Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ Return to the Mystic Moon ❯ Chapter 9
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Dawnrider31 
No warnings
Some plot development for our lovely cat girl and her beau.
Anime/Manga: Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 04.26.2011 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.2K | Visits: 273 | Status: Work In Progress
No warnings
Some plot development for our lovely cat girl and her beau.
Anime/Manga: Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 04.26.2011 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.2K | Visits: 273 | Status: Work In Progress
Annnnnd NEW Chapter! I know, please try to hold in your enthusiasm. I can barely handle the excitement. With not much else to do, I've been doing a lot more writing. I am unemployed for the first time since... well since ever actually. It's weird and I have to keep making up things for myself to do or I just sit and stare at the job search sites all day. Not the most exciting way to spend a day. So, this job lull means a higher likelihood of story updates for you guys. Hooray!
Feeling the sun on his face, Dimitri grimaced. A moment later a yawn stretched his mouth and he allowed the stretch to continue through the rest of his body. He hadn't slept this late in a long time. More often than not he was up with the change of the guard before dawn, since the distinct sound of the bell always woke him. For over a week now he had been running himself ragged, going back and forth between the palace and home to see Merle. Following her absence before the wedding the young woman had felt obligated to stay near home and help the new queen feel more comfortable. His father had pushed for him to make visits as well in hopes that Dimitri might be able to ingratiate himself to the king.
Dimitri groaned as he rolled out of bed. He had no delusions about his own status. He was a second son at best, a crippled second son at that. He had no aspirations other than to be of the most help to Alexei that he could once his older brother became the lord of the house. His father's failing health meant that it would be sooner rather than later when that change came. Dimitri wasn't ready to lose his remaining parent, but there was no stopping the march of time.
“Sir, your young lady friend is here to see you.” Only half into his pants, Dimitri stumbled at the sound of the house's remaining manservant, Grigory's, voice from just outside the door. “I asked her to wait in the sitting room.” By the tone of the his voice, it had been a hard-won argument. Grinning and shaking his head at the stubborn streak in his Merle, he finished dressing himself, without the help of Grigory, and made his way downstairs.
“He wouldn't let me find you myself.”
“Which is good, Merle. I wasn't dressed,” Dimitri told her with a smile. He could smell her light perfume from where he stood by the door, heard the rustle of her dress as she approached him. “What brings you here?” He jumped slightly when she touched his face. “Merle?”
“Lord Van has asked to meet with you.” He felt his eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “It's a good thing, I promise.”
“You won't tell me why he wishes to see me?” he asked in concern. What could the king possibly want with him? Would he warned him to stop visiting Merle, the young woman whom was the closest to family the king had left? Would he insist they marry given how long Merle had remained with him after running from the palace? Had his father done something stupid and sent a letter to the palace in hopes of landing him a place there? There were too many possibilities to contemplate.
“You'll be happy, I just know it,” she replied without answering his question. It was times like this that he really wished he could see her face. Merle liked to tease, but he knew she wouldn't tease him about something as important as seeing the king.
Dimitri called for Grigory. “Apparently I'm meeting with the king.” The sound the older man made in response made him chuckle. “I suppose you know what I should be wearing?” He felt his opposite arm tugged and he was swept away from Merle and up to his room. He could only assume that what he'd thrown on wasn't in the least bit appropriate. Rustling in his trunk and the chest of drawers alerted him that Grigory was hunting down something in particular and the soft sound of triumph let him know he'd found it.
“The breeches may be a bit snug on you Sir, you've grown much in the last year.” Grigory's prediction wasn't far off, but he could sit in them without fearing a split seam and he didn't feel as though they fit indecently. A soft shirt was tugged over his head and a vest laced over his chest. Next was a sturdy pair of knee-high boots that he generally kept for important functions. This seemed an apt time for them if there ever was one. “There Sir, you look humble enough without looking a pauper.” He helped him with his hair, getting any snarls out. Dimitri gave the old man a pat on the shoulder once he found it and smiled in his direction. Taking a deep breath, he went back downstairs to escort Merle back to the palace and have his meeting with the king.
