Chapter 10: Murder Brings Despair

...0.

"Ohhh, well what if you tried…"

"Honestly, Ursula, Ilbani and I are doing fine!" I say, readying my arrow and aiming at the target. I heard the familiar "TWANG" as I let go and the arrow flew true, whistling by and striking the target dead in the center. I grin, I almost never missed now, I glance at my hands and was proud to see them rough with callouses. Proof of my hard work.

"Nonsense! The mere fact that you haven't…MMF!" I covered her mouth quickly. I knew what she was going to say and didn't want to hear it.

"I-it's perfectly normal! We…I just…uhrg." I was at a loss. Was it really odd? I sighed, going back into the field to pull the arrows out of the tree. Ilbani had not really pushed the subject…but was he just trying to spare my feelings? Or perhaps he didn't think of me…in that way? Did I look too childish for him to consider…such things?

"And besides, Ursula, shouldn't you focus more on you and Kash?" I ask referring to their newly budding relationship. She stuttered and blushed and was gone when I turned around. I laughed a bit, but now she had left me to consider my relationship with Ilbani. I sighed, bending to pick up another arrow.

"Awww what's my little mouse looking so upset for?" Ramses asked, poking me in the nose. Where had he come from? He must have snuck up on me while I was thinking.

"I am not a mouse." I say offhandedly, brushing past him and dropping the arrows back in my quiver, which I slung over my shoulder and prepared to leave.

"Heh, but you wrinkle your nose like a mouse." He pointed out, trailing behind me. I picked up the speed.

"Though I strongly disagree, I'm afraid I've got some matters to attend to…" I say, trailing off. I thought I saw something rustle in the bushes…I drew my knife, could someone have snuck into the palace? Why else would they hide in the bushes? I warily drew the leaves to the side, finding not a person…but a young fox that was nursing an injured leg.

Ramses' POV

I watched her hard expression melt into one of worry as she reached down and picked up the fox. I grimaced as it and hissed and snapped in her arms, I reached out to take it from her before she could get hurt, but she held fast to it. I watched as she sat on the ground and pulled a roll of bandages from a bag slung on her shoulder and begin to try to still the young fox to treat it's leg.

"Do you always carry bandages?" I ask her, watching her struggle with the young fox.

"Yes. Ilbani insists that I keep them since he says I always seem to injure myself somehow." I say nonchalantly, focusing back on the task at hand.

I saw her flinch as the animal bit her arm. "That's a wild animal. You should just leave it be."

She ignored me, managing to wrap the animal's leg tightly. The little orange fox had calmed down a bit, it had stopped biting, but it was still struggling weakly and scratching.

"Aw…poor baby…" I heard her whisper. Trying to sooth the panicked creature. Angry red scratches were already marring her arms but she didn't seem to notice as she held the small animal until it quieted down.

"That's a good boy. See? You're all better now!" She stroked its head.

"I wonder how you got in?" She cooed at it, finally putting it down. As she walked away, it tentatively followed. She laughed and picked the creature back up, carrying it with her.

"You look pretty when you smile." I tell her, running a thumb down her cheek. She pulled away and scowled at me. I laugh. "You have a pretty smile, but I think I like that face best!"

"I would like it if you would keep your hands to yourself, thank you very much." She said haughtily, turning and leaving me. I watched her retreating form. She wasn't much of a woman to look at. I did usually prefer some more curves on a woman, but her mind was that of a king. She was prickly though. I had thought she was just ill tempered, but seeing the soft expression on her face when she tended to the fox caught me by surprise.

I smile at her retreating form, oh this was sure to be fun!

Yuki's POV

"What is wrong with him?" I mutter to myself as I walked to my room. The little fox had decided to rest itself on my shoulder, clinging on to my tunic. I glanced at it, the little orange fox looked to be still a kit. I walked to the kitchen to get him some milk.

"You need a name." I said to him. He seemed to ignore me, too occupied with the mild in front of him. "Nenatti." I say, thinking of how foxes were considered guiding spirits in Japan. When he was done with the milk, I propped him back on my shoulder because he still couldn't walk well. I was just walking out of the kitchen when I spied people bustling about in frenzy. That was never good in this palace. I spied Kikkuri and snagged his arm as he hurried past.

