Okay so I know I said this would just be an epilogue, but it sort of morphed into a full on chapter while I wrote. Truthfully it started out with the part that wouldn't fit in the last chapter and grew… and grew… until 6,000 words later and I haven't even gotten to the actual epilogue yet. So that will all be in the next and last chapter I swear. Ten is a better place to end it on then nine anyways, right?

I wasn't lying that the main plot concluded in the previous chapter, but there was more I could do and I felt a little interaction with other characters might be fun. I've had other stories where the cast was large and involved, but in this story it's all really been about Van and Hitomi. Everyone else just kind of pops in and out.

I also kind of felt that there was still more growth I could do relationship wise. If I ended things right as the main characters sorted out their feelings then it might feel anticlimactic… I don't know like another ending we all know. If I've drug this out to far for you I apologize… I just hope this will at least be entertaining.

Oh… and FLUFF WARNING! If anyone has an aversion to sweet and sappy goodness… too bad. It's why the rest of us have held on this long.

Forgotten Words

Chapter 9- Surprise

What felt like days in the other reality turned out to only have been hours. We arrived back at the palace hand in hand shortly after sunset. Merle came crashing into me narrowly missing Hitomi. It seems she had returned from my assigned task to find Hitomi's room destroyed and the both of us missing. I don't know exactly what she feared had happened to us, but asking the neko only brought a new wave of tears and temper.

Hitomi and I ate dinner in my room, under the watchful eye of Merle. We talked, laughed, and even sat in warm companionable silence until the hours grew thin. The frequency of Hitomi's yawns grew closer together.

"You should get some rest. Tomorrow will be a very long day."

"I could stay here tonight." Hitomi's cheeks tinted pink, but her emerald eyes were direct.

I had to swallow hard before I could remember how to speak. "T-that's not the best idea. After all its bad luck."

"What ever happened to us making our own luck?" She questioned teasing me.

Placing a hand on her taunt rounded stomach I couldn't help grinning. "We've already done just that."

I walked Hitomi the short distance to her temporary room just one door down, everything was about to change again, and for once I couldn't wait. She gave me a quick yet tender kiss good night that made me rethink separate rooms tonight.

I thought falling asleep with so much on my mind would be an issue, but thankfully I was wrong. Waking up refreshed from a deep dreamless sleep, I greeted the still dark predawn day. After bathing and contemplated shearing my hair shorter, but after the memories from another life it is best if I never cut my own hair again. Getting dressed for once came with a hard decision. Should I wear an outfit with dark fitted breeches, loose shirt, embroidered vest and matching jacket popular in other countries, or should I go more traditional.

Traditional it is.

The pants are a deep blue and simply cut, they belt high on my waist and are cuffed at my ankles giving a slight puff to the bottom. A thin white undershirt wraps over one side, the long sleeves are just slightly loose and cuffed in the same dark color as the pants, the collar has minimal embroidery and though it is cut on the high side still wears comfortably enough to not be constricting. Next goes on the sleeveless over shirt which also wraps over one side but hangs nearly to my knees with slits waist high on either side giving good range of movement and showing the crisp white of the undershirt in nice contrast to the vibrant red silk. Lastly a high worn fabric belt in blue with elaborate gold designs and the dragon crest in the center.

My father might have worn something similar on his wedding day many years ago. I reach for my sword belt but hesitate. No at this moment I am just Van, and all the responsibilities I have to my country and people can wait a few more hours. I turn from the room leaving the iconic blade safely behind.

Reaching the ramparts and I find Advisor Yurizen already waiting for me. He is in discussion with an older man whose large sleeved robes almost make my attire appear modern and casual. Both men stop talking at my approach.

"My Lord." Yurizen greets me with a slight bow, though his words are formal there is a fatherly warmth in his eyes. I would like to think Balgus would have looked at me in such a way, proud. "Are you ready for this?"