The sharp intake of breath at his arrival in the sitting room made him pause, frowning slightly. “Is something wrong?”
Merle couldn't reply for several moments, her mouth opening and closing. He had combed his longish hair away from his eyes and scrubbed his face. He looked rosy and alive and it took her breath away. “No. You...” She paused as she stepped up to him, taking his hands in hers. “You clean up very well,” she whispered, going up on her toes to place a quick kiss on his cheek. The rosiness in his cheeks increased and a silly little smile lit his mouth.
They entered the carriage that Van had forced her to take. “You can't be riding all over the countryside on your own. You're a Lady, Merle, you have to remember that.” Merle made the mocking faces at the Van in her head that she had been respectful enough not to make when he had been speaking to her. She appreciated the protection and privilege that being a part of his family and household gave her, but she wasn't of the spirit to stay locked up in a room doing needle work or some such. Like Millerna, she had no intention of being stuck under the thumb of a husband who demanded submission. Of course, Lord Van wasn't like that either and she knew Hitomi wouldn't put up with any such treatment. It was important to keep up appearances she supposed, and setting a good example for the people of Fanelia.
“This is the quietest you have ever been.” Dimitri's amused observation startled her. “What has you worried?”
“Sorry. I was thinking about how noblewomen are treated this days.”
Dimitri chuckled. “Is that so? And how is that exactly?”
“You know, like fragile glass. We're supposed to sit inside and stitch... table cloths or something. No riding unless you do it slowly, no climbing trees, no running...”
“Seems to me you've already broken most of the rules,” he said with the same twinkle of amusement in his eyes. “What other rules do you intend to break, Merle?” His voice had turned flirtatious, but Merle wasn't sure he realized it.
Gulping down an anxious lump, she licked her lips. “I don't mean to break any rules... it just happens.” She paused, eying him. “Does it offend your noble sensibilities that I'm not much of a lady?”
“Not as such.”
“Well I don't see why these noble women allow themselves to be locked in cages in that way, tied to a husband who wants nothing more than...” She trailed off, not willing to overstep propriety that far.
Dimitri smiled, leaning toward her and pretending to whisper as if in confidence. “Who would want a docile creature who depends upon others completely for her own happiness and welfare? Men who wish for that simply wish for a woman they can control because they cannot control anyone else.” He took in Merle's soft scent and leaned a bit closer. “Controlling a woman takes the guessing out of it. Where is the fun in that?”
Sparking something dangerous had not been his intention, but the moment he felt Merle's lips on his own he knew that was exactly what he'd done. He wanted to pull away and tell her that this was a rule they likely shouldn't break. Although, now that he thought of it, he had been the one who tried to break it first. He could tell by her lack of movement that she had never kissed someone before and he pressed in for better contact and to take the lead. Soft lips became pliant under his own, her hands coming up to grasp at his vest for balance in the jumping carriage. His own arms wrapped around her waist to keep her close, the warmth of her traveling from his fingertips, through his arms to the tips of his ears and toes. “Dimitri...” she breathed when he finally pulled away long enough to let her. Hearing his name come off her lips like that made his blood sing.
The carriage stuttered to a stop, jerking both of them out of their mood. “I... Merle...” She hushed him, landing another quick kiss on his lips and moving away. He could only assume she was checking herself to make sure there was no evidence of their indiscretion. Closing his eyes, Dimitri attempted to calm his breathing. Maybe... maybe he should simply request the king's permission that he and Merle marry, before his highness could confront him on the issue. It wasn't fair to Merle, as he had not asked her for her permission and they had just discussed how little desire she had for a husband who told her what to do, but for both their reputations, it might be best. Best to take the step before things between them could get out of hand. His body reacted sharply to the thought of how exactly things could get out of hand right there in the carriage.
