Hikaru

Chapter Eight: Royal Niceties

"I don't know!" Merle said grumpily to Milerna, for the sixth time. Gifts were collecting at the doorway as more guests entered.

"Merle! I am serious! It's already been quite a while and Van still has not made his formal entrance… the later guests are arriving before he has!"

"We present, our majesty… the King of Fanelia! Van De Fanel…"

The sound of trumpets filled the room as the royal introduction commenced, Van entered gracefully, forcing a gentle smile as the crowds of guests came to greet him eagerly. Indeed, he was exceptionally handsome and he had grown over the years to become a finer King, one with a profound pair of eyes and most luscious, thick black hair. His jaw line had become sharper, and his physique had improved tremendously as he had gained much height, though his muscles remained quite modest as they did not overwhelm his proportions. Many ladies-in-waiting gathered round him, some squealing in a somewhat unladylike manner, but the daughters of Kamanyak remained composed as they waited to be introduced. Behind Van, emerged the sly and flirtatious beauty, Sanye. Her prescience was not ignored for more than a second, as many gentlemen flocked to her asking where she had been. The saying "she has them wrapped around her little finger," was definitely suited to her situation. Milerna was ecstatic as finally, things were going to plan! She ushered Van in through the beautifully ornate doors of the West Entrance of the palace, the people who had previously been hoarding around him gave him way.

The ball was spectacular. Van was impressed with the quality of the music, the cuisine and the formalities of it all. He, of course, was dressed for the occasion, wearing fine robes and a neat pair of trousers, though his hair, as always made him look slightly messy, but in a somewhat charming way. He could hear whispers as he made his way to the centre of the hall. It was customary at these occasions that the host should make a speech to welcome his guests, and Van followed through, despite being late. He stopped and turned to his keen audience, which consisted of very noble families and some high class merchants. Slightly nervous, he opened his mouth to speak, when suddenly…

"VAN-SAMA!" cried out Merle as she galloped on all fours towards Van. She jumped onto him, latching his arms around him grinning, "where were you? I was sooo bored in the kitchen, the cooks wouldn't let me eat…" she looked around, finally noticing that Van was currently the centre of attention. Van gently released her grip from him. Faint whispers could be heard from the crowd.

"I apologise, my guests," he said, smiling at Merle who was now more timid and shy, "for keeping you waiting. I stand here, in hope of unity, and in the name of all of Fanelia, I yearn for peace. I yearn, but I know that such hopes and dreams shall not remain unanswered, for you have joined me tonight to discuss such matters. I welcome you all, for you join me in festivity, to celebrate the fourth year of peace in this Kingdom as well as other Kingdoms that you may reside in. I hope that you all enjoy this occasion which has been most brilliantly organised by the Princess of Asturia, Milerna herself. Please, eat your fill and praise all of Gaea!"

The crowds applauded, many of the women were eager for him to begin socialising with them. Allen could be seen by the back curtain, smiling proudly at the young King. Then, he saw the Earl of Kamanyak, coming closer to greet him. "Dear King, I am so glad you made your appearance. We were getting most concerned about your absence and glad to know you are fit to meet my daughters. Please, come this way." Some ladies were disappointed as Van was being escorted away from them, so attached themselves on how cute Merle was and began playing with her hair and patting her. Merle was very irritated. Van pushed his teeth together to stop himself from saying anything offensive to them, but Merle signalled her approval so that he could go and play his 'diplomatic' game.

"This," the Earl said, as the gorgeously dressed Alya came into sight from a crowd and curtsied in front of Van, "is… my most courteous, beautiful and graceful daughter, Alya. She has had a gentle upbringing and is a sincere lover of the arts. Her dancing is well-refined and cannot be matched by any other grace of Kamanyak."

Her voice was elegant and mature, "Most pleased to meet you, my dear Lord," and she gave another curtsey. Even Van could not deny the beauty's distinctly feminine and alluring prescience.

"Indeed, she is greatly demanded where we reside, and many women covet her beauty. Surely, she would be wonderful catch, and like her mother, certain to make a great match. My lady Minya of Vallamoi, her mother, is one of the most talented women, outmatching every one of my Queens. Alya also takes after her mother as she has a marvellous singing voice," he continued and although Van at this point was disinterested and bored, he could believe that Alya possessed a musical voice, from the sound of it when she spoke.

"Father!" called a familiar voice.