"What is going on?" I demand, my sweet, soothing voice gone.

"H-his Majesty has been killed! And Yuri is suspect!" Kikkuri stumbled out; I let him go and hurried to the main palace. Was it too much to ask for just a moment of peace around here?

"Ishtar, surely you are not confessing to murdering his majesty, why you have his blood all over you!" I heard that witches voice before I could open the door. I slammed the door open to find Prince Juda had stepped in front of Yuri.

"Yuri got the blood on her when brother fell on her! I was with them both and we did not murder brother!" He cried at his mother. Bless this child; he is too kindhearted to be the son of that witch! By the angry looks on Urhi and Queen Nakia's face, Prince Juda was not supposed to be there.

That wont stop her though, I know she plans to pin this on Yuri…how to prevent it? I was not there. As Prince Kail began to give orders, I began to plot.

I know that Queen Nakia had to do with the murder. I know that she was trying to blame Yuri. I know that the only thing standing in her way was her own son. That boy; if he accuses Queen Nakia, then all this would be over, but pushing a child to accuse his mother of murder…I sighed. Even for Queen Nakia, that would be no easy task.

That day in the senate, ideas were being thrown around. It was believed that either Yuri or Juda had murdered the king. I curse quietly. We had nothing to work on; the only thing we knew for sure was that the king was murdered. Nobody was seen, there were no clues…nothing. Queen Nakia and Prince Juda had finally made their appearance. I looked at Prince Juda…that glassy look in his eyes…would that woman really?

He pointed at Yuri. "Princess Yuri…murdered my brother." His words sounded hollow.

She really did it. She went so far as to possess her own son…I had to revel at the sheer heartlessness of this woman. I turn to Ilbani.

"Did…did she really…?" I was at a loss for words.

"That surprises even me." He said in shock. For something to surprise Ilbani…Queen Nakia has certainly outdone herself this time. The next few moments went in a rush. Prince Kail quickly spirited Yuri back to his palace before the senate could get their hands on her. Ilbani and I followed suit. But we both knew the law was not with us this time.

Back in the palace, the senate was waiting outside the gates, waiting to take custody of Yuri.

"We can't let them take her. If the Senate takes Yuri…then Queen Nakia has total control. But…if we keep her here, they are correct, it is against the law." I say to Ilbani. I could see the gears in his head churning. It seems we were both at a loss here.

"We…we have to send her away." I say in dismay. But where? Who would go against the Empire to protect Yuri?

"Hadi. You have pledged your loyalty to Yuri. Will your tribe be able to give her sanctuary until this is resolved?" Prince Kail asked.

"Ryui, Shala. Go make preparations for the journey." Was Hadi's swift reply.

"Yuki…you will have to stay here. I'm sorry but we will need you and Ilbani to try and keep the senate under control for the time being." Prince Kail said. I stalled at that. Separated from Yuri?

"I-I don't." I stuttered. Ilbani snagged my hand from.

"It's the only way to keep her safe." He assured me.

"I understand." I nodded, looking down. Separated from Yuri…I didn't feel right about it. Alinna…it is far away, what if something happens, and I wouldn't make it in time to protect her…?

"She will be safe. You have my word, Princess Yuki." Hadi said, bowing low to me.

I sigh, defeated. "You have my utmost trust. Hadi. And quit calling me princess." I smile weakly at her.

Yuri had left for Alinna, and Prince Kail, Ilbani and I were sitting in senate, trying to work this all out. Prince Kail had just proven that Princess Guzel had been bewitched. Perfect.

"I must remind the senate, that Queen Nakia is well known for her talent at water magic." I point out, much to Queen Nakia's dismay. "And I must apologize, but that means I must cast suspicions on others. Others close to Queen Nakia."

"This is a disgrace! Are you saying…that I bewitched my own son?!" Queen Nakia shrieked. I had to play my cards carefully now. Accusing her outright can cause a political disaster and a mess on my credibility if I can't pull up enough evidence.

"No, My Queen, I am just insisting that we must be incredibly thorough! This is indeed a major crime, with a murderer on the loose, we cannot leave any stones unturned." I say with a sly smile on my face. I couldn't help it; her look of utter rage was pretty satisfying. All I had to do was cast the suspicion.