Dimitri held his breath to will away his reaction and was able to get out of the carriage without fear of embarrassing himself. He held out his hand, helping Merle down and allowed her to orient him to the doors. He hated that he had to be guided in this way, but he had little experience navigating the palace, unlike home, so he would become hopelessly lost without Merle at his side. “Here we are.” The man at the door knocked before opening it for them, announcing their presence to the royals inside. “Lord Van, Hitomi... uh Lady Hitomi,” Merle greeted.
A soft laugh met her fumble. “You know you can just call me Hitomi, Merle. The title feels weird. We're friends.” There was a pause as she seemed to take in Dimitri's stiff form. “It's nice to see you again... May I call you Dimitri?”
“Of course, if that is your wish your Majesty,” he replied, slightly stunned.
“Please, sit down.” The king's voice nearly made him jump, but he swallowed the nervous lump in his throat and allowed Merle to lead him to a chair, pulling one up beside him. “Thank you for coming to meet with us on such short notice.”
“Anything you require your Majesty,” Dimitri responded automatically.
Van took several moments to collect himself before he spoke. “My wife has had an idea that she wanted to bring up with you.” This obviously caught the young lord's attention. “There are several orphanages growing in this hard time after the war and many of these children are severely lacking in education and therefor opportunity.” Dimitri tried to keep his face as neutral as he could, but Van could see the interest lurking under the facade. “Unfortunately, many of them are also left... disabled by the violence of their circumstances before and during the war. My lady wife has described to me how this sort of thing is handled on the Mystic Moon and what steps we may take as a kingdom to help these children more than the usual of just feeding and clothing them.”
“What Van... the king,” Hitomi corrected herself with a smile in her husband's direction, “is trying to say is that we want to make sure these kids get a chance to live and thrive instead of merely scraping by. There are several children in the small orphanage near the palace that are blind.” Dimitri sucked in a breath, his eyebrows coming together as he tried to determine where this was going. “Merle has told us how well read you have been, in spite of your own hardship. There is a way that people with lack of sight can read where I come from. I was hoping that you might be willing to work with Merle and myself to develop a similar system to teach these children to read, to write, to communicate comfortably with the world around them.”
“That is... a very large project your Majesty.” Dimitri tried to organize all the thoughts running through his head. A way to read on his own again instead of being read to? Could it truly be possible? And to teach it to other children, other people, who could not see... It almost seemed too good to be true.
“I have no illusions about it being easy, Dimitri. I know that it will likely take years. But this is something I find important. Not just for people without sight, but for children everywhere.” He heard her hesitate. “Education is very important where I come from and it is not nearly as available to people here as I feel it should be.” Another hesitation and he could feel that she was looking to her husband for approval to speak further. “The king and I have discussed the importance of making people more self-reliant and strengthening this kingdom, body and mind. It is a long-term goal, but one we share.”
“I am highly honored that you would ask my assistance, your Majesty. I gladly accept the challenge.” Dimitri felt pride fill him that he could actually be useful and give to his kingdom as well as help himself.
“We would not ask such a thing of someone we didn't trust. Someone who is family.” Dimitri froze, his heart racing at the king's soft tone.
“Lord Van!” Merle complained. “I hadn't said anything to him yet,” she hissed.
Van chuckled. “I apologize. Merle made it quite clear what her thoughts were as to your intentions. I was not aware it hadn't been discussed between you.” Dimitri's mouth opened and closed a few times without a sound coming out. “Whatever you two agree upon, know that the offer of the position remains.”
“Position?” Dimitri squeaked out.
“Education Adviser to the king. Official enough of a title for you?” The king said with another chuckle. Dimitri could hardly reconcile this pleasant man with the brooding royal they had known before the return of the now crowned queen. “I can come up with something fancier, but I like things to be a little more to the point.”