"Sanye! Honestly… sorry your majesty, Sanye can be slightly outspoken…"

"Father, are you really that bothered with introducing us one by one?" Sanye came into view, watched by her herd of male admirers who lurked by the lovely decorated tables with food. "Surely, we can speak for ourselves." She eyed Alya, who was her only real rival when concerning looks (and possibly also Channa, but Channa was far too skinny). She had to count on her wit at this point, especially if she were to secure her prize, the King of Fanelia. Van gave a bemused expression at Sanye's interference, but for some part, he was grateful for it as he really did not want to have to go through with six more long winded introductions. "If you really are so bothered, let I, your fairest daughter, speak for my sisters of whom I know best?"

"Sanye… this is most unnecessary," the Earl replied, looking slightly worried for he knew this daughter far too well.

"I know. Yet, it is quite positively, how should I put it… my duty to ensure that Van hears of my sisters in a much more tender light, for I know my sisters' most wondrous and tasteful qualities. You, of course, do not do them justice enough."

Alya gave Sanye an annoyed look and as she seemed to bubble with anger, her light blue eyes appeared much less fragile at this point. Van took this opportunity to move away, keen to make his disappearance. The Earl could not figure out a reply, he did seem quite dim, though very ambitious and Sanye grabbed Van's arm hastily. Van tried to pull away, but strangely, this small lady had quite the arm strength.

"Should have not taken her," he sighed, "If only my other obedient daughters had been blessed with her looks, no matter… she seems successful in enchanting him…" he muttered under his breath.

"So, Fanelia's King," she said sweetly but also bitterly, "are you attracted to Alya?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about," he said bluntly. Did this Sanye really think she could charm him with this intrusive way of talking? She was, however, did seem like the type to get many admirers, as he saw many gentleman giving him envious looks. In fact, she was, ultimately, quite appealing in an eccentric way.

"Is that so? She is quite the beauty, you know. Unfortunately, she's also very conniving, like her mother, Minya. She, her sister and mother are stuck together like brick and stone of the castle walls. Now, I know my other sisters are keen to meet you, but I also know you cannot be bothered with such niceties concerning their life-stories and their so-called 'talents.' Trust me, Alya sounds like a horse, just like her mother when they sing. Luckily, you have me to keep them away, for they will not dare speak to you unless introduced, under strict introductions given by my father."

"You are putrid, the way you talk about…"

"My family? Yes, possibly. Of course, I love my father, but my sisters, we are all rivals in every game. Except of course, Alicia, who is far from twisted. We grew up that way. I know you will never appreciate the joys of sibling rivalry since your brother died when you were quite young, am I not correct?"

Van stayed silently annoyed, feeling saddened at this comment, as he thought of Folken's assimilation into the Zaibach Empire. He felt queasy in this bubbly atmosphere, as girls giggled and watched him from afar.

"My Lord!" cried Mericulus eagerly from a few metres away.

"Mericulus," Van replied warmly.

"The ambassador from Tinocia has come to give you his best regards," he gave an appreciative smirk when he saw how Sanye's arm was firmly latched around Van's.

Suddenly, the trumpets sounded again, and a magnificent set of guards entered, their uniforms, draped in silk of superlative quality.

"May we present, his grace, the Duke of Chid!"

In all this disarray of music and the same pattern of the people crowding around the new entrant, Van made his escape, hauling himself away from the clutches of the third daughter of Kamanyak and hurried to the exit. Though he genuinely wanted to greet Chid, he could not stand such petty social events. He went off, into the night, searching for some place to train his swordfight, some place to relax, in private…

Author's Note: Thank you for all your reviews! (Especially from a person named Kowa(?), who has been making very nice comments) I hope you're enjoying the story so far. I'm enjoying writing it! Sorry it may seem to be quite slow paced (if it does), but I want to build up a little tension before Hitomi makes an appearance. I hope that it's also clear that I'm trying to add as much dimension to each of the characters and that they do not appear intrinsically wrong/right, just as in the original anime did. Please tell me if I'm being successful! Oh, and please tell me which characters you're hating (possible) loving(?- less possible) at the moment, I want to know what you think about them! I personally find Sanye's very quaint, in-your-face approach amusing, and how elegantly rebellious she is (though she can cross the line!). Or am I completely interpreting my own character the wrong way? Would love you hear what you think! Please Review and keep watching out for my updates! Much appreciated.

Next Chapter:

Chapter Nine: The Fortune Teller's Return