"If you have forgotten…I am still a princess of Babylonia! If you continue this, I will assure you a war with Babylonia!" She declared in rage. War? With Babylonia? That woman…she had no limits to her madness!

The senate dispersed after Queen Nakia's deadly claim of war. I had to think of a new plan. The little Nenatti was still perched on my shoulder, I absently patted the little fox as I thought.

"The Queen has sent her men to Alinna to retrieve Yuri?" Kail's shout made my blood run cold.

" I am going to get her." Prince Kail said, heading out the door. Until Ilbani stood in his way. I know Prince Kail can't retrieve Yuri…not without really causing a war with Babylonia. I couldn't do anything against an army, not alone.

"Prince Kail, I have a solution. Send word to Yuri. Tell her…to take her own life before Queen Nakia arrives." Ilbani said in dead seriousness. The silence after that was deathly. Until the loud smack was heard. Before I had registered what happened, I realized I had punched Ilbani. Hard.

He looked at me with conflicting sadness in his eyes. I didn't care. How dare he. How could he even voice such a thing? I know. I know that he was thinking logically. Logically…that would be the wisest choice. All my life…I thought logically…but this…this was too much. Before anyone could say anything, I turned on my heel and walked away. I will fix this.

"Kikkuri!" I shout. The man was at in front of me in seconds. "Send message to Yuri. Tell her to stay put in Alinna and buy time by…"

"Understood." Kikkuri bowed and exited. I watched him go. I will fix this.

Prince Kail suddenly got up, "I will not take my troops to Alinna. But I will go and do what I can alone to protect Yuri, nothing you say will change my decision." He said before sweeping out.

Ilbani's POV

Yeah, I had botched that up big time. I rubbed my sore jaw. Yuki was not one of those girls who merely slapped; she punched, and punched hard. I sighed. I had certainly deserved it. I was only thinking of the logical way to go about this. I understood her anger. If roles were reversed, and she had suggested something of that nature about Prince Kail…well I might have done more then punch. I understood where she was coming from, but as an advisor, I had to consider all options and make them known. Even if I myself disagreed.

I couldn't help but wonder…if roles were reversed…and Yuki were the one in hiding…would I have been able to recommend that option? Would I have voiced it? Or fear that nobody would stop it? Had I only voiced it for Yuri because I knew either Prince Kail or Yuki would turn it down immediately?

How had this woman…how had she come into my life and make me question my loyalty? If it was Yuki…and I kept that option hidden, I would have failed as an advisor. When did I begin to question my logical side and my emotional side?

In Alinna:

Yuri's POV

I listened to Kikkuri's message. I was skeptical of how long Yuki's ruse would work…but the idea was to just buy time. But…this plan was so dangerous.

Hadi had already donned a long shawl, covering her features.

"Hadi…you don't have to." I say quietly. Already, guilt was eating me alive for causing all of this chaos in Alinna. They would go this far for me…someone like me. I hated just sitting around. Everyone was working so hard…Prince Kail and Yuki were trying to fix all of this politically, and all of Alinna was fighting for my sake.

"I want to, Princess Yuri." Hadi said with that patient, motherly smile.

"We will need a distraction." Talos said, stepping forward.

"I saw Urhi in the crowd. Rusafa…would you be able to hit him?" Shala asks.

Rusafa paused in thought. Urhi was far in the back. He was no soldier; he stayed in the back where it was safe. "I can try." He finally said.

We all watched, as Rusafa pulled the bow back and took aim. When the arrow was let loose, it struck Urhi right in the eye. Perfect, the troops were in disarray, a perfect moment for Hadi to burst out of the gates atop of Aslan. I watched her disappear over the horizon toward Hattusa. That would give us some time. Yuki….please let it be enough.

Yuki's POV

Word had reached that "Ishtar" had escaped once again and was headed toward Hattusa. I sighed. The plan had worked…but this deception would only work for so long. I hissed, I had only bought some time. But how much time? It doesn't matter…now I just have to make the most of it. But…how? What…do I do? For the first time…I realized I was alone. Ever since I had arrived in Hattusa…there was always Yuri. If Yuri wasn't there…then there was Ilbani. But now…Yuri was in Hattusa…and I couldn't face Ilbani right now. Even Prince Kail was gone. I was alone.

