Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.

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

Chapter 22

At the Palace of the Queen of Asturia in Palas

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Darkness began to fall upon the palace but in a small, secluded courtyard, lamps lit the area enough to simulate daylight. And in the courtyard the Queen's chef advisor and the King of Fanelia practiced.

"Remember Van, in this competition, speed and technique are more important than power." He said again as they crossed swords. "Strike the orchid, strong enough to sever the stem but not so strong that you mark your opponent in any way." And for the fifth time in fifteen minutes Allen sliced the flower off of Van's lapel. Stabbing his sword into the ground in frustration, Allen yelled, "You're not concentrating Van."

The young king gave no defense. He simply turned away and sheathed his sword. "I'll be ready tomorrow." He assured the knight as he walked away toward the palace.

From the shadows, the queen appeared and took the field.

"Something is deeply troubling him." Allen stated.

"Mmm," she nodded, "and I think I know what."

The knight gave his queen a questioning stare.

She looked over at him for a moment then said, "Did you notice that Hitomi and Merle were not at the tournament today?"

"No." A genuine expression of surprise etched his face.

"And they were not at dinner today either." She took a step in the direction Van had gone. "I suspect Merle saw Van and I on the roof yesterday and rushed to tell Hitomi having jumped to the wrong conclusion."

"And what conclusion would that be Your Majesty?" The knight asked in all seriousness.

"Don't you start with me." She turned and stared at her advisor.

Allen allowed a faint smile to appear before grabbing his sword and wiping it clean then sheathing it. "What would Her Majesty like me to do?"

Millerna thought for a moment. "Find Hitomi and bring her to my chambers."

"Is that wise? To interfere in the affairs of others." Allen asked, raising an inquisitive eyebrow.

"What ever happened between them has Van so distracted that he is going to humiliate himself in front of nearly every kingdom in Gaea. As his friend, I cannot allow that to happen."

The knight bowed. "I will deliver the Lady Hitomi to your chambers straight away." Then straightened and marched off the field.

Standing in the field a minute longer, Millerna looked down and saw the remnants of five orchids strewn on the floor. She bent down and picked one up. Holding the delicate flower in her hand she shook her head and sighed. "Oh Hitomi you silly girl. You hold the heart of a king in the palm of your hands. Don't you know that?" Still holding the flower, the queen made her way to her chambers.

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AN: Sorry this one is so short but I felt I needed a bridge between the last chapter and Millerna confronting Hitomi. I originally thought of this scene with Allen leaving in frustration over Van's poor performance then Millerna appearing and the two having a heart to heart but I really don't think Van is the type to spill his guts out to anyone, even a friend. Not in a show of weakness. This seemed to ring more true I thought. I hope you agree.

Again, thank you all for your wonderful comments and words of support. They brighten my day. They really do. ^__^

I'm so glad I've been able to entertain you all. I'll do my very best to continue to do so.

A. Amishi

PS: Just 23 days till ACEN'03!!! ^_^