The next day, we mounted our horses and headed down the road, we originally came. Desti was still very distant and quiet. At least, more than usual. I didn't feel like talking, either. My heart sank, every time I looked at him. I was looking forward to our journey home, for two months, when we had come in the first place. But now, it was a bummer.

I saw the familiar area and my heart accelerated with excitement, when I thought about how long it had been, since I was home.

When we trotted up, my parents and their attendants, were standing there, ready to greet us. We dismounted and I greeted my parents in the usual formal manner, but then I gave them a big hug, afterwards. Mother was starting to show, but only enough to get the attention of those, who already knew about the pregnancy.

We retired to the dining room, for food. I was starving! As soon as the food arrived, we started eating.

"How was Wilant?" Shirayuki asked curiously.

"It is so beautiful. It was snowing before we left, too." I felt like I was slipping into a dream.

"Snow can bring much cold with it." Father informed me, even though, I already knew.

"Isn't that the truth." I remembered being almost frozen as we travelled to the inn. I couldn't feel my hands or face.

"How were things with my brother?" Father seemed a bit sceptical. Not that I am surprised by this. I figured, that I wasn't the only one to get cornered by the King.

"He... did try to press for the truth about the baby-" I was cut off abruptly.

"He knows?!" Their mouths dropped.

"Not exactly. He suspects something, but I never told him anything."

They released their breaths at the same time.

"That's good." Zen answered in relief.

I gave him a curious look. I know why I wasn't supposed to say anything, but why are they so uptight about it? He will know sooner or later.

Father picked up on my confusion and chose to answer my unsaid question. "We don't want him finding out, until we are sure everything works out."

"And then, we would like to give him the message, ourselves." Shirayuki added.

"Of course."

"Is that all? You were there for two whole months!" Zen was sceptical again.

I had to chose my words carefully. I didn't want to start a panic nor cause an uproar, either. "I helped with some of the proceedings in Wilant. And lots of paperwork, too." Vague, but enough to satisfy their curiosity. It was true, just missing a few details.

"He put you to work?"

"Actually, I volunteered."

They both seemed shocked.

"It's not like I haven't done that before." I defended.

"True, but still… I am surprised that you would be willingly to work with King Izana." Shirayuki answered.

I shrugged my shoulders and revealed my indifference towards it.

"When you left, you could barely stand still. Now you're treating this like it's no big deal. I am curious to know why." Zen pried.

"I guess, he wasn't as troublesome as I thought."

"Are you sure you arrived in Wilant?" Zen asked sarcastically.

"Yep." I had no hesitation to answer him.

"Is there something you're not telling us?" Mother knew me well enough to know, I was always vague on the details.

I spoke gently. "Would you like me to share every detail? I could start with when I left the castle and headed on the road." I knew that this might buy me some passivity.

"No, the generalized version please." Zen clarified. They knew me too well.

Oh nuts! They didn't buy it. This time, they really wanted to know. How am I going to talk my way out of this one? There was no playing coy now. If I tried anything, it would become extremely obvious.

I spent too much time thinking, that my parents became concerned.

"I'm sorry. There is no cause for concern." I decided to share the more innocent parts of my adventure. "I helped the King with some of the royal affairs in Karebi. We helped the people in disaster relief. Their houses had burned down and they were short on supplies."

"How did it happen?" Zen would naturally want to know what was happening in his kingdom.

Great... I was cornered again. "A forest fire. Someone dropped their torch and the forest went ablaze."

"Oh dear." Shirayuki responded sorrowfully.

At least, it seemed to satisfy them for now. What a relief.

"You should know that while you were away from the castle, I received a large amount of requests for marriage interviews. You've become pretty popular, as of late." Zen gave the news, with a slightly disturbed attitude.

My mouth dropped. Already?!

"But, she isn't even seventeen. She is still too young! What are they thinking?" Shirayuki was disturbed by this, as well.

"It's true. That this hasn't happened before. Marriage interviews shouldn't be coming in, until the princess comes of age. That is what I find strange. It seems they are trying to get their bid in early. What did you do in Wilant, that got so many people's attention?" Father just had to bring it back up, didn't he!

"I don't know what you mean?"

"You must have done something, for this many requests to come in. They are all from Karebi, too."

"Is that so…?" I felt a bit nervous.

I was thankful, that they decided not to continue pressing the matter. I didn't want to ever compromise the truth, so if it kept going any longer, I would eventually have to spill everything.


