Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ No Need To Promise ❯ Bittersweet Reunion ( Chapter 1 )

"Say, when they're in love,
Does everyone get this lonely?
Say, do they embrace the pain
That's even deeper than the darkness?"

"NO NEED TO PROMISE"

VISION OF ESCAFLOWNE

I knew it was wrong of me to do so, but every time I visited the palace with Allen, I looked for a glimpse of her. She never showed herself, though - for all intent and purposes, I was dead to her. Hell, she didn't even know that I was alive; my father had told everyone that I had died at sea.

I suppose it was for the best that I had never seen her on my various trips to the palace; if I were to see her, I wouldn't be able to hide my feelings from her. They'd be written all over my face for the whole world to read. And I wasn't quite sure that it would be fair on her - she had suffered through so much on my account. If her father ever found out that I had been her forbidden lover so many years before, he'd be sure to treat me to a public execution and she'd be humiliated even further.

Nevertheless, I kept an eye out for her each time I walked the polished, marble halls; today was no exception. I walked beside Allen, my commanding officer and best friend, toward the throne room when I was struck - for the first time, surprisingly enough - by the amazing similarities in our pasts.

We're a lot more alike than you'd ever imagine, Boss, I thought, allowing myself a dry little smile.

Allen would be properly shocked if he knew the truth about me - while he had been open enough to tell me about his fateful liaisons with Princess Marlene, I had never really told him the truth about myself.

Once - and only once - had he pressed me for details about my past.

"How did you manage to get sent here to Fort Castelo?" he demanded one evening, about two years after he had become fort commander.

I had told him about how I had run away to sea as a young boy - what I didn't tell him was why I had left home. I had told him about the mutiny, too - but I had casually left out the fact that the captain had been her chosen fiancée. I did tell him that the man was a bastard through and through - which was true - and that he had deserved the mutiny that I had headed. But when I felt like being perfectly honest with myself, I knew that my insurrection had been born more out of a need for revenge than a desire for maritime justice.

I had never mentioned her to Allen; I knew I could trust him with the secret, but I had held it in for so long, that it didn't come out very easily. And I felt that it was best left untouched. There was no need getting my close friend involved in the sticky, bloody intrigue of my boyhood. He had enough problems of his own without being burdened with mine.

So I kept silent - but my silence didn't keep me from looking. My eyes darted back and forth across the hallway stretched out before us. Our footsteps echoed hollowly against the cool, polished white walls; I hated the sound. It was an empty, dull, dead sound, and I understood why she had hated living in the palace so much. There was no mirth, no laughter, and no joy to be found within this gilded cage; from my experience, the Astons were a soulless line of Royals, more like strangers than a family.

Little wonder she loved spending more time with my family in our little cottage beside the horse stables, than inside her own home with all its dark secrets and cheerless inhabitants, I mused.

But now my beloved was just as bleak and morbid as the people surrounding her. I had always kept my ears open for gossip about the Royal family and from time to time, when the folks in the bars didn't have much else to talk about, they inevitably turned to puzzling over the oldest princess and her secret past. From what I'd heard, her father kept her away from the public eye and she no longer participated in the affairs of his Court. She was allowed to live within the same building as the rest of her family, but she was cut off from their love.

I remembered her as being a beautiful, golden-haired tomboy, full of spunk, laughter, and always the center of attention. Now, she was hardly seen by anyone other than her personal maid; she was forbidden, apparently, from being with her father, whom she had always loved above all others in her life - even me. And on the rare occasions that she did make an appearance, she always seemed melancholy and aloof. Or so I'd heard.

Most of my information about her came from her youngest sister, Millerna, who had spent a great amount of time with those of us who had tried to unlock the secrets of Atlantis two years ago. I had liked the young Princess; I had seen in her the girl that her sister had once been. She hadn't spoken a lot about her family, but when she did, it had mostly been about her elder sister.

"I don't understand her," Millerna had fumed the first evening she had spent on board the Crusade.