The answer is of course yes, but I don't really need to say anything, he can tell from my stance and expression. Yurizen nods clasping my shoulder briefly. I am saved from having to make polite conversation as the door re-opens and this time Merle appears. She has traded her usual casual summer attire for a knee length dress of rose colored silk and a plum colored short jacket. Her vibrant hair bobs merrily as she bounces over to us, as if her feet were springs.

The sky has begun to lighten as night gives way to morning a degree more each moment that passes. There is something very pure lighting up the Neko's bright untroubled eyes. "I've always just wanted you to be happy, Lord Van." The emotion is clear now, it's Joy. She smiles warmly. "Now I know that you will be."

Merle hugs me tightly, but releases me just as quickly. She darts back over to the door holding it open, like she is doing the most important job in the world. In some ways she is.

The woman that appears next takes my breath away. The pale predawn light seems to make her glow in an almost mystical way. The Fanelian style dress she wears moves gracefully with every step. Layers of silk show in alternating colors of white and gold, elaborate blue and red embroidery trim each layer, which both actuates and hides her condition. The small capped sleeve jacket is shear, her shoulders and slender neck appear bare despite the fabric while still being technically appropriate. Instead of the traditional elaborate hair style and small headdress normally worn at weddings, short honey colored hair frames her beautiful face softly; a gold circlet adorns her brow with ribbons of the Fanelian colors cascading down her back only adding to the perfection.

Coming out of my trance I take the last few steps closing the gap between myself and this stunning creature. I hold out my hand and Hitomi takes it wordlessly. I match her slow careful pace back to the priest.

As the sky turns its array of soft colors and the city below begins to wake up we are married. The binding words the priest spoke washed over us with the rose colored sunrise. The warmth in Hitomi's luminous green eyes was all that really mattered anyways. With a tender meeting of our lips the story we started nearly two years ago finally begins, together.

Of course this peace couldn't last. Hitomi spotted a growing shape on the horizon, I'd seen them during the priest's speech on fidelity, but ignoring the approaching airship for as long as possible was my first choice. I knew they'd arrive today, but damn Allen for being early.

"It's the Crusade." I state at least enjoying the excitement lighting up her face.

"I want to go meet them when they land. Can we please Van?" Her voice had that slightly breathy quality that told me just how happy she was to see our old friends.

"Do you want to change first or meet the ship when it docks?" I hoped she'd opt to stay here and wait for their arrival, as we've been married for mere minutes and I'd like to have a few alone with my new wife before the next 'incident'. "We won't have time to do both."

She bit her bottom lip as if having a hard time with the decision. "Go."

I tried not to sigh as I turned to the Neko, who stood watching us with a mischievous smirk. "Merle-"

"One royal carriage coming right up!" She stated turning to skip away, striped tail swishing behind her.

I turned towards the door leading down and back into the palace with my arm out ready to escort Hitomi. "I need to stop by my- our room before we go." I had to correct myself, but I don't think she minded as another blush dusted her cheeks.

"Okay." Was all she said as we took the stairs side by side. Our pace was slow for she waddled a little, not I would ever say that out loud. The layers of fabric couldn't be helping matters either. It was noticeable that she was not quite used to dressing in the formal traditional style. It suited her, though whatever style of clothing she chooses to wear is up to her. The strange clothing of her homeland, lacy long skirts of Asturia, full sleeved shirts and slacks like Edzardia, or even the more casual tunics of the Fanelian style.

We reach the room and though neither of us has spoken since the roof the silence is companionable. I hold the door open letting her go in first. We only have a few minutes, so anything that married couples do behind closed doors will have to wait, unfortunately. I remain dressed formally, but as we are going through town I grab my sword and belt it on in one smooth motion.

Hitomi had wandered over to the standing mirror and begun to remove the circlet. A few of the ribbons had gotten tucked into the back of her jacket as she moved. Wordlessly I help her remove the tangle brushing my fingers across the back of her neck. The move was innocent in nature, but it brought our bodies close enough I could smell the light floral fragrance of her hair and feel the warmth of her skin.

