jossi-31: Don't worry- Kaitlyn will get whats coming to her. wink, wink
Rachel: Thank you so much for the review! You are reading the right story if you've been craving Van and Hitomi romance.
fluffgirl: No changes for the cheesey chapter, I promise. Thanks for your review!
Annie: Thank you sooooo much! I was worried about that the cheesey parts weren't timed right. I'm glad you liked it.
ann: Action is on it's way! ;)
LONG CHAPTER! enjoy
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Hitomi walked down the hall reading a Fanelian history book. The books had been kept by Van's family since they started their rule in Fanelia. The books were all very well cared for and wonderfuly written. Many of the former Kings had had pictures made for certain parts of the history.
She was only onto the second book of Fanelia's huge history(the first she hadn't been able to put down. There had been so much happening to the country- it was like ready a very good fantasy book), and was eager to get to the others. Van had assured her that she didn't have to read them all at once and that she was permitted to take one or two books back to her room.
Even as lost as Hitomi was in her reading she still felt the pressenc that stepped out of the shadows on the third floor. Whoever it was they had stayed well back and had been following her for almost 20 minutes. Listening closely Hitomi heard the muffled thump of men's boots on the thin hall carpet. Once around the corner that would lead back to her own room Hitomi stopped and leaned back against the wall, listening as the man got closer.
She was out of sight, she knew that much. Now all she had to do was surprise her 'stalker' before he could surprise her.
Hitomi took slow deep breathes, concentrating on the tingle of power she felt in her hands and chest. She could do this. There was no reason she should be afraid in her new home. Hitomi had more power than most knew. All she could think about as the foot steps came closer was the amused expression that Merle had worn as she told Hitomi about Kaitlyn wanting to poison her.
Eyes fixed on the shadow she could now see, Hitomi held her breath and stepped out into the path of large man.
"Hello, Lord Karth." Hitomi said loudly and brightly, letting some her power slip back from the surface "Are you enjying the lovely end of summer sun?"
Karth, who looked very surprised indeed to come face to face with Hitomi gasped and took a step back. It almost looked as though his hand went to his side- it looked like he was reaching for something and then caught himself.
"Lady..." Karth sketched her a small bow, "You surprised me."
"Realy?" Hitomi asked, "I'm sorry."
"I was just on my way to breakfast." Karth smiled, he had recovered somewhat from his surprise, "May I walk you there?"
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Van made a point to place Merle between Kaitlyn and Tina after Hitomi informed him that the two girls highly disliked one another. Hitomi sat across from Merle wearing a distracted expression as she picked at her eggs.
The cooks had once again outdone themselves. They were very pleased to have so many people to cook for and seemed to think up new dishes for every meal. The table was covered in many trays and all through out there were large jugs of juice and coffee.
Karth and Marlen talked quietly to each other. Every now and then Van would join their conversation as he avoided Arla's glances. For some reason the younge Lady kept turning her attention away from her sisters' conversation and looking up at Van, Merle and Hitomi.
More than once Van caught Hitomi shaking her head as though she were asnwering a question only she could hear. On the third or fourth time Van noticed that Merle had reached for one of the untouched plates of pudding. Once Hitomi shook her head Merle would reach for another plate, watching Hitomi out of the corner of her eye. Karth and Marlen had their attention firmly away from the girls and noticed none of this.
No one else seemed to want pudding, which wasn't all that odd. Everyone knew it was Merle's favorite.
That thought made Van's stomack sink. Hitomi had also mentioned Kaitlyn's dislike for Merle, saying something along the lines of, "Kaitlyn is poison to all around her."
What if Hitomi actualy ment that Kaitlyn had a taste for poisoning?
As king, Van understood that court could be dangerous. Many people over the years had betrayed or been betrayed by the one's who were closest to them. Of course people had also been done in by a rival or foe.
'And so the games begin.' Folken's voice mused at the back of Van's mind.
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
Running, Van caught up to Hitomi, Merle and Tina as they left the dining hall. Everyone else had already disappeared.
