Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.
Escaflowne: All you need is Love, Isn't it?
Chapter 58
In the royal carriage on route from the castle to the port
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Sitting in the carriage as it took her to her dinner engagement with the King of Fanelia, Hitomi couldn't help but have a hundred different thoughts run through her head. 'What will he think of this dress? Will he think I'm being too bold? Everyone seemed to think it was too much, or rather not enough. I thought it complemented my slender athletic figure but even my little brother thought it was too racy. What if Van thinks it makes me look trashy? What if he thinks it makes my look sluttie. What if he hates it? … Or what if he thinks it's too sexy? What if he thinks I'm trying to seduce him? What should I do if he tries to seduce me?' The girl started breathing short, quick breaths as her mind raced. 'That are you thinking Hitomi? This is Van, the man that loves you and the King of Fanelia. He's not some kind of lounge lizard or something. … Oh my, I think I'm hyperventilating, take long deep breaths, remember long deep breaths. … That's better. Oh, I'm going to drive myself nuts thinking about this. Just relax, relax. What will happen will simply happen, not like I can do anything about it now. The time for changing is past. Just enjoy the ride to wherever it is I'm going and enjoy my time with Van. Yes, that's right. She closed her eyes and concentrated on his smiling face. 'He's so handsome, so kind and caring. What strange twist of fate brought me to this state? To a world no one else can see, to the side of a kind and gentle king who loves me, and whom I love with all my heart. How is it that over all the woman in the world, I should be so blessed? She smiled then opened her eyes as she realized the carriage was slowing down. Looking up, she saw the sea and several of Fanelia's merchant ships.
"We're at the port." She said to herself. Looking down the length of the port, she could just make out a lone figure standing near the far end.
Gradually, the carriage made its way over toward the figure. With the horses just walking now, the carriage passed by the figure and though the sun was down, the bright moonlight revealed who the figure was in an instant. "Van!" Hitomi smiled, but her smile faded when the carriage continued on by. "Wait, what are you doing? That was Lord Van back there!" She yelled at the driver.
"Relax ma'am, I am simply bringing the carriage about. You don't want to have to walk down the dirt path in that dress do you ma'am?" The driver replied.
"Oh, no. Sorry." She blushed as she sat back into her seat.
The driver took the carriage down to the end of the patch and turned so the carriage was right along the pier, then he brought it to a gradual stop in front of the ship where the lone figure stood.
Descending the carriage, the driver opened the door and extended a hand in. Having ridden aboard carriages enough times now, Hitomi know to wait for the driver to do just this, so she took his hand and carefully exited out, taking great care with each step. 'That last thing I need to do now is step funny and end up on my butt or worse, on my face.' Once on firm ground the driver escorted her the three steps toward the solitary figure standing in front of the pier.
"My Lord, the Lady Hitomi." The driver extended his arm, placing her hand onto the King's.
"Thank you Tolliny." Van said with a smile, never taking his eyes off of Hitomi.
The driver bowed. "My Lord." Then he returned to the carriage and rode off.
For a long moment the two lovers simply gazed at each other, captivated by the sight of the other, their arms extended out in front of them, his hand holding hers ever so gently. Finally, the King of Fanelia bowed down onto one knee and softly kissed the hand of the girl from the Mystic Moon.
Rising up, he said, "Lady Hitomi, you are truly a vision of beauty and elegance."
'He's being so formal, so proper, even in what he is wearing.' She thought as she admired his appearance. The suit coat he wore reminded her of the dress coat she had seen naval officers wear on TV. Except Van's was a deep crimson with gold buttons. It didn't have any epaulets on the shoulders and where the medals on a naval uniform would normally go, Van had the Crest of Fanelia. The collar was high around the neck and had the images of dragons embroidered in gold. And unlike the formal armor he wore during his coronation, this coat fit him perfectly. The slacks were a dark camel color, pressed and straight, not baggy and bunching like the pants he usually wore. They were neatly tucked into the polished black leather boots he had on. Even Van's hair was carefully combed, every strand in place, not its usual wild appearance. Following his example, she curtsied low and said, "Your Majesty embarrasses us with his flattery." When she rose she continued, "And may I say, your Majesty is quite handsome in his attire."
"I am honored by your complement Lady Hitomi." He smiled, "Shall we?" Still holding her left hand in his right, he gestured down the pier with his other hand.
"Of course, your Majesty." She gladly allowed him to escort her down the pier.