I caught our reflection in the mirror. We both wore layers of blue, red, white and gold silk in complementing designs, for the first time we looked complete, and not only in clothing choices. The heat in her eyes took my breath away for a moment.

Before I could act on the thoughts running through my mind a loud knock sounded at the door. Damn it.

I stepped away even though it was the last thing I wanted. If we hadn't been interrupted… well I know that no one would have made it to greet the Crusade's arrival.

I took a deep breath before opening the door and glanced at Hitomi. There was a slight tremor in her hands as she placed the circlet I'd completely forgotten about on top of a nearby dresser. She noticed my attention, propping one hand on her hip in a defiant manner.

"Well? Are you gonna open the door or just stare at me all day?" In that stance she is every bit the stubborn girl I first met, while still being the strong woman I married.

"Unless you have other ideas…" I couldn't help teasing her. My smirk was very close to earning me an angry retort or at least something thrown in my direction, so I opened the door. I expected to see Merle's mischievous grin taunting us about missing our own carriage, instead I am greeted by the weathered face of Advisor Yurizen.

"I know you are occupied My Lord, but could I speak with you a moment?" He seemed as if a very grave manner was on his mind. The serious expression so different than the look he gave me not long ago on the ramparts. Did the other advisors find out that Hitomi and I eloped… early?

I glanced at Hitomi, then back at the older man not quite sure of the protocol. "Is it a private matter?"

"It is." He stated solemnly.

"You can use my… old room." Hitomi smiled softly. "I could use the time to unpack a few things."

Gratefully I gave her a brief kiss on the cheek before stepping into the hallway and following the older man the short distance to the now vacated room. As soon as the door shut and we were alone I braced myself expecting terrible news.

"Lord Van." He spoke slowly and clearly as if the words were difficult to say. "I need to apologize."

That caught me off guard. "Whatever for? You are one of my most trusted Advisors. What could you have to apologize for?"

"Please hear me out your majesty." He held up one hand begging me to let him continue. "When you left to hunt the dragon nearly two years ago I approached Balgus. I told him you would fail like your brother before you. That he was a fool to believe in a child. Even if you had succeeded in your trial, you would fail as a ruler. What did a mere boy know of the world let alone ruling a country? You would lead us to destruction like the curses warned."

He paused for only a moment but I knew his story was not complete. I nodded for him to continue.

"Balgus let me say everything the others were too scared to admit. Then he shoved me into the nearest wall. 'I should beat some respect into that thick head of yours' He told me. 'Lord Van will succeed. He will be a strong fighter and a just ruler if you fools would stop coddling him. He must learn to stand on his own feet and though it's a hard lesson you must let him.' I didn't know what to say. I tried to apologize, but he shook me once more. 'It is not my forgiveness you must beg for. One day Lord Van will prove you wrong. On that day you must apologize to him.' Today I stood where Balgus should have, and I saw the truth in his words more clearly than ever before."

Throughout his speech I could almost hear the old samurai as if he stood before me once more.

Yurizen dropped to his knees in front of me, touching his forehead to the ground in prostration.

I knelt in front of the man who I've trusted, listened to, and consulted with. Placing my hand on his shoulder I waiting the moment it took for him to look up at me before I spoke. "Have you ever betrayed me?"

"No My Lord."

"Have you ever used your position for personal gain?"

"No My Lord."

"Have you ever wished me or my loved ones harm?"

"NO! Never My Lord."

"Then I repeat. Yurizen you have nothing to apologize for." His eyes were both relieved and confused, so I continued. "It's easy for me to forget that many still see me as a child. The trials Balgus spoke of nearly destroyed me during the war, but I've found my strength and used everything within my power, even my own hands to rebuild Fanelia. Always working towards the wellbeing of my people. Today I was selfish. I wanted a little of that happiness for myself."

