Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.
Escaflowne: All you need is Love, Isn't it?
Chapter 15
At the Asturian Palace in Palas
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Allen Schezar escorted King Van Fanel and his party through the palace, while his first lieutenant directed the King's attendants to their rooms so they could deposit the King's belongings along with the belongings of the rest of his party.
Seeing the lieutenant and his attendants go down a different hallway, Van asked. "Are we not going to our quarters?"
"In a moment Your Majesty, but though the Princess is quite busy at the moment I'm sure she would never forgive me if I failed to make your arrival known at once." Allen replied.
They continued down the hall in silence.
Coming to a set to large double doors Allen knocked firmly and waited for a response. A servant opened the door part way and looked at Allen.
"Inform Her Majesty, the Princess, that King Van Fanel of Fanelia and his party have arrived along with a very special guest." Allen instructed.
The servant nodded and closed the door.
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"Your Majesty," the servant interrupted the princess' meeting. "Sir Allen Schezar has arrived with King Van Fanel of Fanelia and his party, along with a very special guest." The servant announced.
'A very special guest?' The princess' eyes lit up. 'No, it can't be. But maybe…' Quickly addressing her aids. "Ladies, gentlemen, I propose we continue this discussion at this same time tomorrow. Now if you will excuse me." She gestured towards the door to her left and all her advisers exited quietly as another servant closed the door behind them.
"Well, don't keep them waiting. Let them in." She commanded with a smile as she made her way toward the door.
Entering first Allen said, "Princess Millerna, allow me to present the King of Fanelia, Van Fanel."
Van walked up to Millerna and bowed down onto one knee as Allen had done for him earlier. "Your Majesty, it is an honor and a privilege to be welcomed in your presents." He said with he head bowed low.
Millerna in turn curtseyed so low her head was just inches from the floor. "The honor and privilege is all Ours, Your Highness."
As they rose Van took Millerna's hands into his and caressed them affectionately. "It is so good to see you again princess. Princess, I won't be calling you that much longer, will I." He teased.
"No, I suppose not. I'm so glad you were able to make it for my coronation. I look forward to the demonstration of master swordsmanship between you and Allen. It should be the highlight of the celebration." She smiled.
"I hope I will not disappoint." Van smiled back, then turned to introduce his party. "Princess Millerna, may I introduce my Minister of Trade, Sir Charson."
The minister stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, it is an honor to see you once again."
"Minister." The princess bowed politely.
"And I believe the Princess will remember my companion Merle." The king went on.
"Your Majesty." Merle curtseyed, holding out her dress at the sides.
"It is good to see you once again Merle." The princess nodded her head. "And who is this special guest I heard mentioned?" She smiled knowingly.
Allen stepped forward then turned to the side.
"Your Majesty, presenting the Lady Hitomi Kanzaki from the Mystic Moon." Van declared.
Stepping forward, Hitomi duplicated the princesses curtseyed perfectly. "Your Majesty, congratulation on your eminent coronation." She said, holding her position.
Millerna stepped forward and bent down touching Hitomi's shoulders, she helped the girl stand up and embraced her warmly. "Its so good to see you again Hitomi. I've missed you so."
The teen returned the embrace and smiled happily. "I've missed you as well Millerna." She whispered.
After about a minute the princess stepped out of the embrace. Turning to all her guests and wiping way away some unshed tears, she addressed them, "Unfortunately, I will be unable to join you this evening, but please dine with me tomorrow."
"It would be an honor Princess." Van answered for everyone.
Bowing politely, Van and his party exited the conference chamber and followed Allen to their quarters.
Princess Millerna exited the chamber through the other door and proceeded to her study. 'Hitomi. I can't believe your back. It's so good to see you again. I wonder how long you'll be with us this time?' She smiled to herself as she entered her study. "Gentlemen." She said as she closed the door behind her.
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AN: Lots of bowing and curtseying going on, I know. While we didn't see a whole lot of this going on during the series, I get the idea that during times of peace and between friends such overt displays of respect might occur. Kind of like a mutual admiration society. ^_^ I'm not especially good at describing action sequences so when it comes time for the swordsmanship demonstration between Allen and Van, you may need to use quite a bit of imagination. :P
I really want to thank everyone whose commented and reviewed my story. It really warms my heart knowing people are reading and enjoying my work. Thank you, thank you, thank you. ^________^
A. Amishi