"What's the matter, ma'am?" Merle had demanded, curling her little, striped orange tail back and forth in curiosity.

"It's my sister - she's…I just don't understand her," Millerna had repeated in exasperation.

It came out that her sister had tried to keep Millerna from joining the Boss, King Van, Hitomi, and the rest of us in our quest against Zaibach. Millerna had said that her sister had done it because she was trying to appease their father by keeping her at home.

"She's nothing more than his puppet," she had huffed. "She marches to the beat of his drum."

I had been tempted to blurt out, "your sister marches to no one's drum but her own. She always has, for as long as I've known her."

But I kept my mouth shut; such a statement would have only lead to the revelation of the past that she and I had shared.

I hadn't seen her or spoken to her in nine years, but I knew that she couldn't have changed that much. Perhaps she was quieter now and more withdrawn, but she would never change her approach to life. No matter what had happened to her, she would never bow to the will of another unless she so chose.

No, Millerna, I thought as Allen and I silently neared the doors of the throne room.

Your sister only acted that way because she didn't want to see your heart break as hers had. She wanted to protect you - but instead, you followed your heart and went after Allen. That's exactly what she would have done if your roles had been reversed and she was going away with me; the two of you are so much alike. She loves you - I'm sure of it. She was merely afraid for you and wished to keep you safe.

Of course, I could never tell that to Millerna; it wasn't my place. But I did wonder why she had never told her "little" sister what I knew in my heart to be true. It might be that since she had been cut off from everyone's love, that Millerna had grown up without really knowing her older sister.

My thoughts suddenly focused on the present as we drew closer to the armed guards standing at rigid attention in front of the heavy, gold-plated, oak doors of King Aston's throne room. Allen was tense and nervous; his jaw was set tightly and I saw, with some amusement, that he was gritting his teeth.

"Relax, Boss," I admonished, reaching out and patting him on the back.

"I'll be okay, Gaddes," Allen sighed. "I just don't like this - the King hasn't spoken a word to me in two years and now he suddenly wants to see me."

"I've heard that his health is failing," I shrugged.

"So have I," Allen nodded absently. "I don't claim to be very fond of our king, but I don't want him to die, either. Who will take his place?"

"Millerna, most likely."

"I do wonder sometimes what Princess Eires did to lose her claim to the throne so many years ago," Allen mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "By all rights, she should be the queen should the King die."

"No one knows what happens," I stuck my hands in my pockets and looked away briefly in case Allen should somehow read the truth in my eyes.

I knew what had happened - I had been the cause of it.

"No matter," Allen brushed it off, to my eternal gratitude. "That doesn't help me figure out why the King wants to see me all of a sudden."

"Guess we'll find out," I stopped and allowed Allen to walk in first through the doors as the guards pulled them open.

I always felt out of place in the Throne Room, in my old, battered boots, worn green vest, threadbare, open-necked shirt, and tattered sword belt. All around me were men and women in silks, firs, flashing jewels, and court finery; I felt, as I always did in Noble company, like the Commoner that I was. It was only when I was with Nobles like Allen or Dryden that I felt like a true man and an equal. And I knew that if she were standing at my side, I'd feel superior to the King himself.

Allen pulled his shoulders back, lifted his head a little higher, and marched out onto the red carpet before the King. He stopped just as he stepped into the King's view, waiting to be announced by the Royal Crier.

"Sir Allen Schezar, Knight Caeli, Commander of Fort Castelo," the Crier called out in a clear, loud voice.

The room, which had been quietly buzzing with muted conversations, became perfectly silent. Allen swept gracefully to one knee before the King, waiting to be acknowledged by his Majesty.

I hovered on the sidelines directly even with Allen, having pressed my way through the throng of courtiers. But I didn't dare step foot onto the red carpet; Allen had been called into the King's presence - I had come along because "the Boss" had asked me. I was merely moral support; King Aston wasn't a Royal known to speak with Commoners.