Arriving at the gangplank, Van walked onto it first, holding her hand a bit more firmly to ensure her safety. Once on the main deck, the king gestured to the captain who quickly and quietly had his skeleton crew detach the shop from the pier and launch out away from the port.
"Welcome aboard the Freya." Van said with a smile
"The Freya?" Hitomi asked inquisitively.
"Freya is the dragon goddess of love." He explained.
"A dragon goddess of love? I didn't know dragon's had love goddesses." She smiled mischievously.
"Even dragons need to procreate." He grinned with a wink.
Blushing ever so slightly, she turned her gaze from him to regain her composure.
"Come." He guided her to the port side of the ship as it sailed a few kilometers away from shore. Standing at the side of the ship, they looked out at the shoreline. "Fanelia encompasses this entire lake." He explained. "As well as part of the Agerian Sea."
"But I thought this was the sea?" Hitomi replied.
"No, we often refer to it as part of the sea because of its size but in actuality this is a freshwater lake. Six rivers feed it, and itself feeds the Agerian Sea along with twelve other rivers. The sea in turn feeds the ocean."
"I see. So where are we going?" She asked.
"We will sail around the perimeter of the lake and dine up on the quarter deck." He gestured to the aft portion of the ship.
"Under the stars and moons." She smiled warmly. "Sounds very romantic."
"That is what the Lady requested, isn't it?" He returned her warmth.
Taking a small step closer toward him, she placed her hand upon his chest and stared deeply into his eyes. "Yes, yes it is. Thank you my Lord. Thank you for making my wish come true."
"Thank you Lady Hitomi, for being a part of my life." He turned slightly to face her directly and gently brought his free hand around her lower back to draw her close.
When his warm hand made contact with her bare back, the young teen let out a soft sigh as she tilted her head back and to the side slightly, and closed her eyes in anticipation of his kiss. She was not disappointed, as he gently brought his lips down onto hers. The kiss was gentle and sweet but lasted over a minute, ending only when a servant walked up to them. He remained silent and averted his attention from them but Van was aware of his presence and slowly ended the kiss. Hitomi moaned ever so softly at the absence of his lips upon hers.
Turning his head only slightly to see the servant from the corner of his eye, the king asked. "Yes?"
"I apologize for disturbing you, my Lord but your dinner is ready." The servant bowed.
"Yes, of course." Turning back to face to young woman in his arms, the king inquired. "Shall we?"
"Aaa, y-yes, by all means." She took a half step back and permitted him once again to escort her, this time to the quarterdeck, with the servant leading the way.
The short stairway leading to the quarterdeck was only wide enough for one person at a time. Arriving several steps ahead of the king and his companion, the servant ascended the steps first and waited at the top to assist the lady to her seat. Van gestured for Hitomi to go up the steps first. Bowing her head slightly in his direction, she began walking up the stair. Van followed close behind and in the bright moonlight he got a good look at the shawl that cover the teen's shoulders and upper have of her back. He hesitated a step as it registered with him where the shawl must have come from, but he quickly recovered and continued up the stairs. Once on the quarterdeck, the servant escorted Hitomi over to her chair. There, the servant what would be waiting on her during the meal pulled the seat out for her.
"Thank you." She smiled.
"Ma'Lady." The young man bowed.
The servant that would wait on the king during the meal, pulled out his seat and Van sat without a word, a deep pensive expression etched across his face.
Not noticing his change in demeanor, the teenaged girl looked all around her. The table where they sat was to the left of the captain's wheel and aside from her and Van, the only others on this portion of the ship were the two servants and the captain who as at the wheel. Looking up into the sky she saw countless stars that filled the night air and the bright blue hew of the moon and the earth as they cast their magical light upon them. 'This is so perfect. Van, I never imagined you would come up with such a romantic setting for us. This is going to be such a perfect night.'
Van slowly turned his attention to the young woman sitting across from him. His mind was a jumble of mixed emotions. 'Who would have done such a thing? I gave strict instructions that my parent's quarters were never to be opened. I explicitly stated that my mother's belongings were not to be disturbed, ever. What were they thinking in giving Hitomi my mother's favorite shawl to wear?' At that moment he looked up at her. He saw the dreamy look in her emerald eyes and the innocent smile upon her face. For the first time, he noticed the band of flowers in her hair. 'Merle, even you did your part in helping Hitomi get ready for tonight.' A faint smile worked its way across his face. 'It does go well with her dress. She looks so very beautiful. … And she's… she's wearing makeup. Not too much but just enough. Mother, would you be upset knowing Hitomi was wearing your favorite shawl?' He considered this question for a few moments the answered to himself, 'No, I don't think she would. In fact, I'm certain, she wouldn't mind at all.'