He opened his mouth to argue, but it was still my turn to speak and I held my hand up to command silence. "The Fanelian law of secession clearly states fifteen moons as the minimum age. I saw firsthand the brutality an untried youth must face. Other countries see our custom as barbaric, and though I see the importance of our laws and traditions I can also tell that it is time for some things to change. Together we can make a brighter future not only for my children, but also our people as a whole. Can I count on your support as I always have?"

"Yes Your Majesty." He stated earnestly as I helped him stand back up.

"Now, that matter is settled I am due to meet the Airship Crusade and the arrival of the Asturian representatives."

"I should have had more faith in you My Lord."

I paused at the door. "No Yurizan, you should have had more faith in Balgus. He was rarely wrong." With that I left to gather Hitomi and greet our friends. I almost expected her to take this time to change out of the formal clothing, but found a note on our door instead. The letters were large and simple, Hitomi's practice in writing the common language still impresses me.

Van,

Merle came to get us. I'll go ahead with her and meet you at the carriage. I do walk much slower then you these days, so I will see you very soon.

P.S. The next time she tells me to "Waddle Faster" I'm going to skin the Cat.

Hitomi

I almost laughed at her parting words. Better Merle then me. Folding the note I slid it into my pants pocket as I started to walk briskly through the halls. I came across a few people on my way out of the palace, and remaining in this attire has set the rumor mill going. At this rate the whole city will know that Hitomi and I had eloped by sunset.

I could have played it off that I had dressed up for the arriving foreign dignitaries, but Hitomi was defiantly wearing a wedding dress. She was not an easy sight to mistake, and I knew people had already reached that conclusion.

A pair of maids approached me with timid smiles "Congratulations Your Majesty."

I thanked them and continued on my way. No need to be rude, it couldn't be helped at this point. Well… if Yurizen hadn't interrupted earlier…

Stepping out into the bright morning light Hitomi was easy to spot as she stood outside the carriage talking animatedly with a guard. Nearing the pair I saw it was a female, who turned giving me a crisp salute.

"Good Morning, Your Majesty." The draconian guard's hazel eyes met mine with a merry twinkle. "I will be your escort to the landing docks."

I returned the salute quickly, as she was required to keep in position until I did. "A full escort is not needed for a quick trip such as this."

The tall woman shifted into a formal resting position shoulders back, hands clasped low behind her back, chin up, and eyes straight forward. Very respectful. "I thought that Sir, and I volunteered to be the only one. I will remain armed, but ride with the driver… unless you have other orders for me."

"No, that will be fine. You may take your station." At my direction she gave a quick bow before turning to leap up as if she were preparing to pilot a Guymelif and not just ride next to the driver. The door was already being held by a page, so I silently offered my hand to Hitomi glad to assist her into the carriage.

She took it, carefully stepping in. "That was kind of strange." Hitomi glanced at me as I took a seat next to her. "Do people always talk and act like that with you?"

"Yes and no, it's a sign of respect so you will see some people who are not used to interacting with me stand on such formalities." I signal the page to shut the door and as soon as he is finished the carriage starts to move. "In some cases though it is required, such as someone on orders like that guard."

"Oh." Hitomi turned slightly to look out the window at the passing houses and shops that lined the main street. "I don't know if I can get used to people talking like that to me."

"I still haven't" I admit and am rewarded with a warm smile, before see returns to look out at the passing city.

Her hand sits on the bench seat between us and I find looking at the town holds little of interest at this moment. The carriage rumbles on down the street as I place my hand on hers wordlessly. Hitiom's eyes may remain on the scenery, but her body shifts more towards me as her hand turns over to thread slender fingers between mine.

"Have I told you how beautiful you are today?" The words come out low and rough sounding even to my ears.

"Not with words." Hitomi turns, her eyes warm and a fresh blush on her cheeks. "Saying things out loud has always been an issue for you though."

I couldn't help the small laugh that escaped. "That much is still true." I cupped her soft cheek with my free hand. "I will have to show you instead."

