Hikaru

Chapter Fourteen: Becoming a Lady

Hitomi had not talked to Van for some few hours. She had been avoiding him, because she felt at much discomfort with the situation, however vague it was, at hand. She felt fooled by his embrace and fooled by their promise of keeping loyal to one another that they had made four years ago. Van was not like how she remembered, in fact, since when was he interested in that type of regal, upper-class woman? She thought of Sanye, and the strikingly wondrous hair she possessed, so rich and auburn that even Hitomi, felt some measure of jealousy. Was she really a green-eyed monster? She wondered herself, as she looked to her knees. She was sitting on the floor on the side of the palace library, surrounded by books. It reminded her of Dryden, of the memories she had when she was learning about Allen's father from the journal he kept over the years. Allen… she wondered how he was doing. She kept thinking to herself as she looked at her bruised leg, disgusted by her boyishness. Even though she had grown her hair, she felt she never could capture the dainty, elegant image of her grandma. Sighing, she sat and raised her head to look at the ceiling. Why was she even there? Instinctively, she clasped her hand over her chest feeling for her amulet. It struck her, she did not possess it! For four years, it had been under the possession of Van. Guiltily she looked to the floor… surely, Van was not being disloyal... he had even got a miniature painting composed of her! Maybe she was assuming too much?

"Hitomi!" cried a familiar voice. Hitomi got up as she looked towards the door. There stood the ever so beautiful, ever so gorgeous Milerna, the vibrant, energetic Princess of Asturia who captured the heart of many. Why could she not be like Milerna? Though Hitomi seemed not to respond, Milerna was full of joy to see Hitomi again. She ran up and threw her hands across Hitomi, clutching her tight. "Hitomi! I missed you so much!" Milerna was ecstatic, she had so much to tell Hitomi. Sure, Hitomi had made mistakes in the past, but had always been a person she could truly express her thoughts to… Eires would never understand her problems like Hitomi could. "I need to tell you so much!"

As Milerna let go, Hitomi gave a reply of a light smile, "You look as pretty as I remembered you." Milerna, on the other hand, looked slightly disappointed as she examined Hitomi. Hitomi blushed as she saw Milerna's eyes widen at the sight of her bruises.

"Hitomi… you look… taller," Milerna commented.

"Thanks," Hitomi replied., feeling lower.

"Well, anyway, I guess you must be over-elated you are back in Gaea again! We have all been waiting for your return. Van was losing hope, you know."

That is probably why he was finding a new woman, thought Hitomi, "Yes…"

"So you must be excited about the evening dances? You must be ever so excited, your first, well almost-proper-ball in Gaea! Talk about a welcome back party!"

"A ball? For me?" Hitomi felt wanted again.

"Well… for the guests, really… they have been stranded here and we want to cheer them up. You must have heard about all the events that occurred?"

"Merle mentioned a disaster but didn't tell me much else…" Hitomi answered.

"Oh… really? Van told you nothing?"

Hitomi unhappily shook her head.

"Oh… well, you see… Van has been sort of, well for diplomacy's sake, looking for a wife…" Milerna began nervously, trying to ensure Hitomi did not get the wrong idea.

"A wife?" Hitomi said despondently.

"Well, it's not really like that, we kind of imposed it without him wanting… because with all the kingdoms and things… it's his duty… anyway… we organised a ball for the candidates that took place yesterday evening…"

Hitomi nodded with superficial agreement to allow her to continue.

"Prince, I mean Duke, Chid was almost assassinated the other night…"

"That's terrible!" Hitomi responded in shock, "Is he alright?"

"Yes, but another life was taken. Although Mericulus has assured me the culprit has been caught, I'm still nervous! There are many ladies and their fathers, mothers and so on left over with no means to get home because the assassin set fire to their transportation as well as parts of the palace…" Milerna murmured desolately.

"Oh… then why are you having another ball, if it is so dangerous?" Hitomi questioned.

"It will just be for the ladies and Van, as well as a handful of subjects. I felt sorry for all these royals stranded in Fanelia so I thought, why not arrange for some dances so they do not get bored? Also, Van has manifested a bad reputation as he was not present for much of the ball, and so the ladies missed out,"

Hitomi gave a guilty expression

"Oh please, do not be dismayed! It was not your fault, Van was simply not interested and ran off somewhere. However… the Daughters of Kamanyak seemed very interested in him… sorry, that is besides the point… I mean, it is harmless, because Van does not have a liking for any of them, or any of them in particular. This will just recover his reputation a bit, and ensure our guests do not start feeling neglected. Also, what are the chances of more disasters in a row? Besides, Allen will be keeping a firm eye on Chid," Milerna said rather naively.

Hitomi nodded again, but rather miserably. A ball? Hitomi would just look ridiculous compared to that girl she had met with red hair. It would just make clearer what Van was missing out on.

"Oh, Van does not know, I have not told him yet. I left an invitation in all guest rooms for all of the ladies, as well as a gift. Why did you not get yours?" Milerna asked, "You were staying with Merle right?"

"Um…" Hitomi stuttered and flushed a bright pink, what would Milerna think if she told her she had stayed in Van's own royal bedchamber? "I might of missed it?"

Milerna gave a smile and gave a little pirouette, "Isn't this room lovely?"

Hitomi was glad of this tangent and gave an expression of agreement, "it is indeed."

"It reminds me of Dryden. He is coming to the dance also tonight, you know? I am so certain you shall all enjoy it! Full security will be there, I swear on the Crown of Asturia!"

"Yes… but I do not have anything to…"

"…Wear? I was waiting for you to say that. Now, although Van has a liking for you,"

"Just a liking?" Hitomi thought. Milerna continued, "I think he's oblivious to how beautiful a lady you have the potential to be. You have gotten quite pretty, but you are a wreck. Not to mention, look at those disgusting bruises. I need to sort you out seriously! I do not just mean wearing one of my old clothes… I think we need an appointment with a tailor. He's very fast, you know? My dear, Hitomi, you do look so worried. I will make a lady of you yet and you shall stand out like a gorgeous emerald jewel in a meadow of plain corn!"

Next Chapter:

Chapter Fifteen: The Cost of Beauty

Author's Note: Thanks again for all your reviews. It's really kind of you to take the time to read my story and I hope it's not disappointing you! Make sure you keep looking out for chapters!