The next few days were annoying. First of all, my attendants aren't usually so 'clingy'. I don't get a moment to myself anymore, not even when I wanted to see my mother.

"Would you give it a rest! I can get around fine on my own! You don't need to be my shadows!"

"Miko, these are my orders and if ya don't like it, take it up with your Father!" Kat seemed a bit annoyed too, just not as much as I was.

"Sorry Miko, but Kat is right. We aren't allowed to let you out of our sight." Desti explained softly.

"And why not?!" I was met with silence. "Fine. I will!" I left in the direction of my Father's office. "Don't follow me! I can make it there on my own!" I noticed that they didn't back off, as much as I wanted.

I stood in front of my Father's office and reminded myself to keep my composure. I opened the door and closed it behind me, so my attendants wouldn't follow me in. I saw my Father standing firmly behind his desk, looking out over the balcony. "Father, why do you have them follow me everywhere, like my own shadow?!"

He turned his face only slightly, to see me. "Just when were you going to tell me, you received a threat?!" He was dangerously serious.

"What threat?!" I felt a little bit of fear rise within me, that consumed my confusion. I didn't want to die! I could take people head on, but if they were targeting me...?

He turned around to face me, surprised to see that I was a bit frightened. "The letter you received from Izana?"

Oh, that. I relaxed but tensed a little, once more. How does he know? Kat. She must have told him. I can't really blame her. She is just doing her job and trying to keep me safe. "That wasn't a threat…." I chose to say the next part really quietly. "... it's a ransom note."

Of course, he still heard me. "Then please explain how there came to be a ransom note, addressed to me!"

"You don't need to worry. I let them catch me. I had everything under control." I spoke confidently.

"And why have you not spoken of this earlier?"

"I didn't want you to worry."

"The thing you try to avoid, you will most often instigate, by doing so. What else have you not told me! I trust your attendants went with you?"

"King Izana insisted they stay behind."

"You mean… you were out there, with no one to guard you!" Zen nearly shrieked.

"King Izana can do that and besides, I can protect myself."

"Explain!" He wanted me to tell him everything.

I had no choice. I hope the King won't be mad, that I wasn't able to keep this to myself. I told him everything and watched his expression get even more intense.

"Do you know how I would feel, if something happened to you? There would be nothing I could do about it!"

In fact, I do know the feeling… "I'm sorry… I should have told you…"

"Miko! Don't ever keep anything from your Mother and I, again!" This was an order. I had to obey my Father.

I nodded.

He released a sigh and calmed down a little. "I will inform your attendants that you're in no danger."

"There is no need. They're listening." I knew them better than that.

He forced a smile on his face. He seemed impressed that I caught on to that. "You're probably right." I was about to leave, when Father stopped me. "I am glad you're home, safe."

"It's good to be back." Although, I was going to miss Wilant and the people in Karebi, too. That reminds me, I still haven't read my letters.

I left his office and sure enough, my attendants were standing right there. They knew they were caught red handed, I could see it in Desti's face.


I found a tree in the forest, that looked comfortable and I sprawled myself out on its branch. I pulled out the letters, that I had just retrieved from my office. I started to read them to myself.

Princess Miko Wisteria,

I loved your stories. I MISS YOU SO MUCH! Did you tell Prince Keno about us? Would you come to visit us again, someday? I am not in Karebi anymore, though. My parents moved closer to Wilant now. Thank you for saving us! P.S. My brother really likes you. He just doesn't want to admit it. I can read him like a book.

Leninya Mardenze

I smiled to myself. The letters brought me such warmth. I noticed my attendants eyeing it curiously from a distance.

I lifted the letter in the air to get their attention. "They are letters from the children in Karebi! They aren't threats!" I was amused to see them relax. Such drama.


"How could he do this!" Zen stormed into his room with Shirayuki, close behind.

"You're not mad at Miko anymore, I see." She noted.

"Not as mad, as I am with Izana!" Zen leaned his back against a wall. "He put her in danger! If she hadn't returned to us safely..." He balled his fists.

"I'm sure he wouldn't have asked anything of her, that he didn't think she could handle." Shirayuki reasoned. "She has a responsibility to Clarines and will need to engage in conflicts, whether we like it or not."

"It doesn't bother you, that we almost lost Miko!" He was feeling a bit betrayed.