The slight distance between our bodies suddenly seemed far too great. Closing the gap I pressed my lips to hers tenderly. She quickly responded letting go of my hand so that both of hers could be buried in my thick hair pulling me closer and making any escape impossible. Not that pulling away would ever cross my mind at this point. Deepening the kiss hungrily, she responded by opening her mouth slightly and twinging her tongue passionately with mine. Something between a groan and a moan escaped, and I realized it was me that made the noise.

The layers of fabric bunching between us suddenly seemed like a major hindrance. My free hand went to the small of her back, pressing Hitomi and her large stomach firmly into me. Proof that we've done this at least one other time. The hand cupping her face seemed useless as neither of us were willing to stop now, I began to trail light touches down her slender neck, collar bone, chest… breast. The breathy gasp I received heated my blood to boiling. The rest of the world had faded completely, vaguely I realized a world that was no longer moving.

Someone cleared their throat loudly. "My Lord!" The exclamation could have been my title or from the position I was suddenly caught in…. with my wife… in public.

Nothing cools passion quite like being caught. The carriage door was open and the female guard stood so her body blocked the view for anyone who might want to look at the activities taking place inside. For that I was grateful.

Hitomi's face was flushed as she tried to straighten her dress unsuccessfully.

"Later." I promised earning a look that made me want to shut the door and return to the palace right away. Instead I tried to resituate myself to hide how enthusiastic I was at our prior activities. Thank goodness for the long cut to this outfit.

Nodding to the guard who I noticed for the first time wore the full uniform and armor covering all the tattoos on her arms and any misshapen forms on her back. She looked like any other Royal Guard, who would ever know that we could possibly share a bloodline. If the draconian village was as small as mother wrote, but the pain she carried was written on her skin while mine was hidden much deeper down.

She wordlessly stepped out of the way, taking up a position and formal stance next to the carriage.

"Van!" The lilting voice of Princess Millerna rang out clearly. "I'm so happy to see you, and looking so well I might add." There was a knowing look to her lavender eyes. This may have been a bad idea.

A few steps behind her was the tall knight, dashing and gentlemanly as always, but a warm friendly look in his blue eyes. "We were surprised by the suddenness of your invitation, but glad to finally be in Fanelia for such a joyous occasion."

Well the secret wouldn't keep for long at this rate. "Allen, Millerna… is it just you and the crew?"

"Well for now." Millerna shrugged still looking every bit the princess in her ruffled blouse and slacks. 'Travel' clothes worn for comfort not formality. I suddenly felt over dressed, at least Allen was in uniform. "Dryden should be here in another day or so. You know merchants, business always comes first." Though her tone was light there was something wistful and almost proud in her voice as she spoke of the 'other' long haired man.

"My sister will not be coming though." Allen stated evenly. "There are too many strong… emotions for him here in Fanelia. I thought it best if Celena stayed behind with Princess Eries."

I let out a relieved breath I hadn't known I was holding. The invitation had included the poor girl that was once one of my worst enemies, but a weight is lifted to not have another thing to worry about… like her stability.

"Did Hitomi not come to greet us?" Millerna asked looking around, a slight pout in her voice.

"I should reintroduce you since it has been a while." Stepping aside I held my hand back so I could help the girl drown from the carriage. "Millerna, Allen… My wife Hitomi Kanzaki de Fanel."

She stepped down next to me looking every bit the queen. Sandy hair shimmering in the sunlight, layers of embroidered silk flowing around her every movement, and the gentle way her free hand rested on the child growing within.

Millerna let out an excited sound and rushed forward to hug the surprised girl. "So this is what all the rushing and secrecy was about! Oh Hitomi, I am so happy for you!" The golden haired princess turned on me smacking my shoulder playfully. "Van! How could you have kept all this from us?! I know you need an heir, but couldn't you give the poor girl a chance?!"

Hitomi and I blushed, somehow Millerna's way with words always hit straight to the point.