"That was the oddest breakfast I have ever sat through." Van announced, "So, who's going to spill the beans and tell me what's going on?"
"Van, I told you I would keep you informed on all the 'going ons' in the palace." Hitomi smiled.
"Yes, you did. But like any other wise woman you keep your own council. I'm not offended that you don't tell me everything." Van said before Hitomi could think he was mad at her- because he realy wasn't. Amused, but not mad.
"I over heard Kaitlyn and Karth talking about poisoning me." Merle sighed, "And I told Hitomi."
"Ok." Van said slowly, "What else?"
"Karth was following me this morning." as Hitomi told Van what had happened she also explained how Tina was told by her father that the girls weren't to have any pudding.
"He said we would get too big for our Summer's End ball gowns." Tina shrugged, "So i figured something was up and told Hitomi."
"Thank you." Van smiled.
"Dad's not the type of person to poison anyone- start nasty rumors, yes but not poison. He's too afraid of what could happen." Tina thought for a moment then added, "It's too final for his taste. Karth is most likely the one behind that."
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
Hitomi sat at her desk, watching as Van paced the length of her room. He was deep in thought and she waited patiently for him to remember that she was there.
"What do you think we should do about Karth and Marlen." Van finaly asked, stopping a foot or so from Hitomi's chair.
"We can't realy do anything because if there was poison in the food the blame could easily be put on one of the cooks." Van nodded at this, "I guess we wait untill they slip up." Hitomi sighed, "I mean, we know they're up to something so they can't surprise us as easily as they may think. And Tina has promised to tell us about her father's odd behavior."
Van thought for a moment then walked over and kneeled before Hitomi, "But if something happened to you I would never forgive myself. Same goes for Merle. She's my sister-the only family I have left." he took her hands in his, "I love you Hitomi. I would rather be at war with all of Geae than loose you again."
"You never lost me." Hitomi leaned down and kissed him, "I've always been right here." she tugged on the gold chain around his neck and smiled when her pink pendant slid out of his shirt.
Van kissed her, lingering long enough to make her flush before pulling back and laying his head against her thigh, "I love you." he wispered.
"I love you too, Van." Hitomi ran her fingers through his hair as she looked down at him.
This was the man she was going to marry. The thought made her smile.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Pennin grinned at Merle as she growled and tossed the curtains back in the library.
"If they do anything to Hitomi I will personaly tear them apart!" she hissed and turned on Pennin, "So you'll help me?"
"Of course." Pennin became serious, "Rosie and I will both help. We are the King's people- Fanelians who will not suffer a fool to play his games on our time. Lady Hitomi is one of us and therefore she is now our concern. We will take care of her."
Merle relaxed a bit and smiled at Pennin. He realy was a good guy. Both he and his brother Aidren had been among the first to return to help Lord Van rebuild Fanelia and Rosie, Pennin's wife was one of the servants who looked after the King's rooms. A lovely woman with a quick smile and musical laugh, Rosie was the last person you could get mad at. She was just too kind and funny. But she was also quick and never missed anything. Rosie was Merle's favorite person to trade gossip with.
"Good." Merle turned back to the library window, "No one is to know about you and Rosie except Van and Hitomi. You can tell Aidren if you wish. We could use him to watch for strange behavior. But we don't want anyone turning their attention on you two."
"I know. It's easier to kill a servant than it is to kill a King." Pennin nodded, "We'll be carefull."
OOOOOOOOOOO
Van stood looking at the friends standing in the library. His friends. All of them were trustworthy. He just felt bad that they had to gather in such away. They had become their own secret army. Each had volunteered to protect the others. 'All for one and one for all.'- Hitomi had said quietly. Van didn't understand what she was reffering to but it made sense in his mind.
Merle had come to him with news from Aidren and here they were, Pennin, Rosie, Aidren, Merle and Hitomi. All of them waiting for him to say something.
Despite his doubts Van knew the library was the perfect place for them to gather without drawing anyones attention because the library was also the room where most of the meetings and Councils were held.