“No, no that's more than adequate. I am truly honored, Sire. Truly.” Never had the young lord felt so tongue-tied in his life. Everything he and his father could have wished for was coming true, and more. “Thank you for this opportunity, your Majesties, I cannot express my gratitude enough.”
“None necessary. Just don't give up when the going gets tough,” the queen said, a clear smile in her voice. Dimitri felt lightheaded when Merle touched his elbow to let him know to stand, executing a sharp bow to his sovereigns before they left, leaving him alone with his cat girl.
“So, good right?” Merle said.
“Good? Merle! This is amazing,” he replied, laughing giddily. Never could he have dreamed of something so perfect. “Why didn't you warn me? I could have at least sounded a little less stupid.”
Merle scoffed. “You were fine. Plus, Hitomi was so excited to tell you herself that she wouldn't let me tell you.” He felt the shift in her mood, shyness and hesitation in her demeanor. “About the other... I meant to tell you earlier.”
Dimitri grinned at her, pulling her closer so he could hug her gently. “I am glad it was already on your mind. I was thinking that after what happened in the carriage...” She jerked slightly in his arms but he held firm. “I was prepared to request permission from the king for your hand.” Merle relaxed, her cheek pressing against his chest. Her tail curled around her hip and then his own, swishing at his lower back. “Is it what you wish, Merle? I do not want to saddle you with a husband you do not want,” he teased.
“Saddle me? Hardly.”
“Even a husband who cannot see you to tell you how beautiful you are?” he questioned softly. She made a small tsking sound, her head brushing against his chin as she raised it to look at him.
“Then you can imagine me as beautiful as you want even when I get old and ugly,” she said in a whisper, leaning up to place her lips against his. He grinned against her mouth before taking it in an enthusiastic kiss. Dimitri wasn't sure his head wasn't about to float right off his shoulders, he was so elated. “So does that mean you don't mind having a wife who isn't always obedient?”
Trying not to laugh outright at the thought of Merle being obedient to anyone, he grinned down at her. “Merle, my love,” he murmured, kissing her nose. “I wouldn't dare take you any other way.” He heard her laugh as she hugged him tightly to her, a soft vibration running through her and making his skin tingle. Purring, she was purring. In their long friendship, he had never known her to be content enough to let herself do that with someone else present. And she was content with him. Dimitri feared his head would split from the smile that lit his face.
Please review if you get the chance. I appreciate the feedback I've been getting and would like to hear more. Thank you to those of you sticking with this story since the beginning!
Feeling the sun on his face, Dimitri grimaced. A moment later a yawn stretched his mouth and he allowed the stretch to continue through the rest of his body. He hadn't slept this late in a long time. More often than not he was up with the change of the guard before dawn, since the distinct sound of the bell always woke him. For over a week now he had been running himself ragged, going back and forth between the palace and home to see Merle. Following her absence before the wedding the young woman had felt obligated to stay near home and help the new queen feel more comfortable. His father had pushed for him to make visits as well in hopes that Dimitri might be able to ingratiate himself to the king.
Dimitri groaned as he rolled out of bed. He had no delusions about his own status. He was a second son at best, a crippled second son at that. He had no aspirations other than to be of the most help to Alexei that he could once his older brother became the lord of the house. His father's failing health meant that it would be sooner rather than later when that change came. Dimitri wasn't ready to lose his remaining parent, but there was no stopping the march of time.
“Sir, your young lady friend is here to see you.” Only half into his pants, Dimitri stumbled at the sound of the house's remaining manservant, Grigory's, voice from just outside the door. “I asked her to wait in the sitting room.” By the tone of the his voice, it had been a hard-won argument. Grinning and shaking his head at the stubborn streak in his Merle, he finished dressing himself, without the help of Grigory, and made his way downstairs.
“He wouldn't let me find you myself.”
“Which is good, Merle. I wasn't dressed,” Dimitri told her with a smile. He could smell her light perfume from where he stood by the door, heard the rustle of her dress as she approached him. “What brings you here?” He jumped slightly when she touched his face. “Merle?”
