. They hadn't come this far and worked this hard to end it all now. Besides, she was required to obey her lady, even if she was older. If she revealed everything, after only a few days had passed Marie-Louise would surely have her head, metaphorically speaking, she hoped.
She turned to face him and took a deep breath, an attempt to calm her frantic nerves.
"I'm not quite sure why she addressed me as 'Rain,'" she replied calmly as she feigned ignorance as best she could. "Perhaps it was the shock. She did seem to be in a rather fragile and unstable state."
Domon nodded, accepting her lie as truth. It was understandable, considering her unfortunate circumstances. "I'll send for one of my men to come and deal with this soldier later."
Rain released the breath she had been holding, relieved that he did not pursue the slip up any further. Yet as he offered her his arm to walk back to the celebration, she couldn't help that strange feeling of guilt from washing over her.
Oh, look what you've done.
*~*~*~*
Allenby silently watched the events taking place below, her green eyes observant and waiting. Swirling the goblet she cradled in her right hand, she leaned against a pillar and sipped the rich wine, its palatable flavor pleasing to her senses.
There.
Her emerald orbs flashed as she caught sight of Princess Marie-Louise and Prince Domon, and she flicked an aqua strand of hair over her shoulder. Stealthily, she observed from the balcony above for a moment. The princess hung on his arm, a small smile on her content face. Allenby scowled. She always seemed so happy. Of course, if she was a princess with handsome men chasing after her with proposals of marriage, then she'd be pretty thrilled too.
Her eyes narrowed at something strange. Her lady in waiting. She wasn't there. Women of royalty and status never went anywhere without at least one. Well, she herself didn't have ladies in waiting by her side, but that was different. She couldn't stand hers, the only reason she kept them at all was to help her dress. Other then that, she insisted that they leave her alone.
But for the princess of Mersenia to be without a lady in waiting, now that was something different. Not only was she a Princess and future Queen, but she was also the heir to the Mersenian throne, one of the largest and most influential nations around. Every eligible male in the land was seeking her hand in marriage now that her father deemed that she was of proper age, each one striving to just get their hands on the wealth and power of Mersenia. So for a woman of her standing to be alone with a male, nevermind that he was the prince of Sauvillia, was a very strange occurance. A true lady, especially a princess, would have a firmer understanding of such social confinements.
A young man approached the couple, his orange hair making him easily noticeable, and she recognized him as the loyal friend of Domon, George de Sand, the famous Sauvillian 'Rose Knight'. His royal blue velvet tunic contrasted with his vibrant hair, and she detected that he wore no weapon on his belt, much unlike Lord Ulube. Of course, a true gentleman such as the Rose Knight would never think of bringing weapons into an important event such as this. He held his hand out to the princess as an invitation to dance. Allenby watched as the couple left, and decided now was the perfect time to make her move.
With the grace and fluidity of a lioness, Allenby descended the spiraling stone staircase, the silken skirts of her dress grasped gently between her fingers. Her chin parallel to the floor and eyes on her target, she approached Domon's reclining figure.
She found herself admiring his lean build and quiet strength as she drew closer. He wore a sleeveless scarlet tunic, similar to Sir George's, that laced up the front and was decorated in an ornate silver detailing. The vivacious color contrasted to the starch white shirt he wore underneath. The gloves that typically he wore were missing at the grandiose event tonight, as was his quintessential sword. His black leather boots squeaked as he crossed his ankles to lean against the wall in silence, his eyes always on the dancing figure of the Princess.
"It's nice to see that you decided to join the rest of us for the feast tonight, my lord Prince Domon."
Domon tore his dusky eyes away from the dance to turn towards her.
"Duchess Allenby," he commented, a bit surprised by her presence.
"You were gone for relatively some time, but I see you were gone with good reason. That reason seems to hold your attention quite steadily tonight. Tell me Domon, how did you manage to get rid of her lady in waiting? Just how good is she? Not better than me, I certainly hope."
Domon's eyes flashed a hazardous dark russet in warning. "That's enough, Duchess Allenby," he growled. "I won't have you tarnishing the Mersenian Princess' reputation. Just because she has a crystal clean past and you don't, doesn't mean you have the right to destroy it. People respect her for her morals and extreme kindness."
"Yourself included," she mumbled under her breath just loud enough for him to hear.
"I know you've chased away other competition in the past, but I won't stand for it this time. Not with her. She deserves better than that."
She crossed her arms when he turned away, making his indifference to her presence apparent. Damn him, this wasn't going as planned. He was simply too entranced by the princess for him to even notice her. Perhaps her callousness and obstinacy weren't going to win him over anymore. At first, he found her feistiness and spirited ways attractive. However, with the entrance of the gentle princess, it was time to start a different approach.