"What ever was in the pudding wasn't poison as we had thought but instead a sickening herb. One of the younger maids has been throwing up most of the day." Van looked at Aidren, the one who had discovered this bit of news, "But we are to act as though nothing has happened. I need you all to keep your eyes and ears open for any and everything."
They all nodded, determined to keep one step ahead of their 'guests'.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Three days passed quietly and Van seemed to relax a bit but Hitomi knew better. Van was a warrior- he would always be on the look out. Things were quiet and calm. Maybe a bit too quiet and clam.
Merle was always off with Tina and Myra was keeping a close eye on Arla. This left Hitomi on her own most of the time because there was no way she was going to hang around Kaitlyn unless forced to.
"Hey you." Hitomi smiled as she walked into Van's room, "I'm bored."
Van laughed and looked up from his papers, "Have you finished the histories yet?"
"No." Hitomi perked up, "I'll go get a new one and let you finish your work."
"You're not a bother. You can stay if you want." Van held out his hand as Hitomi walked past and she stopped to give him a quick kiss.
"You, my King are just looking for an excuse to stop going over the councils' requests." Hitomi laughed and Van smiled up at her. He didn't deny it. "I'll be back soon enough."
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
The halls seemed to be more empty than usual and Hitomi walked quietly toward the front door, almost afraid that she may disturb someone or something on such a quiet day.
"Lady Hitomi?" someone called from behind her and Hitomi didn't even pause.
She knew that voice and he was just far enough away for her to act like she didn't hear him. Albert, the oldest and moodiest man Hitomi had even met had introduced himself two days before and had made it very clear that he wasn't pleased with any of the rumors he had been hearing concerning her and the King.
The old councilor was the last person Hitomi wanted to be cornered by on such a lovely afternoon. Ok, so it was starting to get a bit cloudy outside. Hitomi still thought it was a nice day. The only way it could be better was to avoid Albert.
Hitomi took the stairs slowly at first untill she was sure she was out of sight and then ran for the front doors, the brown history book clutched to her chest.
"This way." said a calm, almost laughing voice as soon as she stepped outside.
Hitomi turned to see Aidren standing in his usual spot just outside the fornt doors, smiling at her.
"Jump the railing behind me. Stay in the corner and he won't find you." the door man's smile grew.
"But how did you know?" Hitomi asked, already climbing over the railing.
"He stopped to ask if I had seen you." he said as Albert( much closer now) called her name again.
Hitomi jumped the four feet down onto woodchips and slammed her back against the stone of the stairs in her effort to hide quickly.
Albert was out the door not even 3 seconds after Hitomi had jumped. He was fast for an old guy.
"Has the Lady Hitomi come through here?" Albert asked in a hurried, harsh tone.
"No, my Lord, she hasn't." Aidren said evenly and Hitomi silently applauded his casual manner of speaking.
"And the book?" Albert asked and Hitomi realized she had left the book she was carrying on the stone railing.
"Just looking up a thing or two." Aidren said, "You know how boring it can be to just stand around all day."
"Actualy, no. I'm a busy man with many things to. Standing around isn't one of them." and with that Hitomi heard Albert walk back into the palace.
"Thank you soooooo much Aidren." Hitomi wispered as she stood up, afraid that Albert was lingering near by.
"You're very welcome my Lady." Aidren held out a hand and helped Hitomi climb back over the railing, "The King has used that very same hiding spot before against Albert."
Hitomi laughed, picturing Van crouched behind the large bushes with his back against the cold stone, "Well, then I'm sure he'll find all of this amusing." she said, brushing wood chips off her pants.
For the rest of the day Albert seemed to be everywhere. Twice Hitomi had to duck into an empty room to avoid him and if it wasn't Albert stalking the halls it was Kaitlyn. Hitomi was thankfull for the cheerfull maid who had warned her that Kaitlyn was just around the next corner.