She rose her voice and her tone changed, making her come off as a little ferocious. "Of course it does, Zen! You know I am just as scared for her, as you are!" She calmed a little. "She is safe! We can be thankful for that! King Izana would do everything he could to protect her, I have to believe that!"

"He wouldn't need to if…" Zen was picking up on her more aggressive behavior and recognized her mood swings, as a force, he didn't want to mess with.

Her tone became more solemn. "Zen, don't you think we might be sheltering her too much? I think she will need to experience things for herself. If we don't give her that chance, we will have to protect her, for the rest of our lives. What will she do, when we can no longer be there for her?" Shiryuki had to learn how to defend herself, when she was a small child, too.

Zen on the other hand, was raised in a world, where women were defenseless and needed to look dignified. Maybe that was why, he first liked Shirayuki. She wasn't made of glass.

He fell silent. She had a point.

"She isn't alone, either. She has attendants, who will keep her safe." Shirayuki added.

He accepted it and moved on to other things, happening around the castle, that Shirayuki had not been informed of.


The next while, we were preparing for my 17th year birthday ball. There was a lot of planning involved and I chose to help with it. I knew the King and everyone from Wilant, would be attending. I was a little worried, that my Father would engage in his dispute with King Izana, right then and there. But I had noticed that my Father didn't seem as angry, as before. Was I being too hopeful here?

Mother came over to my office and asked me to pick a dress from a very new selection, ordered. When I took a look, I realized that they were the newest designs. I finally settled on the most gorgeous aquamarine dress. I was amazed by its magnificent design and slender figure. There will be no one at the ball, in a finer dress. The ballroom wasn't really my thing, but I sure liked to dance. I snickered, when I thought about asking Mitsuhide to have my first dance. He would blow a gasket! As funny as that would be, I think it would only be natural, that I have my first dance with my Father, just like last time. I may not be the first in line for the throne, but I am still the oldest.

"What dress are you going to wear?" I looked at Mother, curiously. She was going to have a lot to hide, when the ball comes around.

"I don't know…" Shirayuki remained thoughtful.

"Are you going to tell them, at the ball?" With the King's keen eye, I don't think it would remain a secret.

"Zen and I planned on doing just that." She giggled. "It isn't like they wouldn't notice!"

"You got that right!" I laughed with her. "Nothing gets past King Izana. I am impressed that you managed to keep the secret, this long."

"With your help…" She seemed thoughtful. "We couldn't divert all suspicions, now could we."

"I don't know how he does it. He just knows everything."

"Your Father is no slouch either."

"There really is no comparison." I teased.

"I will tell him, you said so." She teased back.

"No don't… I was just…"

"Got ya!" She declared.

"You're cruel."

"You would do the same."

"Guess you're right." I put on the dress now and stared back at myself in the mirror.

"Mirror! Mirror! On the Wall! Who is the most beautiful of them all?!" Shirayuki rehearsed, looking at my reflection and came to stand next to me, holding me tenderly, by her side.

"Looks like we are." I knew what she was hinting to, but I know as well as anyone, my Mother was one of the most beautiful women, the world has ever known. "Hey, you read my book?!" It dawned on me that I had read that somewhere, before.

"Your book? That was a classic, given to me by Prince Raj. It just ended up in your library."

"Does Prince Raj, usually send you gifts?" I asked slyly, with a grin to match.

"I suppose…" She looked like she was inaudibly asking, 'What are you trying to say'.

I decided to be bold and come right out and say it. "Mother, I love you, but you really need to put that poor guy out of his misery!"

"What is that supposed to mean?!" She was over the top. Note to self, don't pick a fight with a pregnant princess.

"He's so in love with you. How do you not see that!" True. I only know about love from what I read in books, but this seems really obvious to me.

"Not true. And even if he was, I am married, he knows that." Shirayuki protested.

"Which is why he courts you like a coward…"

"Where did you learn to talk that way? I have never heard you say things like that, before. Where is this behavior coming from?"

"I meant no offense. Honest." I took my defense. Where did that come from? Who do I know that talks like that? Kat. That really wasn't that hard to figure out, really.

"Very well. Please, watch what you say from now on."

Something had been plaguing my mind and I needed to say something. "Mother? About these interview requests, do I…" I hesitated. Something just felt so wrong about it all. I just didn't know what. I knew this was going to happen, since I was little. Why does it bother me so much?

"You can ignore them, until you come of age."