"I-I'm sorry, Prince Domon," she lowered her head and when she could see that she caught his attention again, she clasped her hands together. "I don't know what makes me say such cruel things. Please, forgive me."
She lifted her head, turning her hopeful eyes on to him.
"Allenby..." he whispered.
"Please don't be upset with me. I know I say things at times, but I really don't mean them. I can never be like her, but...I want to try to be a better person, Domon. I want to be someone that I can be proud of. That a future husband could be proud of. For too long have I lived recklessly, but now seeing her. I realize that everything I've done, I've done out of selfishness and greed. I was so rude to the princess when she came, I was jealous of who she was and how she acted, but now," she looked over at the princess.
"She's so kind, Domon, and so altruistic. Looking at her, I saw everything that I should be as a lady, everything that I *want* to be. She's inspired me to become someone better, more refined and lady-like. I know I come off as coarse and uncouth at times, but- I'm trying. I'm trying. That's all I wanted to say."
Domon studied her carefully, then took her face between his hands when she refused to look at him. "I forgive you."
Allenby placed a hand over his and smiled, leaning her head into his touch. "I'd like it if we could still be friends. It'd be nice to have your support and friendship, but after everything I've done, I'd understand if you don't wish it to be so. I've put you through so much, I don't even deserve your forgiveness or a second chance."
"Everyone deserves the chance to truly prove themselves, Duchess Allenby. Of course, we'll stay friends."
"Oh, Prince Domon, thank you!" She wrapped her silken black arms around him in a grateful embrace. Hesitantly, he returned the gesture. As she held him, she looked over at the dance floor to make eye contact with a dancing princess who looked rather shocked. She smirked.
All right, Lord Ulube. I held up my part of the bargain. Now it's time for you to do yours.
*~*~*~*
General Ulube Ishikawa was still standing from after shaking the hand of his 'partner'. Needless to say, he was disappointed that his partner, although zealous in achieving revenge against the Kasshus and the kingdom of Sauvillia, was still too moralistic to agree to murdering the youngest son. Despite the obstacle the young prince presented, Ulube was not easily deterred. He decided that it was time to look for the princess and proceed with their plans.
He caught sight of the embracing figures of Duchess Allenby and Prince Domon, which lifted his spirits somewhat after the recent unsatisfying encounter, and realized that the Princess must be near by. No sooner had he turned his eyes away from the couple then he saw the Mersenian heir. She was dancing with a red-haired man, and while she never missed a step, her surprised facial expression made it clear that she was uncomfortable and confused by Prince Domon and Duchess Allenby's embrace.
Not wishing to lose anymore time, Ulube walked purposefully over towards the dancing pair and tapped the red-head on the shoulder to draw their attention to him.
"Pardon me, kind sir, but would you mind if I danced with this lovely young lady?"
*~*~*~*
Rain was stunned at the way Domon was behaving with Lady Allenby. A few moments ago, he was completely genuine and kind to her, apologizing for his actions, and now he was throwing himself back into the arms of that woman? What, had he decided that since he couldn't have her, that he might as well go back to Duchess Allenby's waiting arms?
So caught up was she in watching them together, she didn't even notice the tall approaching figure until Sir George stopped dancing.
"Pardon me, kind sir," he addressed Sir George politely, "but would you mind if I danced with this lovely young lady?"
George nodded, "Of course, sir." He took her hand in his and bowed elegantly at the waist. "With your leave, my lady."
She nodded in acquiescence as he walked away, and the other gentleman took her hand. He seemed to be a fairly attractive man, tall and muscular in build, his chestnut hair brushing his shoulders as he bowed. The only thing that deterred from it was the curious silver mask the concealed half of his face.
"General Ulube Ishikawa, my lady," he said to introduce himself.
Her eyes grew as wide as saucers at his name. "Ulube," she hissed quietly, so as not to make a scene, yet with enough ferocity to make her anger clear. "You! You're the man who had my stable boy, Sai Saici, whipped!" She yanked her hand out of his grip and pulled away to glare at him.
Ulube was confused by her words. Stable boy? Then it came to him. The foolish cuckold who startled his horse. That must have been who she was referring to. How would he get out of this one...
"Stable boy?" he questioned. "I don't know who you are talking about."
"You had my stable boy whipped for being late to attend to your horse, with salt poured in the wounds to further aggravate his injuries. How could you be so heartless and insensitive?"
