Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.

Escaflowne: All you need is Love, Isn't it?

Chapter 20

At the Royal Palace in Palas, the capital of Asturia

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Van walked out onto the roof of the palace overlooking the great city. The last time he was up here he and Allen Schezar tested their blades against each other. They would do it once again in two days at the end of the tournament. The last time they crossed swords was in their Guymelefs. Van won that battle, though he knew Allen had been distracted by the sudden appearance of his sister. 'This time there won't be any excuses, for either of us.'

"Up here once again."

Turning suddenly to see who was addressing him, he smiled.

"If memory serves, the last time I saw you here you were training with Allen. I believe he bested you that day." She smiled.

"We'll see who bests who in two days Your Majesty." He smiled.

"Oh Van, we're alone now, it's just Millerna." She approached him. "Beautiful isn't it?" She looked out over her capital. "As a child I would look out over this city and think how beautiful it was but I never thought of what it meant to me, to my family, to our position. Now I can't stop thinking of it. How do you do it Van?" She turned to him.

"Do what?" He replied.

"Carry the burden of ruling a kingdom at such a young age. I'm only a few months older than you and I don't know how you do it."

"You have a much heavier burden than I. Asturia is far more prominent than Fanelia."

"But a kingdom is a kingdom. We still have the same responsibility to our people. How do you do it Van?" She asked, looking up at him with sadness in her eyes.

Van smiled and gently placed his hands on her shoulders. "Don't worry Millerna. You will make a great queen, I'm certain of it."

"How can you say that?" She questioned.

"Because, I saw a spoiled little girl turn into a courageous young woman in less then a year. I've seen you go from someone who was obsessed with her own happiness to someone whose concern is for those she has sworn to protect and serve." Van smiled again and gently caressed her cheek. "You're up to the challenge Millerna, just believe in yourself and trust your instincts, and you'll do fine. You'll see."

"Thank you Van." She embraced him, resting her head against his chest. "I needed to hear that from someone outside of Asturia. Thank you."

At that very moment Van heard a faint sound that sounded like a gasp.

The unseen visitor slapped her hands over her mouth and made a hasty retreat off the root top.

Van scanned the area for any unwelcome guests, one hand on his sword, the other still holding Millerna.

"What's wrong?" She asked looking up at him.

"I'm not certain, but I think we're being watched." He answered, his eyes still searching the root for signs of movement.

"Oh, when will those gossip mongers learn that a man and a woman can be just friends." She said with a hint of anger in her voice.

"Perhaps we should retire for the night. The tournament does start early tomorrow. It's best if we call it a night."

"Yes, of course." She agreed as she turned to head toward the stairway. Van accompanied her, holding her hand respectfully.

In her chamber's, Hitomi slept peacefully. The excitement of the day took its toll on the young woman and as she quickly drifted off to sleep a gentle smile crossed her face. But her sleep was interrupted but the quiet sobs of her young friend sitting at the foot of her bed.

Slowly sitting up and allowing her eyes to focus in the dark, she called out. "Merle? What's wrong?"

"Oh Hitomi. I… I, don't know… I don't know how to tell you… Oh Hitomi!" Merle cried burying her face in her hands.

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AN: Not one for cliffhangers, but I just couldn't help it. Sorry. ^_~

I think a word on the relationship being revealed between Van and Millerna is in order. In the show, there really isn't much of a relationship at all. She seems to respect him and he, well, seems to treat her respectfully enough but doesn't really show any particular types of feelings toward her in any way. Not to be surprised, he was preoccupied with a war and vengeance. But it's my feeling that after the war is over; they would take the time to see each other in a new light. Especially Van, who would undoubtedly have turned to Asturia as the first kingdom he would want to establish trade relations with. So the comment about seeing her as a spoiled brat would come from her behavior when they first met when he arrived at Palas with Allen on the Crusade. I see this view changing gradually throughout but it really starts to change after the departure of Dryden. I see Millerna's opinion of Van changing from one of respect to one of genuine admiration as she sees him rebuild is kingdom from the ashes of war. I hope you share this view and if not I hope this helps explain my view and helps make it more plausible.

Well, the tournament is coming up and we should be in for some excitement. Writing action scenes are not my strenght (at least I don't think so) but I will do my very best.

Thank you all once again for your wonderfully supportive comments, they truly warm my heart. And to Merlegirl, be at ease. Do you really think Hitomi would let her friend die without a fight? ^_^

A. Amishi

PS: Just 26 more days till ACEN'03!!! ^_^