"She's in a fine mood, too." The brunnette maid smiled, "Stomping and sulking about. If I were you, Lady I would turn around and use the other stairs up to your room."
"Thank you, Rosie." Hitomi wispered and walked back the way she came.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Van looked down at the box in his hand. It was exactly as he had pictured it. Perfect and simply beautiful- just like Hitomi.
Hitomi would love it. Now if only the butterflies in his stomack had believed him. Maybe then he'd have been able to eat something without the fear of throwing up.
The entire ring shone like the sun. The center stone was circular and the smaller stones set into the band were identical in shape but a lot smaller. When the light hit it just right it looked as though the entire ring was full of pale fire.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Kaitlyn silently fumed. The King said he would announce his bride at the Ball. Already four other girls had arrived with thier fathers, some with their mothers aswell, and they had made it impossible to get anywhere close to the King. Getting him alone was even harder.
How in the name of the all the Hells was she suppose to change his mind about the Seer if she couldn't even speak to him in private!
Her father had been no help whatsoever and had even refused to talk to her the second time she had shown up at his door. For awhile she had contented herself by sulking in the hall outside of his door, glaring at every maid who came her way. Mentaly she wasn't sulking at all-no, she was imagining the Seer and that stupid Cat in great pain.
She had to do something and it had to be quick. The ball was only a week away. After that The King would have his bride to be and she would be leaving to go to the conference with her idiot father.
OOOOOOOOOO
Hitomi wiped the tears away and tried to regain control of her laughter. She was doubled up on her bed with Van and Pennin (both of them in fits of laughter as well) bracing themselves on the bed posts.
"Ok." Merle grumped, "Once more and if doesn't work this time I quite!"
Van managed to straighten up and and take Merle's hand in his own and start to turn her with only a few gigles escaping.
They four had been locked inside Hitomi's room for almost 2 hours trying to learn how to waltz. Of course in Fanelia it wasn't called a waltz but Hitomi couldn't pronounce the actual name of the dance (wich had set off the first laughing fit) and so she had announced that she would be calling it the waltz. It was close enough to a waltz that it shouldn't have been hard to learn. Both Merle and Hitomi had gone into this with full confidence. Two hours later they were just trying to keep from stepping on their teachers' feet.
Merle and Van made three successful rounds before Merle mis-stepped. Pennin applauded as Hitomi whistled and cheered.
"Your turn." Van smiled, turning to Hitomi as Merle grabbed Pennin's hands, dragging him out onto their 'dance floor'.
They managed one full round before Hitomi stumbled. She didn't know why it was so hard for her. She had danced before. Of course, none of that dancing was fit for a ball but still, she had rhythm-it shouldn't have been so hard!
"Relax and look at me, not your feet." Van pulled back to look Hitomi in the eye, "Count it out in your head and let yourself move with the numbers- not because of them."
Hitomi nodded and forced herself to keep her eyes up and on Van.
Just count and move with it.
"Breathe." Van wispered with a laugh.
1, 2, 3, 4- one round. 1, 2, 3, 4,- two rounds. Hitomi didn't step on Van's feet and even relaxed after the fourth round.
"This is fun." she beamed up at him and Pennin and Merle started clapping.
"She's got it!" Pennin crowed.
"Yay Hitomi!" Merle laughed.
Van kissed her cheek before walking over to the wind up music orb, a contraption Hitomi had never seen before and would never be able to describe. Van called it a Music Wheel. He wound it up and stepped close to Hitomi as Pennin pulled Merle back into form.
"Count and breathe." Hitomi said under her breath as she waited for the cue.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
A/N: Yay me! I hope you all like my long chapter. Review and tell me what you think. I'd love some suggestions on how Kaitlyn should be humiliated- walking into a post isn't a bad idea (jossi-31). I'm just wondering if it should be at the ball or if she should be realy embarrassed before the ball and not allowd near the gathering? - Tell me what you think.
I just thought I'd add that I was listening to Fiona apple, No Doubt and Michael Jackson(hitsory, disc 1) while writing this chapter.:)