"Is something wrong?" The girl from the Mystic Moon asked.
Roused from his muse, the young king blinked then smiled warmly. "No, nothing's wrong. I just can't get over you incredibly beautiful you look tonight. Even more beautiful than usual."
Blushing slightly, she tilted her head down and lowered her eyes. "Lord Van, your flattering words embarrass me."
"I only speak the truth Lady Hitomi." He smiled, enjoying this game of formality they were playing. While in some kingdoms such formality was required, Van usually did not view it as entirely necessary. More times that not, it was the people he dealt with that felt the need to stand on ceremony. But behaving in this manner now seemed to lend a certain charm, a degree of romance to the evening.
As they were being served, the emerald-eyed girl could make out some noises coming from the main deck but she remained silent and as the servants that brought up the food returned to the lower deck the night air began to be filled with the sound for stringed music. She listened to it for a little while trying to see if she could recognize the song when it dawned on her here she was. Closing her eyes for a moment she laughed silently at herself then picked up her fork to begin eating. Glancing at the man on the other end of the table she saw that he was looking at her with an amused smile on his lips.
"What? I mean, is there something you Majesty finds particularly amusing?" She corrected herself.
"Was the Lady attempting to identify the song being played?" He asked knowingly.
"You Majesty knows me too well." She blushed once again. 'This is starting to become a habit. Does he enjoy making me blush, I wonder?' She looked up at him. "Am I correct in assuming that his Majesty takes pleasure in my embarrassment?" She asked, trying to sound as timid as possible.
"I apologize my Lady, but your features take on a most delicate appearance whenever you blush. If I may be so bold as to say, I find it most attractive."
"Your Majesty teases me now." She looked down once again turning a brighter shade of red.
"I only speak the truth." He smiled warmly as he reached out with his hand and gently ran it over hers, taking her fingers into his.
She paused for a moment as she thought how to phrase what she wanted to say next. "If this is truly so, then I will endeavor to maintain the red hew his Majesty seems to favor." The thought for a moment, 'yeah that's what I wanted to say… I think.'
"Do not attempt to force that which looks most beautiful when it appears naturally." He said while gently rubbing his fingers over hers.
"As your Majesty wishes." She bowed her head.
"Come, let us enjoy our meal together." He said after several moments of silence.
"Very well your Majesty." She smiled as she picked up her knife and fork and began to eat.
They ate mostly in silence, eating slowly, purposefully, stealing glances at each other. Van watched how Hitomi cut her meat into small bite size pieces and carefully raised it to her mouth. He watched her lips close around the fork and how the fork came out of her mouth clean. He watched how her tongue would slowly run across the back of her lips barely causing them to separate so she could lick the juices from her mouth. He watched her reach for her goblet and take a sip of wine. He watched how the wine moistened her lips and how she gently stuck her tongue out to lick her lips dry. He watched her with a look of utter amazement, his eyes soft and carrying, his cheeks raised slightly with the smile he had on his face even as he ate.
Hitomi watched how orderly and precisely Van ate. He had always seemed to be in a rush whenever he ate before, eating out of necessity rather than actually enjoying the fine foods served to him. This time he seemed to actually savor his meal. She watched him as he looked down at his food, noticing not for the first time how long and beautiful his eyelashes were. She watched him watch her, each time she saw him smiling at her, her cheeks would turn rosy and warm, which only made his smile grow. She watched how at ease he seemed in his formal attire. This perhaps surprised her most of all, considering the loose, comfortable fitting clothes Van normally wore.
After they finished their meal they enjoyed a little more wine and talked.
"So, you actually run for pleasure?" Van asked with a skeptical look on his face.
"Yes, see in my world, long ago. Actually several thousands of years go a people called the Greeks invented something called the Olympics, which were a series of sporting events centered mostly around skills needed for war. Most of the competitors were soldiers of exceptional strength and skill. They would compete in events like running, long jumping, wrestling, spear throwing. Over the centuries sports have taken on many different forms but some of the fundamental one still remain popular. In my case, I compete in the 100 meter sprint." She explained.
"100 meters?" He raised a questioning eyebrow.
"Umm, I guess you'd call it the 50 cubit sprint." She clarified.
"So the objective is…"
"The objective is to see who can run 50 cubits the fastest." She held her goblet just below her chin, swirling around the dark red liquid.
"And I would imagine that you are one of the very best at it." Van smiled clasping his hands together.