They were all counting on me though. I was the tactician. I had to figure it out. I can't fail…

"Uhg." I grumbled, slamming my fist on the wall. I had been pacing back and forth since Kikkuri left with the message. Nenatti startled at the sudden noise, bristling on my shoulder. I looked up as someone placed a warm cup of tea on the table. Ursula stood there and gave me a comforting pat and smile.

"You'll figure it out, Princess Yuki. You always do." She assured me. I looked into her eyes and saw the depthless hope in them.

"I hope so, Ursula. I really hope so." I say before turning away.

Ursula's POV

This…this is all my fault. If I hadn't snuck into the Queen's palace…if I hadn't fallen right into her trap…it's my fault that the King is dead. It's my fault that Princess Yuri is in hiding. It's my fault that Princess Yuki is falling apart and it's my fault that Prince Kail and Ilbani were in so much grief.

They all told me…that it wasn't my doing. That the Queen had planned it and I was just another victim. But I know that isn't true. And now, everyone is in chaos, and I can't do anything! I cannot fight with Princess Yuri, and I cannot step into politics like Princess Yuki. Why was I here? What is my purpose? Princess Yuki and Princess Yuri…they are too forgiving. I wish they had punished me; it may have relieved some of the guilt.

I watched as Princess Yuki began to fall apart, Princess Yuri and Princess Yuki…they were two halves of the same whole. They are at their strongest when they are together…did Queen Nakia plan that too? To separate the goddesses…and aim for one. Would it have been different if I had gone to Princess Yuki with the information I had obtained?

It all comes back to me. I was the cause of all of this. And I have to fix it. No matter what, I will clean up the mess I made. I owe at least that much to Princess Yuri.

Yuki's POV

I was heading to another meeting with the senate. But this time…for the first time…I had no plan. I didn't know what to say. I had hit a dead end. At this point, it was either Yuri, or war. I walked into the senate with a forced look of calm on my face. At the very least…I had to look like I was in control.

"We have drawn this out long enough! We must find Ishtar, she must be put on trial!" The senate was demanding Ishtar be brought forth. I clenched my teeth. It was just Ilbani and I here to defend Ishtar now. We had done everything we could and bought as much time as was allowed…but now…it seems our time was up. We needed to act now.

"I did it! I confess: it was I who killed his majesty!" A familiar, feminine voice broke through the senate.

"We have a confession! Guards, arrest this woman!" The head of senate shouted. I turned to see Ursula smile sadly at me.

"No." I heard myself whisper. "NO!" I shouted, but my voice was lost in the commotion. Ilbani put an arm on me, pulling me back. "No…please…" I thought in my head. He gave me a forlorn look as he pulled me back and pushed me toward Ryui and Shala who pulled me out of the room. I fought and clawed and screamed but to no avail. I was eventually dragged out of the Senate hall.

Ursula's testimony…was enough to cast a huge shadow of doubt over Queen Nakia. It was enough to free Yuri of any accusations. I know…that logically…it was the best way out…but…when did I begin to hate logic so much? I used to depend solely on logic, logic had definite answers, they fixed problems and I used to depend so greatly on them. But now…I hate it. I hate that logic would have told Yuri to take her life before the Queen got there. I hate that logic is forcing me to keep quiet, as Ursula will be killed in place of that Queen. But…what could I do now? Did I have to choose between Ursula and Yuri? How could I possibly say that I would choose Yuri's life over Ursula's? Weren't they both equally as valuable? I'm weak. I failed.

I was numb as I walked to the jail cells where they were holding Ursula. I passed Kash on my way, but didn't even acknowledge him. Her execution…is set for tomorrow.

I walk in to the jail to find Ursula with her hair cropped short, in a cell, a guard taunting her.

He was sneering at her, tossing rocks into her cell out of boredom, "Not so tough now, are you? And you had everything, a nice place to live, a cushy job and you pull this kind of…"

"It is not your duty to harass a prisoner. It is your duty to stand watch at the gate, soldier." I say with all the coldness that my reputation as a dark goddess gave me.

"Princess Yuki…I…" He stammered, bowing quickly.

"Open the cell." I command.

"I can't let her out, Princess, not even on your command." He was shaking. Good.

"I said open it. She will not be let out. I will be staying the night here." I say ominously.