“Lord Van has asked to meet with you.” He felt his eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “It's a good thing, I promise.”
“You won't tell me why he wishes to see me?” he asked in concern. What could the king possibly want with him? Would he warned him to stop visiting Merle, the young woman whom was the closest to family the king had left? Would he insist they marry given how long Merle had remained with him after running from the palace? Had his father done something stupid and sent a letter to the palace in hopes of landing him a place there? There were too many possibilities to contemplate.
“You'll be happy, I just know it,” she replied without answering his question. It was times like this that he really wished he could see her face. Merle liked to tease, but he knew she wouldn't tease him about something as important as seeing the king.
Dimitri called for Grigory. “Apparently I'm meeting with the king.” The sound the older man made in response made him chuckle. “I suppose you know what I should be wearing?” He felt his opposite arm tugged and he was swept away from Merle and up to his room. He could only assume that what he'd thrown on wasn't in the least bit appropriate. Rustling in his trunk and the chest of drawers alerted him that Grigory was hunting down something in particular and the soft sound of triumph let him know he'd found it.
“The breeches may be a bit snug on you Sir, you've grown much in the last year.” Grigory's prediction wasn't far off, but he could sit in them without fearing a split seam and he didn't feel as though they fit indecently. A soft shirt was tugged over his head and a vest laced over his chest. Next was a sturdy pair of knee-high boots that he generally kept for important functions. This seemed an apt time for them if there ever was one. “There Sir, you look humble enough without looking a pauper.” He helped him with his hair, getting any snarls out. Dimitri gave the old man a pat on the shoulder once he found it and smiled in his direction. Taking a deep breath, he went back downstairs to escort Merle back to the palace and have his meeting with the king.
The sharp intake of breath at his arrival in the sitting room made him pause, frowning slightly. “Is something wrong?”
Merle couldn't reply for several moments, her mouth opening and closing. He had combed his longish hair away from his eyes and scrubbed his face. He looked rosy and alive and it took her breath away. “No. You...” She paused as she stepped up to him, taking his hands in hers. “You clean up very well,” she whispered, going up on her toes to place a quick kiss on his cheek. The rosiness in his cheeks increased and a silly little smile lit his mouth.
They entered the carriage that Van had forced her to take. “You can't be riding all over the countryside on your own. You're a Lady, Merle, you have to remember that.” Merle made the mocking faces at the Van in her head that she had been respectful enough not to make when he had been speaking to her. She appreciated the protection and privilege that being a part of his family and household gave her, but she wasn't of the spirit to stay locked up in a room doing needle work or some such. Like Millerna, she had no intention of being stuck under the thumb of a husband who demanded submission. Of course, Lord Van wasn't like that either and she knew Hitomi wouldn't put up with any such treatment. It was important to keep up appearances she supposed, and setting a good example for the people of Fanelia.
“This is the quietest you have ever been.” Dimitri's amused observation startled her. “What has you worried?”
“Sorry. I was thinking about how noblewomen are treated this days.”
Dimitri chuckled. “Is that so? And how is that exactly?”
“You know, like fragile glass. We're supposed to sit inside and stitch... table cloths or something. No riding unless you do it slowly, no climbing trees, no running...”
“Seems to me you've already broken most of the rules,” he said with the same twinkle of amusement in his eyes. “What other rules do you intend to break, Merle?” His voice had turned flirtatious, but Merle wasn't sure he realized it.
Gulping down an anxious lump, she licked her lips. “I don't mean to break any rules... it just happens.” She paused, eying him. “Does it offend your noble sensibilities that I'm not much of a lady?”
“Not as such.”
“Well I don't see why these noble women allow themselves to be locked in cages in that way, tied to a husband who wants nothing more than...” She trailed off, not willing to overstep propriety that far.