"Well, I am just a 10th year student, there are girls one and two years older then me, some almost three years older then me that have been running allot longer then I have. And their bodies are more mature, which gives them an advantage."
"Oh." A slight hint of disappointment crossed the young king's face.
"But if I can do well during the summer practices, I have a very good chance at beating out even our best senior sprinter. Normally, such a thing is unheard of. An underclassmen always waits their turn until the time that they are upperclassmen, but things are beginning to change in my country and an individual's abilities are being recognized despite what year they are in."
"So that is why you took Merle running this morning."
"Mmm, Hmm. I tried to explain to her the importance of stretching out before running but she wouldn't listen to me and she got a cramp. Hopefully, she'll follow my example next time." The teen smiled.
"Perhaps I will join you next time." Van smiled back as he picked up his goblet and took a small drink.
"You're teasing me now." She gave him a mockingly stern look.
"No, I'm entirely serious." And his expression bore him out. "It sounds like a good way to build endurance."
"Yes, it is." Hitomi agreed with a smile. "Well, I suppose, if you're serious, but I warn you I get up pretty early."
The conversation continued, moving from running, to the bathhouse, to the trouble with the aqueduct, to Van's hope for a solution to the problem.
"So you're going to see if any of the other kingdoms in Gaea may have the technology to overcome this setback?" She asked.
"Yes, our technology here in Fanelia is limited." Van explained. "It's entirely possible that another kingdom has encountered a similar problem and may have found a way around it. Anyway, I can't give up on this. It means everything to this cities future survival."
"You know…" She hesitated for a moment. "I could try and see if a solution to this type of problem exists on Ear… on the Mystic Moon. If you'd like?"
"Actually, I was going to ask you just that." Van stated.
"You were?" She gave him a surprised smile.
"Well, to give credit where credit is due, Sir Baschan suggested I ask you to investigate Mystic Moon technology. Perhaps your world has dealt with this problem and solved it."
"Sir Baschan suggest it?" She smiled widely.
"Yes, why? Is that a problem?" The king inquired.
"No, not at all. I'm actually quite honored that one of your ministers would think to seek my help. It's quite flattering." She smiled widely.
"You've made a strong impression on everyone in Fanelia, Lady Hitomi." He smiled warmly.
This statement caused Hitomi to blush once again.
After a brief moment of silence, Van suggested, "Would you care to dance?"
Gazing into his eyes, the emerald-eyed girl replied. "I would love to, your Majesty."
He rose from his chair and walked over to her. The servant closest to her stood ready to pull her chair out as the king took her hand. Leading the way, the young king escorted his date down the narrow steps and gestured to the quartet to play a little louder. Then taking her left hand into his right and placing his left hand on her lower back as she placed her right hand on his shoulder, he asked with a smile. "Are you ready?"
"I've never really danced like this before." She admitted.
"That's alright, just follow my lead." He assured her as he began to move slowly, keeping pace with the music.
With the entire main deck as their dance floor, they moved about freely around the ship. Hitomi's uncertainty quickly melted away as the man in her arms moved about with expert timing and grace.
Smiling widely, she said, "I must say my Lord, I did not expect you to be such an excellent dancer."
"I wasn't, but I am a fast learner and then Princess Millerna is an excellent teacher." He explained.
"Princess Millerna?" A hint of worry made its way across her face.
"When she came to Fanelia for the celebration marking the completion of the city, I had arranged a ball in her honor for all the aid she provided us. But she insisted that I dance the first dance with her. I told her I didn't know how so she proceeded to teach me." He smiled as he twirled her round and around. "This is the result of three hours of training. Though I must admit, you have been spared the indignity of having your feet stepped on, unlike Millerna."
Giving a gentle laugh, Hitomi replied. "I feel her pain."
"At least I didn't step on her during the ball." He grinned.
"Well, I must say, I am grateful to Queen Millerna that I am able to reap the rewards of you instruction." She smiled.
"I must say, so am I." The king returned her warm expression.
As the evening wore on, the music took on a softer, slower pace and the young king held the object of his affection more closely, as the gentle lake breezes moved the ship slowly along its route.
Feeling the soft breeze on the exposed portion of her back that Van wasn't covering with his hand sent a small shiver up her spin.
"Are you cold? Would you like me to get you a coat or a blanket?" The concerned king asked.
"No, I'm fine. The breeze just caught me by surprise is all." She smiled. "It was a little cold on my back."
Looking down and aided by the bright moonlight the young king commented. "It looks like your back isn't the only part of your body that felt the cold."