I looked past her to the shocked knight as he stood frozen in place. It was his reaction I was most worried about. Keen blue eyes were taking in every detail of my wife. The kiss swollen lips, almost bare neck and shoulders, Fanelian dress that fitted snugly across her chest and flowed loosely over her large stomach. I didn't like the way he studied the girl he had once proposed to.

Without a word I unclasped both my sword belt and high wasted belt shoving them into the guard's hands. The crimson silk over-shirt was off my shoulders and draped over Hitomi's in one smooth movement.

Allen let out a surprised bark of laughter. "Really Van, you don't need to claim her any more then you already have."

I flushed hotly taking back both objects and re-belting them over my thin white undershirt.

"I'm happy for both of you I really am." Allen continued almost enjoying my temper and following embarrassment. "It seems I have lost the bet. How much do I owe you Princess?"

"I'll add it to your bill." Millerna teased easily.

"You knew?" Hitomi asked looking at her blond friend.

"Of course I knew." The princess grinned. "Why else would a royal wedding be so rushed? Legitimizing the baby and hiding any embarrassment. I just can't believe you didn't wait for us to arrive first."

"We got tired of everyone telling us how our wedding should be." My wife explained leaning into my side. "There didn't seem to be any point to waiting anymore."

"Well, that's great for the two of you… but what do you plan to tell all the dignitaries invited?" Allen asked smoothly. "If they get wind that you are already married and they came all the way out here for nothing, you could be in for a sticky political situation."

"They will be witnesses to Hitomi's coronation as Queen." Stating it simply "That should appease the representatives and cut out some of the unnecessary fuss."

"That might work if no one want to bring up that the invitations clearly state 'wedding'." Allen added watching my reaction.

"I am prepared to apologize for the error." I cross my arms over my chest knowing I look stubborn, but not willing to give in on this or any matter concerning Hitomi and our relationship.

"Well better you then me!" The princess exclaimed tossing her wavy hair over one shoulder

The Asturian blonds laughed, and the knight patted my shoulder in a brotherly manner I wasn't expecting. "We've missed you two. Life is always more interesting when you're around."

Millerna nodded in agreement. "Well, are we going to stand here all day? I have some medical questions I want to ask Hitomi." A mischievous smirk crossed her pretty face. "I could ask on the way to the palace unless the two of you need the privacy. Allen and I would hate to impose on the personal moments between a man and his wife."

My ears burned, and part of me wanted to tell them to get to the palace on their own… only part.

"Oh stop it." Hitomi threw her hands up. "I know it's all in good fun, but really guys mind your own business and get your butts in that carriage."

"The pregnant woman told us to, so we better comply." Allen tried to hide his grin but failed.

"Hell hath no fury." Millerna agreed solemnly.

They have no idea, or they wouldn't be joking about it. I see the fire light in Hitomi's eyes and know it's up to me to save them this time. Pulling the short haired girl towards me I place a kiss on her bow with a smile. "You first."

She just nods and lets me help her back into the carriage, my shirt still draped over her frame. I turn to the princess next.

"Thank you Van." Millerna smiles at me, as I help her up the slight step.

"Next time you want to face off against Hitomi, you are completely on your own." The warning held no heat, just truth.

"After you, Your majesty." Allen gave me a slight bow. Shrugging I took my seat next to Hitomi who was trying to pretend she wasn't as uncomfortable as I knew she was, her back often hurt these days. Once Allen was seated across from me the door was closed and the carriage began to move once more, but this time with twice the occupants, it felt almost claustrophobic.

"So, Hitomi how far along are you?" I'm not sure who was asking Princess Millerna or Doctor Millerna the aspiring healer.

"Thirty Seven Weeks." Hitomi answered quickly.

"I knew it!" Millerna grinned. "I thought it looked like the baby had already dropped."

"Dropped?" I questioned, not liking the sound of the phrase.

Doctor mode took over as the other woman explained. "The baby normally moves down in to a position in the pelvis preparing for birth." She made a downward movement with her hands. "Honestly you should be preparing to announce the birth of your heir not a coronation."

