Hikaru
Chapter Seven: The Third Daughter of Kamanyak
"Excuse me, who are you?" Van said, as the figure emerged from the bushes.
The voice he had heard was sweet and alluring, but not familiar to him.
"Your potential fiancée," it was a woman, a very pretty one in fact. She covered in shimmering jewellery and wearing a rich, gorgeously flowing dress lined with the finest lace. Her hair took the form of long, wonderful curls, those similar to Milerna's, but its colour was a deep, full auburn. Her eyes were a strangely robust, yet gentle brown shade and they twinkled, but at the same time, flared, in the moonlight. Not to his taste though, the type of spoilt brat that one would expect at this kind of ball.
He turned away. "I am not interested in marriage," he replied dismissively and began ripping some grass from where he was sitting. She stood there elegantly, looking amused.
"I know. Neither am I," she said, smirking.
"Then why are you even bothering me," he said effortlessly.
"Well, I hear you fight just as well as you look. Father ordered the court painter to capture your image and my sisters almost fainted when they saw the finished piece. I, who would not usually be, was impressed."
"That's nice to know." He hoped that this would end their conversation as he pushed himself off the ground, and then removed some bits of grass that had settled comfortably on his clothes.
"It is."
He ignored her, but as he began walking, she followed diligently behind. He stopped in his tracks and glanced at her with a very annoyed expression.
"You know, I like you. You're like a rebel, aren't you? I love manly men like you, those who aren't afraid to put up a fight. I heard rumours that you even became your guymelef, the legendary Escaflowne," she said, charmingly. She cocked her head to the side and looked at him, smiling.
"What do you want?" he demanded.
"Well… it depends how you see it. What do I want absolutely, or what do I want from you? Father is determined to marry us off, and I'm willing to compromise only if I am betrothed to a real man. Not those wimpy intellectuals that are trapped in their libraries, surrounded with dusty old books. No, a rebel King like that of Fanelia's would suit my taste, better than any other options a princess such as I have open to me, wouldn't you think? So, what do I want? I personally would prefer to be a commoner. Unfortunately, the circumstances won't allow that. So, what do I want from you? I want you to choose me."
"Pathetic…" he murmured under his breath, but she heard.
"My name is Sanye. I might be your perfect match, or your worst enemy. Trust me. I always get my way," she chuckled, propping her head back to a very elegant position. Despite how it was evident that Sanye definitely had a very fine upbringing and her mannerisms were very regal, Van could not stand her… at all.
He kept walking, and he was reluctantly heading for the ball. Perhaps if he would get his appearance over and done with, he could then retire to his room. The cheerful Sanye followed, eager to pester him further. She liked his company, and she found his irritation somewhat an attractive quality. He, on the other hand, felt completely the opposite. They made their way up the grand stairs and entered the ballroom.