Following his gaze, Hitomi could plainly see her taut nipples pressing against the fabric of her dress. Her head snapped back up as she stared at him in utter shock. Her cheek burned red as she let out an almost silent gasp.
Van quickly turned his head to the side as his cheeks turned equally as red. "I'm sorry Hitomi. I-I didn't mean… I'm sorry. That was so very crude of me. I can't believe I said that. I can't believe I was staring at you in that way. I'm so very sorry." He stopped dancing and said in a very solemn tone. "If you'd like to return to the castle now, I will understand completely." He closed his eyes as he berated himself for his callous words and he rude behavior.
What happened next took him completely by surprise as he felt Hitomi's body press up against his and the side of her head, rest lightly upon his chest.
"Are we done dancing my Lord? I sincerely hope not." She whispered gently.
Tightening his hold upon the vision in blue, the young king began moving slowly to the sound of the music once again, as he rested his cheek on top of the young teen's head.
"I love you so very much Hitomi." He whispered.
"And I love you Van." She replied, moving her hand from his shoulder to the back of his neck. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself the pleasure of feeling safe and secure in his arms.
They continued to dance for over an hour but to the both of them, it felt as if it were just a matter of moments. But as the late night winds began to blow a bit stronger, and the waters began to get a little rough, the young King of Fanelia decided it was probably best if they returned to the castle.
As the ship slowly approached the pier, Van and Hitomi stood at the aft of the quarterdeck looking up at the sky together. With her standing in front of him, cradled in his arms, her head resting gently upon us upper chest, she sighed. "Van, thank you. Thank you for the most romantic time of my life."
"Thank you for being here and making this night possible." He whispered in her ear then kissed it.
"Mmm." She snuggled a little closer to him, closing her eyes and enjoying the feeling of being in his arms.
Suddenly an image appeared in her mind's eye. A very young Van, weeping from the knowledge that her mother had gone away and would most likely never return. Then the image of a little older Van standing in his parent's empty room as silent tears ran down his face. Then the image of yet a little older Van holding a folded piece of material in his arms, whispering the words, "Mother, why did you leave me Mother? Why?" Finally, the image of Van handing the material over to Sophia and instructing her. "Put this away and lock this room. No one is ever to enter this room again. No one is ever to handle my parent's garments or belongings ever again. Is that understood?" She nodded her understanding and placed the folded cloth in a large chest at the foot of the bed then placed other garments on top of it. But before she placed anything else on it, Hitomi got a good look at the cloth. It was the shawl she was wearing.
Her eyes flew opens as she gasped in shock, pulling away from the man that was holding her.
"Hitomi? What's wrong?" A startled Van asked.
Turning to face him, her expression was one of deep sorrow. "This shawl was your mother's. Why didn't you tell me?" She started taking it off. "I shouldn't be wearing this."
"No. It's all right Hitomi." The king reached out to stop her from removing the shawl. "Really, it is."
"But I saw it Van. I saw the sadness you went through when your mother left. I saw you order Sophia never to allow anyone in your parent's room ever again." She told him.
"That was a long time ago Hitomi, when I was still quite young." He held her arms in an effort to keep her from removing the shawl. "I didn't say anything because…" He sighed with a smile. "Because it looked so perfect on you. I know my mother would approve of you wearing it. And I approve of it as well." He pulled it up to where it belonged. "In fact, I would be honored if you would keep it."
"Ar-are you serious Van?" The teen's eyes grew wide as a faint smile crossed her lips but it vanished almost as fast. "No Van, that wouldn't be right. It was your mothers. You shouldn't…"
"I shouldn't what? Move on with my life, with your life. My father is dead; my mother is gone. I saw her when we went to the Mystic Valley. We said our good-byes. I've made my peace with my past Hitomi. Please, nothing would make me happier at this moment then to give this to you." He said, his expression was one of the utmost sincerity.
Hitomi stared up at him for a long moment, then lifted herself up on her toes, leaning forward as she pressed her lips against his. Taking a half step foreword, Van enveloped her in his arms and pulled her close as he deepened their kiss. With her arms around his neck now and his around her back holding her close, she did something they never did before while kissing. She slowly opened her mouth and ran gently ran her tongue across his lips.
Van's eyes shot open in surprise but he didn't break the kiss. Instead he stared at her for a moment as she continued to kiss him and run her tongue across his lips as if it were the most natural thing in the world to do. Slowly he closed his eyes and opened his mouth as well, and as they both explored each other's lips, mouth and tongue; they each moaned, expressing the pleasure they were feeling.
