The King's Reluctant Lover
Fanelia

Prologue

I'm sure some of you might be going WTF?! with a second KRL story. Please read the author notes in the final chapter of KRL: Asturia.

It's been too long. She thought as she eyed the dress that Merle had brought in with a haughty twitch of her tail. She liked the mountain tigre girl, or at least she wished she did. She recognized a lot of what she had loved about Naria and Eriya. If only she could get past the other woman's hatred for her, then things might be better.

Merle had every reason to hate her.

Rising from the chaise she approached the gown that had been draped carefully over her bed. It had indeed been much too long. Far too long since she had felt that loathing that a part of her reserved for long cumbersome skirts, finery, and polite manners.

The gown was pretty enough she supposed. It was decorated with pieces of white and yellow gold that was encrusted with expensive jewels and was a beautiful deep green. Personally, Hitomi didn't care for green, even if it did go well with her complexion and brought out her eyes. She could feel her temper rising as she continued to study the dress that Van had apparently suggested she wear.

It was perfect for a king's consort.

At the moment she was trying very hard to not think of five different ways to maim the Fanelian king. After all he had been kind enough to give her residence in his castle (even though she would have preferred to stay in Freid with Duchess Marlene), and he was going to so much trouble to help her get back some semblance of normalcy after nearly a year of chaos.

She had hope though, that after their talk, he would have shown a little bit of tact.

Moving to her dresser, she felt under the jewelry box for the dagger she kept there. She smirked at the feel of the cool metal. At least this was one that Merle and Balgus would never be able to find. As she looked at the dagger in her hand to the bejeweled dress a wicked grin crossed her face.

It was high time Van Fanel learned that she wasn't some doll to dress up and stand by his side.

Well, this only took forever to get out. I hope you look forward to the second part. Those of you have been frustrated with how things have been progressing between Van and Hitomi should be pleased. Regretfully, Dilly will not make an appearance until the very end.