"Rise, Sir Schezar," the King ordered in his scratchy, throaty voice. "And come closer - I wish to speak to you face to face."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Allen rose to his feet and walked confidently forward until he was only a foot or so away from the steps of the King's dais.

As Allen moved forward, I allowed my eyes to wander about the room.

Perhaps she's here today, I thought, though I frankly doubted it.

I had been in this throne room four or five times before and I had never glimpsed her face. But today was different - today, I glanced casually up toward the dais, expecting only to see the King in all his plump, pompous glory, but instead, my eyes focused on her.

She was sitting on a small, but ornate chair, at the King's left hand. Across from her, on her father's right hand, was Princess Millerna.

The whole family's gathered in the throne room today. I wonder why.

I lost all track of what was being said between the King and Allen, as I studied her face. She was looking intently at her folded hands resting demurely in her silken lap. She was dressed in a simple, but becoming dress of pale green - I remembered that that had always been her favorite color. I couldn't really see her face because she was looking down, but I remembered every feature of it perfectly. Her smooth, creamy skin, her rich, red, teasing lips, dark, playful green eyes, and flushed cheeks. There had always been a smile lurking on the corners of her mouth and in her eyes - but I could see, even with her face hidden from me, that it was no longer there. My Eires had changed.

I wished she would glance up, if only for a minute; the King was droning on about something and Allen was looking at him very intently, but for me, there were only two people in the room. She and me. I longed to see her face, to look into her eyes, but then I realized that it was probably for the best if I looked away. Suppose she did see me - what could she do or say? Would a betraying look of surprise and love flash across her face? A look that would surely give her away, after all these years of silence; I looked away, not willing to tempt Fate and conscience of the fact that several noblemen and women were watching me. I didn't want their attention to be drawn to Eires and I didn't want them drawing any dangerous conclusions from my bold, frank gaze.

Try as I might, though, I couldn't keep my eyes off of her. Surreptitiously, I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye several minutes later. My heart skipped a beat when our eyes met - she chose that one second to look up from her hands. No emotion whatsoever crossed her face, but I saw instant recognition flash deep within her eyes, followed almost immediately by a look of deep, painful sorrow.

We broke eye contact with each other almost immediately; now was a dangerous time indeed to be exchanging love glances. I was a bit puzzled, initially, with the sadness that I had seen in her eyes. But then I realized that it was because of all that we had been through, separated from each other these past nine years.

Now, I was back and she had seen me. Now she knew who I had become; but was this only Fate's way of toying with our emotions, teasing us with the knowledge that we were so close, yet so far away from each other? There was no way for the two of us to be together; I couldn't tempt her. I couldn't put her through the pain of loss and heartache again; I knew that she would keep her distance. As long as King Aston lived, we were doomed to be apart.

Still, a part of me hoped that somehow we'd be able to meet, if only for a few minutes, before I had to go back to Fort Castelo with Allen. It was a completely impossible hope and I reasoned with myself.

It's impossible. It would do more harm than good. She has her place and I have mine. We can't be together - not now and probably not ever.

Yet I still found myself longing for her. I would have given anything to hold her once again in my arms, to feel her soft body pressed against mine, her hands in my hair, and the taste of her sweet tongue filling my mouth.

Get a grip on yourself, Gaddes! I scolded myself.

In an attempt to put all thoughts of Eires from my mind, I focused on the discussion between Allen and the King. Fortunately, I found that whatever the King had to say was rapidly concluding; the Boss and I'd be able to leave within a few minutes.

"…And as a final gesture of goodwill, Sir Schezar, I invite you to dine with the Royal family tonight," the King's voice rumbled about the room.

My heart sank - or did it rise? I couldn't tell - my emotions were so confused.

"Thank you, m'Lord. It would be my pleasure and an honor," Allen bowed, accepting the King's invitation.