That shocked me, and I knew my face had paled as I looked to my wife for conformation.

Hitomi patted my knee. "I know you thought we had more time."

"Almost another month." My mouth feels very dry all the sudden.

"It's completely normal for babies to come between the thirty eighth and forty second weeks." Hitomi states evenly while Millerna nods along.

"Basically a month long window two weeks before or two weeks after the due date. 'Due date' is more of an educated guess since babies come when they're ready." The physician in the carriage added.

I couldn't help myself I looked at Allen maybe hoping somehow he could say something to help me out here, at the very least another male to understand the fear I suddenly felt. The knight just shrugged and though he made the simple movement look elegant it didn't help me one bit.

He sighed, possibly deciding to change the subject for my sanity after all. "Have you discussed names yet?"

Nope. Dig that hole a little deeper for me. He saw my glare but ignored it. Jerk.

Hitomi took my hand in hers and I could feel a slight tremble in it that said without words that she too was nervous about how quickly this all was happening. I felt a lot better, giving her hand a little squeeze I hoped it conveyed how grateful I was to have her by my side.

"I've been thinking about a name, but I don't know if you'll like it Van." Her voice was soft but there was a strength to it that I loved.

"What is it?"

"Well if his first name is in honor of someone and his middle name is from my world it would mean a lot to me." I nodded for her to continue and could tell for the relieved breath she took my wife had been thinking about this a lot. "Folken Shou de Fanel."

"Folken Shou." I repeated slowly. It felt… right. "What does Shou mean?"

"It's a fairly common boy's name and translated it means 'to soar'." As she spoke I could almost see a smiling child reaching towards the wide blue sky.

"I love it." As soon as I said the words I knew it was the perfect choice, not only in name for our son but in listening and excepting Hitomi's ideas. The way her face lit up as she leaned into my side made everything else melt away.

"What a perfect name." Millerna smiled at us, despite the limited space inside the carriage I had almost forgotten her and Allen where riding with us. A perplexed look crossed her face and flowed easily out of her mouth in the form of an innocent question. "Do you have a girl's name chosen already?"

"No, we don't need one." I answer only adding to her confusion.

"Are you just sure of yourself Van or did Hitomi already see that it's a boy?" Allen who had been silently watching, spoke up.

Hitomi and I shared a private wordless agreement before she turned to the knight smiling. "Something like that."

On that note the carriage pulled to a stop in front of the palace. Neither of the visiting Asturians have visited since the end of the war and you could see the surprise on their faces.

"It's been less than two years how is rebuilding complete already?" Millerna asked a note of wonder in her voice. "There are still parts of Palas with damage from the Zaibach attacks and we weren't hit nearly as bad as you were."

"Just a lot of hard work and long days." I state simply. Fanelia received an out pouring of support from allied countries after the war. I'd be naive to think they would have helped at all if I wasn't so well known for piloting the Escaflowne and being instrumental in ending the war, but there was always something that made me politely turn down the most generous offers. Pride maybe, also I'd rather use my own hands then become indebted to a country who then feels they have a hold over us for any reason.

I must have made it clear that I didn't want to speak on the subject farther as no one tried to keep the conversation going. We filed out of the carriage silently grateful for the bright summer day to chase away any lingering shadows.

Millerna stretched her arms over her head a moment before turning to her companion. "Allen can you send a message back home informing them that we will be extending our stay in Fanelia for a few more weeks?"

"Yes Princess." He answered simply, like a well-trained knight should. Despite his calm words there was something unreadable in Allen's clear blue eyes that didn't sit well with me.

"Why are you staying longer?" Hitomi asked eyeing the other girl curiously.

"Why do you think silly?!" The princess exclaimed gesturing to my wife's expanded waistline. "I can't very well leave when my patients need me here. I have plenty of experience as a midwife, after all it is the only branch of medicine deemed 'suitable' for a woman. Anyways Hitomi even if I didn't insist on being your doctor I would be staying as your friend."

