Disclaimer: Akatsuki no Yona does not belong to me, however; the plot of this story, made-up characters, and places are mine.

Chapter 1

"Luka, can't you at least try to be more feminine?"

Her cheeks swelled as her grip on her sword tightened. Luka lunged forward, quickly disarming the soldier in front of her and holding the tip of her blade at his neck. The man looked at her nervously, knowing that moving even an inch would be fatal. With a triumphant smirk, she pulled her blade back and returned it to its sheath as she turned to face her tormentors.

"This is why you'll never find a husband," the same voice taunted her.

A vein quickly popped at the top of her forehead, "Don't you have anything better to do than annoy me, Cairo?!"

"That's King Cairo to you," he corrected her while entering the training grounds. Luka removed the protective helmet she was wearing while an attendant ran to her side to hand her a towel and some water.

"I don't care who you are," she scoffed. "You're still my idiot brother that somehow convinced a whole country to accept you as their king."

"Well, you're the annoying sister that somehow convinces an entire army to follow you into battle."

The siblings glared at each other, but their mental battle was quickly interrupted when the castle's royal advisor, Sen stood between the two and quickly flicked their foreheads as if they were children.

"That's enough," he said with a stern tone as the two rubbed their heads where clear red marks had formed. Sen dismissed the soldiers that were watching the scene before returning his attention to the duo. "Your majesty, we did not visit the princess to engage in immature arguments."

Cairo sighed realizing Sen was right, "Luka, I—hey, listen to me when I'm talking to you!"

Luka was uninterested in her brother's affairs. A princess? She did not ask for such a life. However, she did take pride in her skills as a warrior, despite being one that served her own brother, the King of Han. Unfortunately, because she was in such a position, she didn't have much choice, but teased the king whenever she got the chance. The king himself, although continuously arguing with her, cared and treasured her dearly as his only living flesh and blood. Secretly, she felt the same way, but would never admit it out loud.

"What is it?" she sighed finally giving in after being scolded once more by Sen. "Can we at least hurry this up? The soldiers are waiting for me."

"There is a special mission that I can only appoint to you," Cairo's expression suddenly became serious, which peaked his sister's interest.

"What kind of mission?" she dared to ask.

"I'm sending you to observe Kouka."

"What's that? Some kind of disease?" she appeared bored, which led to one more of Sen's famous death forehead flicks. Despite his sister's nonchalant attitude, Cairo continued.

"It's a kingdom across the sea that lies between the Kai, Sei, and Xing kingdoms. We've gotten reports about a new, younger king that suddenly ascended the throne."

"What's so special about them that I personally have to go?"

"When you are ruling a country, it's important to know who your neighbors are, even if they are an ocean away. Kouka's previous king was a man that avoided wars and conflict, which in my opinion is a ludicrous notion. He allowed his country to deteriorate, but we do not understand yet the strength of the new king, therefore, we must gain knowledge. I want to know if he will be a threat to our waters."

"And somehow, you've chosen me as the best candidate for such a task?" Luka crossed her arms and leaned against a wall. "Why don't you send one of our spies? They're more cut out for—"

"It has to be you," Cairo demanded and Luka noticed a fire light up in his eyes.

Sen added, "We have never been bothered by the Kouka Kingdom, so we don't know the capabilities of the people of their land. There is no one else, but the best warrior of Han to send for this mission."

"Are you asking me earnestly?" Luka's gaze shifted to her brother. "What about my army?"

"Sen will take care of them in your absence. With the full authority as the King of Han, I want you, princess, no, General Luka, to infiltrate Kouka Kingdom. That's an order." There was a deep silence between the siblings, before Luka scratched the back of her neck.

"Unbelievable," she shook her head. "When you say it like that, I guess I can't refuse, can I? Fine. I'll go undercover in Kouka and retrieve information on the new king."

Cairo smiled, delighted with his sister's compliance.

"Under one condition," she smirked like a devil. "Before I leave, I want a huge feast, with all of the food I can eat and all the wine I can drink. I want to eat and drink until I pass out."

"Honestly, can't you act more like a girl?!" Cairo complained before stomping off to prepare her feast.

Luka smiled, satisfied with herself while Sen walked by her side.

"When you are in Kouka, please be careful, princess," Sen warned. Luka threw her hands behind her head delighted with thoughts of the feast she would be having.

"What makes you say such a thing, Sen?"

"I heard that dragons live in those lands."

I'd like to thank you for reading and hope you enjoyed this first installment of what I hope to be a promising story. Reviews are appreciated!