If Allen stayed for the King's feast, then I'd be in the palace all day. And staying for a banquet always meant that he'd stay the night - as would I. But what good was staying in the palace if I'd have to sleep alone, knowing that Eires and I had seen each other and that she was somewhere nearby?

As Allen bowed a second time and the King dismissed him, I risked another glance at Eires. She had turned her head, though, and was whispering something in the ear of a maidservant.

I realized with a jolt that the maid was my older sister, Maremanna.

You've done well for yourself, Mare - a Royal maid. It's a far cry better than what I've become - the right hand man of a dispossessed knight.

I looked away hastily; Allen now stood beside me, his hand resting on my shoulder, a large grin on his face.

"Come on, Gaddes - let's go celebrate, shall we?"

"Um…yes sir?" my statement came out more as a question and I followed him obediently out of the throne room. "What's up?" I demanded the instant the golden doors had shut behind us and we stood in the safe anonymity of the hall.

"The King has given me back my family estates!" Allen crowed, clapping me hard across the back in his excitement. "I've been pardoned, and I'm no longer a disgrace to my King and country."

"That's good," I nodded, but I wasn't as happy about the news. "So I guess you don't have to commandeer Fort Castelo anymore?"

"No," Allen shook his head, his smile undimmed. "And the King has also given me leave to take you and the Crew out of the fort. You've all been pardoned, too! From now on Gaddes, you'll be the chief steward of the Schezar Estates."

"I'm not sure I'd be any good at this steward business," I shook my head. "I've been a soldier most of my life and before that I was just a simple stable boy."

"You'll do fine, Gaddes. You know me, you know how to lead the people placed under you, and you have a loyal, level head. I trust you above any other man in Asturia - please, accept my offer. Come and work for me on my estates; I still want you to be my right hand man."

"Whatever you say, Boss," I returned his grin and we shook hands.

I had my doubts as to my ability to move on to a new, bigger responsibility, but as long as Allen had faith in me, I guess I couldn't go wrong.

"And I'll finally be able to introduce Serena to genteel society," Allen sighed hopefully.

"You saying that me an' the boys aren't genteel?" I cocked a playful eyebrow.

"Precisely," Allen replied in mock severity. "You're all right - most of the time; but the others are nothing short of rogues. Serena needs to be around women and I'm afraid there's a conspicuous absence of such at the fort."

"I'll second that," my grin grew larger and I laughed shortly.

Our cheerful banter was suddenly interrupted when a familiar, well-loved voice called from behind.

"Sergeant! Sergeant Gaddes!"

I turned around, only to be assaulted by my sister, who threw her arms around me.

"Brother," she whispered in my ear. "I thought I'd never see you again."

"Same here, Mare," I replied softly, patting her gently on her back.

Allen was watching us with great puzzlement and interest; after a few seconds of the affection embrace, Mare stepped back and I explained the situation to my friend.

"This is my eldest sister, Mare," I introduced the two. "Mare, this is my commander, Sir Allen Schezar."

"Pleased to meet you, sir," Mare curtsied in the dainty fashion that only she could manage.

"To be sure," Allen took her hand and kissed it in his typical, gallant fashion

The corners of my mouth twitched dangerously, but I managed to keep a straight face. Mare giggled and turned to me with a wide smile.

"I didn't know your friend was such a gentleman - I hope you've been paying attention to his example," she glanced shyly at Allen.

"Oh - I've been taking copious notes," I retorted sarcastically, trying unsuccessfully to keep a laugh out of my voice.

"You're such a boor!" Mare sniffed, slapping me playfully on my stomach.

"So what brings you out here?" I changed the subject; I was certain that Mare's sudden appearance had as much to do with what Eires had whispered in her ear as a sisterly desire to see her long estranged brother.

"I came to say `hello' to you, little brother," Mare's dimples appeared as she beamed up at me.

"That's all?" I prompted.

"And I was told to give this to you," she reached into the pocket of her maid's apron and handed me a piece of folded paper.

"Thanks," I pocketed it immediately.

