Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne, nothing more to say.
Forgotten by Destiny
By Ryoko Porter
Part Eleven
The entire country of Fanalia was in a scandal; the gossip going the far reaches of the lands. It had been nearly a month after the disastrous naming ceremony. Everyone had heard about the sudden appearance of Merle, and that a child had accompanied her. People of the capital city of course remembered Merle, having seen her grow up along side their king. And it was long rumored – which now appeared to be true – that they'd been lovers. But how would this older 'bastard' child affect the future of their country?
In the castle walls, things were just as questionable. The help were at a loss on how to treat the two cats that lived in a converted work shed on the premises. Lords and ladies of the land worried that the king would select their land to give to them. And the wise men had the appointed task in researching past situations that resembled the current situation.
Van was confused, because he simply did not know what to do. He was caught between the two women he loved more than anything, and the children they'd both given to him. He wanted to stay with Hitomi, who he loved romantically still. Yet he couldn't again abandon Merle, who'd given him everything so unconditionally. And he found that he loved both of his girls with equal affection, and wanted to give them both the best possible future.
However, it was Hitomi who was most confused. It was the things that she was certain of that made her most confused. She knew that Van loved her, so why did give so much attention to Merle? She knew that he loved their daughter, so why did he have so much affection for Namir? And most of all she knew that the other two lived on the premises, so why hadn't she seen Merle yet?
It was beautiful day, the brilliant sun shone upon the gardens that Hitomi enjoyed with Van. Hitomi did not doubt Van's love and devotion to her, especially when they were together like this. They strolled arm in arm, admiring the late spring flowers and talking about everything but the family 'crises'. Hitomi knew that when Van figured things out for himself he would talk, it was just his way. It was only when they were apart did she worry, so now she revealed in her happiness.
They were however, interrupted by the helper of the nursemaid that helped care for Loretta. The young woman scurried up to the couple, with a look of complete worry. 'Your highness, the princess has suddenly taken ill! We do not know what it is, but she will not stop crying!' she spoke quickly.
The parents quickly ran back inside, in a state of panic. They didn't know what was wrong, but they were already running solutions through their minds. Van even considered flying to Asturia for Millerna. As they got closer to the nursery, they could hear the desperate wails of their baby. Her piercing screams tearing at their hearts.
When they entered the room, the scene was nothing as they had imagined it would be. The nursemaid stood with her helpers and little Namir, looking worriedly at the pained baby in Merle's arms. She cradled the child as if she were her own, with tender loving. She gently pet the child's head and face, purring softly as a sign of comfort and safety.
This was the first time Hitomi had looked upon her rival in eleven years. She would've admired Merle, except she held in her baby within her clawed hands. Moving to rush forward, Van's arms around her suddenly stopped her. Looking to her husband she saw that he trusted Merle not to take revenge.
'I know how to heal your child,' Merle announced. 'My daughter had this problem also, when she was small.' Van quickly consented, and Merle called for warm water and a cloth.
End Part 11.