Marlene--- Part 2 
Author: Remalna Marguerite  
 

Disclaimer: Escaflowne does not belong to me.

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Green 17th moon

Last night was my official birthday celebration ball. I had wanted to wear
a green gown, but when father found out he ordered me a white one. 

"I hate white! I'll look like a ghost--" I said to him angrily.

"I do not care Marlene. Demure ladies are always wearing white: white
hats with white feathers, pearls, shoes and certainly gowns!" 

I wore green to the ball. Strands of emeralds had been skillfully twisted
into my pale coloured hair by Kenela, my maid, and about my neck was a
thin black velvet choker. My gown flared from my waist, yards of dark
green satin falling in graceful folds to my feet. Not exactly the typical
attire for a debutante, I knew. I was amused when I saw the expression
on father's face, an hilarious blend of fury and pride. The ball room was
overfilling with expensively dressed lords and heavily perfumed ladies.
Everyone was smiling yet their eyes remained cold and calculating,
waiting for one of their own to make a slip revealing ignorance so that he
or she could be mocked and humiliated. This is why I can not stand
Astoria's court. 

The chatter stilled as the guests caught sight of me. A casual glance told
me that my choice of clothing was not appreciated by the courtiers.
Holding my head high, I walked toward the throne where King Aston
was seated. His face turned stern but instead of feeling intimidated, I
could feel bubbling laughter rising in me. 

Before father could speak, my mouth curved into a brilliant smile and I
curtsied deeply before him. When I looked up again, his eyes had
softened, and a small answering smile had replaced the severness of his
frown. 

"Well now, daughter, I am glad to see you looking happy." He remarked. 

"I fear the pleasant company has infected me with their good spirits."
Pleasant company indeed. Father arched a brow.

"Hmm. Very well. Daughter, if you're mother were here, she would be so
proud of you. You are no longer a child but a beautiful young lady.
Happy birthday, Marlene." His voice had been rather gruff, but I, and
everyone there that night, knew that King Aston had meant every word. 

"Thank you, father." Was all I could think to say. 

"Good, good. Ah, musicians! A lively tune for Princess Marlene!" The
court musicians promptly set to work and the grand ballroom was
bustling with conversation and music once more. I had no desire to dance
and so turned to make myself scarce when suddenly, I saw a tall,
dark-haired man coming my way. Perhaps it was the play of the light that
made his angular his face so shadowy and fascinating. Or it could have
been his straight and commanding posture that caught my attention.
Regardless, all I knew was that he made all those courtiers look silly and
frivolous--and I wanted to make his acquaintance.

My father must have know my thoughts for in the next moment, I found
myself introduced to the foreigner. 

"Marlene, this is the Duke of Freid ...."


Author's Note: Allen will be making his appearance later.