I'd read it later, when Allen wasn't watching; I knew he wouldn't nose into my business, but still, I wanted to be alone when I read what Eires had written to me.

"Are you going to be here tonight?" Mare asked after a short pause.

"Who? Me?"

"No," Mare gave me one of her classic "stop-being-stupid-silly" looks. "I was talking to the vase of flowers there," she jerked her thumb to the overflowing porcelain bowl of vines and red flowers.

"Yeah, I'll be here, I guess," I shrugged. "Though I was sort of planning on going into the city."

"Well, don't" Mare ordered severely. "Spend the evening with Konik and me."

"Is he still here?"

"He's the head of the King's stables," Mare nodded.

"My little brother?" I said teasingly. "I'll be! My sister's a princess' maid and my brother's Stable Master. What about Father, though?"

"Father died a month ago," Mare's face fell. "He wanted so much to see you again. Your name was the last word he ever uttered - he wanted to ask your forgiveness for disinheriting you all those years ago."

"It was for the best, though, I suppose," I sighed and looked away quickly, afraid that I'd start crying. "I always loved the Old Man and I never held anything against him."

"I wish you could have been there to tell him that," Mare whispered. "He would have passed on so much easier knowing that."

"I wish I could have told him, too," my voice was in danger of cracking and I took a deep breath. "Well, I guess you, Konik, and I will have a lot to catch up on over these past years," I pulled my shoulders back and steadied my voice.

"We'll have a lot to talk about, I'm sure," Mare rewarded me with a small smile. "I'll tell Konik you're finally coming home."

"I've gotta' go now," I glanced at Allen and saw that he was uncomfortable. "When do you want me to show up?"

"Eight would be fine," Mare patted my bicep. "I'll see you then?"

"I'll be there."

"'Til then," Mare embraced me again. "It's good to see you again, Gaddes," she whispered before pulling away.

She curtsied to Allen, told him farewell, and retreated hastily down the hall.

"Charming woman, your sister," Allen commented as we walked away ourselves.

"Thank you," I murmured. "She's very much like our mother - full of grace and kindness."

"I'm going to leave you here for right now, Gaddes," Allen suddenly proclaimed as we reached the end of the corridor.

"Sure - I know how to keep myself entertained," I smiled encouragingly.

"I promised Princess Millerna earlier today that I would meet her in the library. If you need me, that's where I'll be."

"Sure. Don't worry about me - I'll be fine," I waved him off, seemingly nonchalant.

Now what do I do with myself? I wondered as I watched my friend scurry off toward the gargantuan Royal library in the palace's east wing.

I suddenly remembered the note Mare had given me; I guess now's as good time as any to read it.

Glancing about to make sure that I was alone in the hall, I reached into my pocket and pulled out the piece of paper. Leaning one shoulder casually against the marble wall, I unfolded it and began to read.

Dear Gaddes,

No doubt you were as surprised to see me, as I was to see you in the throne room just now. I thought you were dead, Gaddes - that's what your father told us, anyway. I'm sure it was to cover up any suspicions my father had.

I know I probably shouldn't be writing this and I know I definitely shouldn't be asking you to do what I'm about to request. But I simply can't let you slip so easily out of my life again without talking to you one last time. I'm sure you feel the same.

Meet me in our old hiding place - you remember, don't you? I'll be there, waiting for you, at three o'clock this afternoon. Please come, dear one.

Eires

* * *

A half hour later, I found myself walking slowly toward "our old hiding place." Getting there unnoticed was a bit of a challenge, however, since our little rendezvous point was located in the wine cellars behind the kitchen.

I got through without any major troubles, though. I was only noticed and stopped once, by the Head Cook. I told her that I had been sent to get a bottle of wine from the cellars and she let me pass through her domain without any further fuss. I wondered, however, how Eires managed to get down there unseen.