"Oh Millerna!" Hitomi hugged the other girl tightly. "I've missed you too."

It was hard to tell if the women were laughing, smiling, or crying… all three. Women…

"Oh stop that." The blond smiled pulling away slightly. "I'd like to do a full examination, but it will require privacy where will you be most comfortable?"

"My- our room." Hitomi blushed at having to use the same correction I had to say earlier. She glanced at me. "I'll probably need help getting out of all these layers."

"I know I'm not your first choice, but my assistance will just have to do for now." Millerna teased taking the other girl's arm.

"I'd like a word with Van for a moment if that is alright with you Hitomi." Allen directed the statement to my wife with a small smile, but she was looking at me not him.

"It's fine." I answer simply. "Go with Millerna I'll see you soon."

"Okay." She nods, before letting go of the blond Hitomi grabs the front of my shirt planting a quick kiss on my surprised lips. With a slight blush and a playful grin she takes her friend's hand leading her away and into the palace. I could hear Millerna's lecturing, but the words were growing farther away and harder to make out.

I come back to myself and the feeling of the knight's eyes weighing me critically. What was there for me to say? Sorry she picked me… well that would be a lie.

He must have seen the gears turning in my mind as Allen held up one gloved hand. "You don't have to say anything only let me speak." I nodded for him to continue. "I should be perfectly clear with you Van, I am not jealous. I am happy Hitomi returned to you."

I couldn't help interrupting. "You have to feel something after all you proposed, and now she's married to me."

"You're right I do feel something, though it's not quite what you think." Allen paused checking to see if I'd let him finish this time. "When we first started traveling together her infatuation was merely flattering, but Hitomi was little more than a girl. I'll never know if it was her growing feelings for you or something else that sparked my possessive side late on. After she left the first time I realized I did love Hitomi, but not in a romantic way. I saw my little sister in her, and in some ways it's more than that now. Hitomi is not Celena, but somehow I've gone from having no family to having two little sisters."

There was a hard edge to the knight's voice that should have set of warning bells, but didn't. He continued. "As much as I like and respect you Van there are somethings I can't forgive and your role in Hitomi's condition is one of them."

Unlike with Dilandau what felt like a lifetime ago, I don't sense the strike until it's too late. With a sudden explosion of pain, black spots swim across my vision. Allen's fist makes solid contact with the left side of my face.

To Be Continued…

A/N- Okay I'm for real this time. The next post will be the epilogue and then that's it. This chapter took a little longer to write then intended and kind of just kept growing. I had a lot of fun with it if you can't tell.

Yea, the end of the first chapter Hitomi hits Van, and the end of the last full chapter its Allen's turn. I hope you all liked the interaction between the Asturians. I've left Millerna a princess in this story as her father is still holding on and not important to this time line. That means Hitomi will be a Queen before her. Oh and if anyone is confused as to why Allen punched Van. Even though they are married no when Van knocked up 'his little sister' they most certainly were not. If Van hadn't 'taken responsibility' Allen would have done a lot worse then hit him… or at least tried to. Who else wants to see that scene? Just me?

As much as I love my friend who used to beta for me… not having any help with the edits is unappealing. The last few chapters have all been self-edited and I'm not 100% happy with the end result. The problem is it took me years to find someone I trusted enough to let into my twisted obsessed mind, and looking for a new beta feels like cheating. It makes me feel dirty.

Last thing I promis I know I've told you all I cosplay as Varie… we I did. I still could, but the long wig caused me so much stress I've put aside that costume for the time being. Instead I have started cosplaying a character I've always wanted to but pushed the thought aside since I am VERY cannon and well not built like a 15year old boy. Yes you've got it right I now cosplay as Van! I was nervous about it but there was so much support and love that I had a blast. Being the person I am though I make it clear I am Rule # 63 Van Fanel. (Rule # 63- For any given male character, there is a female version of that character.) That's right I may now be Van but I will always be the Queen of Fanelia!