Dimitri smiled, leaning toward her and pretending to whisper as if in confidence. “Who would want a docile creature who depends upon others completely for her own happiness and welfare? Men who wish for that simply wish for a woman they can control because they cannot control anyone else.” He took in Merle's soft scent and leaned a bit closer. “Controlling a woman takes the guessing out of it. Where is the fun in that?”
Sparking something dangerous had not been his intention, but the moment he felt Merle's lips on his own he knew that was exactly what he'd done. He wanted to pull away and tell her that this was a rule they likely shouldn't break. Although, now that he thought of it, he had been the one who tried to break it first. He could tell by her lack of movement that she had never kissed someone before and he pressed in for better contact and to take the lead. Soft lips became pliant under his own, her hands coming up to grasp at his vest for balance in the jumping carriage. His own arms wrapped around her waist to keep her close, the warmth of her traveling from his fingertips, through his arms to the tips of his ears and toes. “Dimitri...” she breathed when he finally pulled away long enough to let her. Hearing his name come off her lips like that made his blood sing.
The carriage stuttered to a stop, jerking both of them out of their mood. “I... Merle...” She hushed him, landing another quick kiss on his lips and moving away. He could only assume she was checking herself to make sure there was no evidence of their indiscretion. Closing his eyes, Dimitri attempted to calm his breathing. Maybe... maybe he should simply request the king's permission that he and Merle marry, before his highness could confront him on the issue. It wasn't fair to Merle, as he had not asked her for her permission and they had just discussed how little desire she had for a husband who told her what to do, but for both their reputations, it might be best. Best to take the step before things between them could get out of hand. His body reacted sharply to the thought of how exactly things could get out of hand right there in the carriage.
Dimitri held his breath to will away his reaction and was able to get out of the carriage without fear of embarrassing himself. He held out his hand, helping Merle down and allowed her to orient him to the doors. He hated that he had to be guided in this way, but he had little experience navigating the palace, unlike home, so he would become hopelessly lost without Merle at his side. “Here we are.” The man at the door knocked before opening it for them, announcing their presence to the royals inside. “Lord Van, Hitomi... uh Lady Hitomi,” Merle greeted.
A soft laugh met her fumble. “You know you can just call me Hitomi, Merle. The title feels weird. We're friends.” There was a pause as she seemed to take in Dimitri's stiff form. “It's nice to see you again... May I call you Dimitri?”
“Of course, if that is your wish your Majesty,” he replied, slightly stunned.
“Please, sit down.” The king's voice nearly made him jump, but he swallowed the nervous lump in his throat and allowed Merle to lead him to a chair, pulling one up beside him. “Thank you for coming to meet with us on such short notice.”
“Anything you require your Majesty,” Dimitri responded automatically.
Van took several moments to collect himself before he spoke. “My wife has had an idea that she wanted to bring up with you.” This obviously caught the young lord's attention. “There are several orphanages growing in this hard time after the war and many of these children are severely lacking in education and therefor opportunity.” Dimitri tried to keep his face as neutral as he could, but Van could see the interest lurking under the facade. “Unfortunately, many of them are also left... disabled by the violence of their circumstances before and during the war. My lady wife has described to me how this sort of thing is handled on the Mystic Moon and what steps we may take as a kingdom to help these children more than the usual of just feeding and clothing them.”
“What Van... the king,” Hitomi corrected herself with a smile in her husband's direction, “is trying to say is that we want to make sure these kids get a chance to live and thrive instead of merely scraping by. There are several children in the small orphanage near the palace that are blind.” Dimitri sucked in a breath, his eyebrows coming together as he tried to determine where this was going. “Merle has told us how well read you have been, in spite of your own hardship. There is a way that people with lack of sight can read where I come from. I was hoping that you might be willing to work with Merle and myself to develop a similar system to teach these children to read, to write, to communicate comfortably with the world around them.”
“That is... a very large project your Majesty.” Dimitri tried to organize all the thoughts running through his head. A way to read on his own again instead of being read to? Could it truly be possible? And to teach it to other children, other people, who could not see... It almost seemed too good to be true.