As the ship docked, and was secured to the pier, Van and Hitomi walked hand in hand over to the boarding plank. Once all was secure, they disembarked and made their way to the waiting carriage. With the driver holding the door open, Van assisted Hitomi into the carriage then he climbed in and sat next to her. She slid closer to him sliding her arm under his and clasping his hand as she rested the side of her head on his shoulder.
"Thank you Van." She said.
"You've already thanked me Hitomi." He smiled.
"Thank you for everything. Thank you for loving me, thank you for being so wonderful, thank you for … for being you." She looked up at him; her emerald-eyes glimmering with unshed tears of joy. "Thank you."
Van reached over with his other hand and caressed her cheek then tilted his head toward hers. The kiss they shared was sweet and innocent, and filled with the love they shared for each other. As they began to move, Hitomi rested her head back upon his shoulder and gently hummed the melody of one of the pieces of music the quartet played during the night. Closing her eyes, she relived the moment and slowly brought the back of Van's hand to her lips and kissed it softly.
Smiling joyfully, the young king turned his head in her direction and kissed her on the top of her head then leaned back and enjoyed the melody she hummed.
Arriving at the castle, Van exited the coach first, holding onto Hitomi's hand to assist her out. He then escorted her to her quarters. Upon reaching her chambers, the teen turned to face the man she loved and placing a hand softly upon his chest, she smiled lovingly and said. "I know you said I already thanked you, but I just have to say once again. Thank you for a magical evening. I could never have dreamed for a night more perfect than this one was."
"It was entirely my pleasure Hitomi. Thank you for being here with me." He smiled then slowly allowed the smile to fade as he leaned in and kissed her, gently, softly at first but gradually their passion for each other consumed then as they tightened their hold upon each other. After several minutes, they stood still in each other's arms, cheek to cheek, both breathing deeply, inhaling the other's scent. After several more minutes, Van finally whispered. "Goodnight, my lovely Hitomi."
Whispering back, "Goodnight my love." Hitomi grudgingly unfolded herself from his hold. Keeping their eyes on each other, she backed up till she was pressing up against the door. Without looking, she searched for the door handle. Eventually finding it, she opened the door slowly and backed into the room and as she gradually closed the door she whispered ever so softly, "Goodnight my love."
Mouthing his works, Van replied. "Goodnight my love." The king remained standing outside the door for a few moments as a joyful smile spread across his face. Slowly he turned and walked down the hall toward his chambers humming the same piece of music Hitomi had been humming earlier.
In her chambers, Hitomi imagined she was still dancing with the man of her dreams as she twirled around the room, slowly making her way past the changing curtains. A few minutes later she emerged in her nightgown and continued dancing about the room with a look of pure joy on her face. As she passed the mirror, she paused and smiled at herself. Then she curtsied low. "My dearest Lord Van." Rising back up she noticed that the flowered hair band was still on her head. She carefully removed it, smiling widely as she recalled Merle placing it ever so carefully on her head. "Thank you Merle." She set it down on the dresser very carefully so as not to damage any of the flowers. Then she glided over to her bed. The chambermaid had already turned down the sheets for the night and she ran her hand over the silk like sheets before climbing into bed. Pulling the sheets up tightly around her and her pillow close to her, she closed her eyes and smiled. "I love you Van. I love you so very much. Thank you for the most romantic night of my life. Thank you." The image of the man she loved appeared to her as clear as day and her smile grew as she could almost feel him kissing her. Within seconds she was sound asleep, dreaming of Van and their life together in Fanelia.
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AN: I hope this lived up to all your expectations. Sorry for making you wait so long for it but I didn't want to rush it at all. I wanted to write what felt right and this felt right. I hope you agree that this was a most romantic evening. Sorry for getting everyone worried over the shawl but that seemed like a good way for him to face his past and let Hitomi know he has put it behind him. There will be more of that in the next few chapters as well.
I must say, I was overwhelmed by the response to my last chapter. I really didn't expect it to draw as many reviews as it did. I thank each and every one of you who took the time to review it. Again, I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations.
I hope not to take more then a week to post the next chapter but work is really hectic for me this week. Going into work Monday, I already have about a dozen tasks I'll need to take care of, and that's not mentioning all the unexpected fires that flare up during the course of the day. No using this as an excuse but rather as an explanation incase I don't get the next chapter uploaded by mid-week.
Hope you all had a wonderful week and will have a wonderful and safe week ahead. ^_^
A. Amishi