As she had promised, she was there when I slipped through the narrow space of two enormous wine racks into a small, but cozy hole in the wall located behind them. Eires and I used to meet in the little cubby hole quite frequently in past times - as children, it had been a splendid place to play at pirates and as we had grown older, it had became one of our secret places to love.

She was standing with her back toward me when I squeezed through. Without thinking, I tiptoed up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her against me.

"Hello, Eires," I whispered huskily into her ear.

"Gaddes," she replied simply, twisting about in my embrace, to look me in the face.

She reached up and brushed her hand across my cheeks; I was suddenly ashamed because I hadn't shaved that morning. It wasn't something I was particularly keen on - I did it only because I like the idea of having a beard even less.

She didn't seem to mind, though. She gazed up at me, her hand resting gently on my face; I could smell her spicy, exotic fragrance that was as much a part of her as anything else. I closed my eyes, burying my face in her smooth neck, breathing in her scent.

Moments passed and we simply stood there, locked in our lover's embrace. Slowly, I began to kiss her throat, letting my tongue run gently against her skin, working my way up toward her ear. Once there, I took her ear lobe gently between my teeth and began to nibble on it; she groaned softly, her arms tightening around my neck.

"Gaddes," she whispered once again, nuzzling my ear affectionately.

I felt her hands as they moved slowly up the back of my neck, her fingers raking through my hair in her sensual way.

My hands, which had been resting on the small of her back, began to move lower. I placed one hand across the small of her back and one hand wandered gradually up and down her right leg. I could feel her breath quickening, coming in short puffs against my neck. She shifted slightly in my arms; her breasts, pressed gently against my chest, rubbing suggestively across the front of my vest as she moved.

All reason and logic were lost to me; my emotions were completely ruled by the heat of the moment. I forgot what had happened before as a result of our love; I forgot the pain and suffering it had caused for both of us when her father had found out. I forgot that her father, though ill, was still very much alive and still capable of finding out that her past, mysterious lover had been me.

All I could think about was her - the way her body molded against mine. The feel of her fingers in my hair. The way her breath tickled the inside of my ear. I wanted to hold her like this forever and never let her go. I wanted her to be mine; I wanted to protect her, to cherish her, and to provide for her.

Eires reached up with her hand and brushed her fingers against my mouth, running her thumb against my bottom lip. She lifted her face toward mine and ran her tongue playfully on the inside of my lip. I growled with desire and tightened my grip on her; she gasped softly as she felt me pressed against her.

Placing both of her hands on my cheeks, she pulled my face even closer and covered my mouth hungrily with hers. We stood there for several moments, just kissing, savoring the taste of each other. I had forgotten how good she was, how much I enjoyed exploring the inside of her mouth, rubbing my tongue against hers.

Suddenly, a noise startled us; some one had dropped a wine bottle on the floor further up in the cellar. We could hear the Head Bottler bellowing at the unfortunate, his voice echoing off of the stone walls.

Placing her hands on my chest, Eires pushed herself away from me. The commotion stopped and we could hear the servant and the Head Bottler moving away, the Bottler muttering dark threats under his breath.

"We shouldn't be doing this," Eires whispered, turning toward me as soon as she was certain it was safe to talk out loud.

"But we are," I replied earnestly, drawing her back against my body, running my hand up her leg to her hip, pulling some of her dress' material up as well.

"I shouldn't have asked you to come down here," she continued, smoothing back my collar, running a finger across the base of my neck.

"But you did."

"Gaddes, what are we going to do? I thought you were dead for so long - I've never stopped loving you, but I never thought that you'd come walking into Father's presence!"

"I don't think he knows who I am," I shrug. "I've changed a lot."

"You have," Eires played with the top button of my vest. "For the longest time I remembered you as a scrawny, lanky, teenage boy. But look at you now - you've returned to me a man."

She ran her hand underneath my shirt, rubbing her palm against the upper portion of my chest, across my shoulder, then back around my neck. Her touch burned; I longed to feel her gentle hands everywhere, exploring every little scar and mark of my skin. She sighed and put her arms around my neck, laying her head against my chest.