"Oh. My lady, I am sorry for that. You see, it was completely out of my hands. I had no idea that Lord Karato would have him punished to that extent. If I had, I assure you, I would have made sure that the boy was not put through such torturous reprimand. I ask your forgiveness, for I did not know."
Rain was a bit hesitant, then spoke, "Yes, I see. It was not your fault if you did not even know. I could not possibly hold that against you. Perhaps, though, you could make sure to remind your attendants to be less aggressive in their punishments, especially for something so trivial."
"Of course, my lady. I will as soon as I leave tonight. But until then, may I have this dance?"
She smiled, and allowed him to take her hand in his own.
"I also wish to apologize for the intrusion, my lady. I hope I did not seem too bold or rude to your partner, but I simply had to dance with you."
Rain blushed at his complement. "Thank you sir, but your words are overly kind."
He feigned a sort of shock at her words. "My Princess, surely you realize how stunning you look tonight. Why, just glance around the room," he gestured with his free hand, "Every man here has his eyes on you, each one just waiting for the chance for you to smile his way." He lowered his voice and drew her more intimately toward him, "And here I am with you, lucky not only to be honored with a single dance from the most charming woman I have ever seen, but also that her delightful smile is for me and no one else."
She blushed again. "Sir, I am sure that I do your words injustice. You are far too kind."
"I am a General, my lady, and with all due respect, it is my duty to make sure that justice prevails. I would never speak any words unless they were the absolute truth."
*~*~*~*
TBC
*~*~*~*
A.N.: I was going to include Sai, Cecil, and Marie-Louise, but it seemed to drag on too much for one chapter, so that's what's up for next time. Au revoir for now.
**And remember, please R+R, and don't forget my short, one-shot fic, 'Sometimes'!**
*~*~*~*
CHAPTER 13 REVIEWS:
HaRdCORECaNdYCaNeChIlD: hey there, glad to hear from you again! Thanks for the review, I'm glad you liked George. He appeared a little bit here, but hopefully more next chapter. As far as what the future of this fic holds, well, you'll just have to keep reading! (p.s.- thanks for putting me on your favorites list ^_^)
Darkcyrstal24: I will absolutely write more! Thanks so much for reviewing more than once, you rock! I hope that you keep reading and reviewing, I love to hear from you as the story progresses!
youigy hunter: ooooo...did you see how Rain totally avoided telling the truth? Duh dun dun! The suspence builds! When will Domon find out?? Read on, my friend, read on!!
secretperson/ShadowLiger: thank you so much for always reviewing. You're constant pressuring has really motivated me. Thank you thank you thank you!! Hopefully now that some things have cleared up, I'll have more time!
Animechick: sorry to hear about the computer problems, trust me, I have had my fair share of those. This year, my computer has broken down three times ::shakes fist at computer:: grr...but anyway, it's great to hear from you, and I hope you'll keep reading!
LivEviL: I know ::tear:: I'm sad that George has been so neglected, I luv the George...Yet he will hopefully have a larger role with Marie-Louise next chapter! Thank you for the complements and extra-long review! I hope to hear from you again!
Kawaiisempai: sorry about the cliff hanger, but I'm glad that you like how it's going. And yes, my friend Mina is an angel for always helping me when I'm sick. That Marie-Louise, she's always getting off easy. Maybe I'll have to change that. She's been too lucky so far...Anyway, thanks for R+R- ing, I hope to hear from you again!
Iridecent Goddess: I hope you liked this update, it took me forever, I know. I'm sorry!! Hopefully the next one will come a lot sooner than this one. Anyway, I'm always glad to hear from you, no matter what name you use! ^_^
Rayne Rhiana: that Domon, huh? Why's he got to be so observant and mess things up? Lol, anyway, thank you so much for enjoying my story and reviewing. It really means a lot to me and helps motivate me to work faster, something I'm trying to get better at! I hope to hear from you again!
shorty40: I'm sorry you're confused, anything I can help clarify? Leave me a review or feel free to e-mail me at kaoru_fireflies@hotmail.com, okay? Thanks for reviewing!!
MayMooCow: lol, I love your name. anyway, sorry, but Rain doesn't reveal the truth, as you may have figured out. ::dodges flying knives:: I know I know! Soon, I promise, soon!! Anyway, thank you so much for reviewing, and I hope you come back for more!
GoldAngel2: of course, I can always expect a review from you. I am incredibly grateful for your constant support. I try to keep the character's personalities straight, but I'm pretty sure that some (like Allenby) are pretty OOC. ( Anyway, thank you so very much for also reviewing 'Sometimes'. It was very nice of you. And I hope to check out your fic, 'Undying Regrets,' just as soon as I can!!