"B-but…Princess, to sleep in a jail for…that wench?" He stumbled over his words.

"My patience wears thin, soldier." I warn frigidly.

"I…I don't…"
"You DARE to incite the wrath of the goddess of Death? You have some gall." I seethe, stepping closer to the terrified man and glaring up at him with a challenge in my eyes. He quickly got the picture and opened the cell, closing it behind me and quickly leaving to guard the entrance of the jail.

"Princess Yuki…why would you…" Ursula began but could not finish as I launched myself at her and clenched the front of her dress tightly.

Ursula's POV

I gasped in surprise as Princess Yuki launched herself at me, burying her face in my bosom. I quickly wrapped my arms around her small figure and for the first time I realized how incredibly small she was, that I could easily just scoop her up in my arms. She was still only a child. Such a tiny, fragile body…yet she has been baring all of this weight on her shoulders. It was only a matter of time before it began to crack. But…why was she here? Surely, with my testimony incriminating the Queen, she would usually be busily working over the new material to use it to the fullest…

"I'm so sorry, Ursula." She whispered so softly I could barely hear her.

"Princess Yuki, there is nothing to be sorry about. I chose this path on my own." I say in all honesty. I knew what I was getting into the moment I made my decision. I will not regret it.

"You shouldn't have had to make this kind of choice. I was supposed to prevent this kind of thing. You shouldn't have to…" She whimpered. I looked down quickly. Princess Yuki didn't whimper. When I looked down, I didn't see the strong, somewhat cold girl I saw pouring over clay tablets and plans. I didn't see the confident and temperamental warrior practicing her bow or sparing with Kash. I saw a little girl with tears streaming down her face, clutching on to my dress for dear life. I saw a child that was holding too much on her delicate shoulders. A child forced to grow up before her time.

Princess Yuki never cried. I've seen her upset, saddened, but I have never seen her cry. Even Hadi had reveled at her strength when an arrow was extracted from her shoulder and she did not shed a single tear. But here she was, sobbing. For me. She was shedding these tears for me. Even in this cold jail cell, I felt warm. Not just by Yuki, but I know now, that I am loved. Kash. Ryui, Shala, Hadi. Yuri. Yuki. Even if it was only for a short time, I was loved. I was loved like some people wish for all their lives, and never achieved. I have lived a happy life. I realized, that in this short time, I had more happiness then some have in their entire lifetime. I was so very fortunate. And it was all thanks to them. Thanks to the people that loved me.

"Princess Yuki…you should go back to the palace to sleep. It is cold and dark and damp here." I say soothingly. I felt her shake her head against my chest.

"I…I couldn't protect you out there. So please…just for tonight…let me protect you." She wept. My heart melted. I held her close, and cried with her. Even in my predicament, I sent a prayer to the Gods. May this child know peace. May she be able to rest. May she have happiness for her entire life. I fell asleep like this, with the young goddess of darkness in my arms and a heart full of love.

Yuki's POV

The next morning…I could not force myself to go to the execution. I couldn't do it. I truly was weak. Instead I got on Huwant and took off with Nenatti comfortably in my satchel. I knew…that I was running away. That I was running away from reality. I just didn't care. I wasn't ready to face it. Instead, I kept running and running. Farther and farther away, I didn't care where I was going; I just wanted to get away. I was truly a coward. I know I had to go back eventually…that I had to face facts, that I was achieving nothing by running. But I couldn't stop. I wanted to be a coward. I wanted to crawl in a hole and just stay there. I stopped Huwant in the middle of a field and let out a cry. A cry that was full of sadness, frustration, anger and disappointment. I listened as it echoed, sounding further and further away with each echo.

Ramses' POV

I watched as my little mouse ran from Hattusa as fast as she could. She was finally away from the safe haven of the palace. Everything was in such confusion, that I knew that it was the perfect time to make my move.

"Silly little mouse…don't you know it's dangerous to wander too far away from home?" I laugh aloud as I followed after her.

I'm sorry I had to kill of Ursula...I'm kinda depressed after writing this chapter...

And since I have decided Ramses has taken on the role of the other lover, The story will now be taking some turns away from the manga, mainly some role switches between Yuki and Yuri.

Also, the fox's name Nenatti means guiding arrow.

Thank you so much for reading!

~Eternally Snowy