“I have no illusions about it being easy, Dimitri. I know that it will likely take years. But this is something I find important. Not just for people without sight, but for children everywhere.” He heard her hesitate. “Education is very important where I come from and it is not nearly as available to people here as I feel it should be.” Another hesitation and he could feel that she was looking to her husband for approval to speak further. “The king and I have discussed the importance of making people more self-reliant and strengthening this kingdom, body and mind. It is a long-term goal, but one we share.”
“I am highly honored that you would ask my assistance, your Majesty. I gladly accept the challenge.” Dimitri felt pride fill him that he could actually be useful and give to his kingdom as well as help himself.
“We would not ask such a thing of someone we didn't trust. Someone who is family.” Dimitri froze, his heart racing at the king's soft tone.
“Lord Van!” Merle complained. “I hadn't said anything to him yet,” she hissed.
Van chuckled. “I apologize. Merle made it quite clear what her thoughts were as to your intentions. I was not aware it hadn't been discussed between you.” Dimitri's mouth opened and closed a few times without a sound coming out. “Whatever you two agree upon, know that the offer of the position remains.”
“Position?” Dimitri squeaked out.
“Education Adviser to the king. Official enough of a title for you?” The king said with another chuckle. Dimitri could hardly reconcile this pleasant man with the brooding royal they had known before the return of the now crowned queen. “I can come up with something fancier, but I like things to be a little more to the point.”
“No, no that's more than adequate. I am truly honored, Sire. Truly.” Never had the young lord felt so tongue-tied in his life. Everything he and his father could have wished for was coming true, and more. “Thank you for this opportunity, your Majesties, I cannot express my gratitude enough.”
“None necessary. Just don't give up when the going gets tough,” the queen said, a clear smile in her voice. Dimitri felt lightheaded when Merle touched his elbow to let him know to stand, executing a sharp bow to his sovereigns before they left, leaving him alone with his cat girl.
“So, good right?” Merle said.
“Good? Merle! This is amazing,” he replied, laughing giddily. Never could he have dreamed of something so perfect. “Why didn't you warn me? I could have at least sounded a little less stupid.”
Merle scoffed. “You were fine. Plus, Hitomi was so excited to tell you herself that she wouldn't let me tell you.” He felt the shift in her mood, shyness and hesitation in her demeanor. “About the other... I meant to tell you earlier.”
Dimitri grinned at her, pulling her closer so he could hug her gently. “I am glad it was already on your mind. I was thinking that after what happened in the carriage...” She jerked slightly in his arms but he held firm. “I was prepared to request permission from the king for your hand.” Merle relaxed, her cheek pressing against his chest. Her tail curled around her hip and then his own, swishing at his lower back. “Is it what you wish, Merle? I do not want to saddle you with a husband you do not want,” he teased.
“Saddle me? Hardly.”
“Even a husband who cannot see you to tell you how beautiful you are?” he questioned softly. She made a small tsking sound, her head brushing against his chin as she raised it to look at him.
“Then you can imagine me as beautiful as you want even when I get old and ugly,” she said in a whisper, leaning up to place her lips against his. He grinned against her mouth before taking it in an enthusiastic kiss. Dimitri wasn't sure his head wasn't about to float right off his shoulders, he was so elated. “So does that mean you don't mind having a wife who isn't always obedient?”
Trying not to laugh outright at the thought of Merle being obedient to anyone, he grinned down at her. “Merle, my love,” he murmured, kissing her nose. “I wouldn't dare take you any other way.” He heard her laugh as she hugged him tightly to her, a soft vibration running through her and making his skin tingle. Purring, she was purring. In their long friendship, he had never known her to be content enough to let herself do that with someone else present. And she was content with him. Dimitri feared his head would split from the smile that lit his face.
Please review if you get the chance. I appreciate the feedback I've been getting and would like to hear more. Thank you to those of you sticking with this story since the beginning!