"We shouldn't have met like this. Now I'm only going to long for you more," she whispered.

"We're older now - we could still love each other, with more caution than before," I suggested half-heartedly.

"It's too risky, Gaddes, and you know it. As long as Father's alive, he's going to keep looking for the man who `stole' his daughter's virginity. And if he ever found out that you were my lover -"

"I still am, aren't I?" I smoothed back her thick, blond hair. "We've never stopped loving each other."

"You're right…we haven't, have we? But what can we do? If Marlene's love of a Knight Caeli was forbidden, then what hope would a princess and a stable boy-turned-soldier have?"

"Why do things always seem to work out this way?" I blurted in frustration, twisting my fingers in her long tresses. "Why does social status have to take precedence over love?"

"It's just the way things are, I suppose."

Hopelessness rang hollowly in her voice. I took her chin in my coarse hand and gently forced her to look at me.

"You've changed, too, Eires," I said gently, rubbing my thumb across her cheek. "You're not the same anymore."

"Father refuses to have anything to do with me and he imposes the same on others. He thinks that by isolating me from society and the things I love, that I'll eventually cave in and tell him about you. I won't, though - I'd sooner die!" her eyes flashed fiercely, if only for a moment or two, before the sorrow returned.

"I've caused you so much pain," I shook my head regretfully.

"Foolish traditions have caused our pain," Eires frowned briefly. "You've only ever given me joy and happiness, Gaddes; for as long as I've known you, you've always given me a reason to smile."

"I've heard that you haven't been smiling a lot in the last few years."

"Because I didn't have you. I find there's very little joy in life without you at my side."

"What are we going to do, Eires?" I sighed deeply, wrapping my arms tightly around her in an attempt to comfort her.

"Whatever we do, we can't be seeing each other," Eires shook her head. "Father knows he has very little time left in this world; he's trying to set things right before he goes. So he's letting me come back into society - he'd still kill you, though, if he knew."

"So I can see you, but I can't have you?"

"Exactly - I think ill-fated love is the curse of the Aston women," Eires said softly. "First there was you and me, then there was Marlene and Allen, and then there was Millerna and Dryden. Or, more correctly, Millerna and Allen - the fool doesn't see that she gave up happiness, security, and respect, all for his sake. She loves him, but he doesn't love her in return.

"But of us three, Millerna was the strongest. She wasn't afraid to do what she believed was right, for the sake of her love. If I where half the woman she was, I'd leave this place right now, learn to live as a Commoner, and become your wife."

"You don't belong in a Commoner's life -" I began when Eires cut me off.

"Yes, I do. I've thought about it. I've always hated this palace and the court's intrigue. I've never wanted to be queen, or to be a princess. I've only ever wanted to be a simple peasant girl, to walk about outside without people following me, to love without restraint. I have a Common heart that was fated to pump Noble blood throughout this Royal body."

"Why don't you come away with me?" I questioned.

"I would - but not while Father's alive. I dare not risk your life or his wrath."

"And until then?"

"We'll have to forget we ever saw each other again."

"You know I can't do that," I shook my head.

Eires sighed and kissed my chin softly.

"We must - it's the only way. We have to forget about each other."

"I'll never stop loving you or thinking about you until I die," I whispered fiercely.

"I know, love, but we weren't meant to be. The stars in heaven are against us."

"Man has been known to defy the stars and make his own destiny."

"Listen to me, Gaddes! If we see each other - if we meet each other like we're doing now - we'll eventually go too far. You know what happens when we're alone together; we can't help it. And that's why we can't see each other. Haven't we done enough damage?"

"You're right, of course," I sighed after a long pause and I wrapped her in one last, passionate embrace.

To have met you, Eires, only to loose you once again to your Father's whims. When will it stop? When will we both have enough courage to say `to hell with tradition' and live our lives together, as we should? And can we…?