"You mean, when I am eighteen…" I felt so pained by it. Maybe, it was my independence that I would miss? Or maybe, that I was going to belong to someone, I didn't fancey? This is my decision, so why do I fear it? Will I still have my attendants around? Or will my husband have the final say in the matter? "I know, but still… it's so soon."

"Is there a reason why you are so hesitant? You've known about this your whole life." Shirayuki pressed.

"It's still a lot of pressure…"

"That it is."

"Do you think, if you never got your title, that you would still be with my Father?" I was curious, but I couldn't say where this was coming from.

"I don't know. I don't even want to think about it… Why do you ask? Is this about someone?"

"Uhhh… Who do you mean?" I picked up on her subtle hint. "Desti…? Don't be ridiculous… Me and Desti. Couldn't happen…" I never thought saying that, would bring me so much pain.

Didn't seem like Mother was convinced.

"Shirayuki? There you are! I-I… Miko, you look so beautiful!" Mitsuhide entered, interrupting our conversation. Thank you, Mitsuhide!

"Thank you." I mused at his reddish tint.

He regained his composure. "Sorry. I came to inform you both, that Zen got a message from Wilant. He would like to brief you on it, right away."

"Alright, Miko! We can talk about this later."

Ya, right! I would be happy if we never spoke of this again!


I entered my office, after my meeting with my Father. I found my attendants standing there. They gave me a quizzical look, after my suspicious entrance. "It would seem, I have a new cousin. Her name is Suna."

"Queen Rin didn't look pregnant!" Kat retorted.

I realized that she probably was figuring it out for herself, but I answered her nonetheless. "Adopted."

"How old is she?" Desti inquired.

"Younger, but not by much." I wasn't sure how to feel about this… I wanted to be excited, naturally, but I found myself being hesitant. Partly, because I knew nothing about her. But then it suddenly occurred to me, Keno has someone else, I'm happy for him. But I do like spending time with Keno. Does this mean, we won't any more…? She could end up being like a little sister… Argggghhhhh! This is crazy! It has already been done, so deal with it! Everything is going to work out. You'll see, Miko!

"Is everything alright? You don't seem very happy about this…" Desti asked in concern.

I wish he wouldn't worry about me so much. But it was sweet of him. I approached him confidently. "I'm fine. This is just a shock, but it's the good kind."


The months went by and it was time to meet this new cousin of mine. I wasn't that nervous or anything. Just was a bit curious. We stood in front of the castle, ready to greet our fellow royalty. We watched as they stepped out, one by one, out of the carriage. Finally, she stepped out. Suna. I took a quick observation of her. She hand turquoise hair in ponytails, with ice blue eyes.

"Lord Brother, we have an announcement, that we wanted to give you in person." Zen approached King Izana.

The King and Queen noticed Shirayuki was a bit wider around the waist. "Congratulations!" Queen Rin smiled at Shirayuki, warmly.

"Thank you very much. But you also have a new addition. I believe congratulations are in order." Shirayuki returned the gesture.

We were asked to entertain Suna, while they continued talking about it. But I already figured that we would do that, anyways. This girl clearly wasn't used to this life and I could imagine, this must all have come as a shock to her, probably even more so. I decided to be exceptionally well behaved. I didn't want her to feel out of place. We walked to the courtyard.

"Miko, your hair is really pink." Princess Suna pointed out bluntly, once the parents left. "Has it always been that color? Or did you dye it?"

"It's always been this color…" Why would I dye it? It wasn't like I would choose this for myself. Can't say that I am that surprised she would bring it up. It's an unusual color, that grabs everyone's curiosity.

"It's beautiful. You must have all the boys falling for you." Suna said the same thing, the ladies said to me in the baths.

I don't know if that is a good thing. How would I even respond to that? This is awkward.

"So what do you do for fun around here, cousin?"

I found something very interesting about her forwardness. And her desire for fun, I could relate to. I wonder how she would feel about playing my favorite game. "I know a game, if you're interested."

"Miko, I don't think that is a very good idea." Desti warned.

I can't believe he thinks I am up to something. It's cute, I think I could have fun with this.

"What's the game?"

"It's called Stealth!" I could imagine Desti doing a face palm, right now. I guess, I never told him that 'Stealth' was a game that Obi and I played, since I was little. We invented the game, to have fun and train at the same time.

"What are the rules?"

"Simple, the goal is to get away from your pursuer, other than that, anything goes." I explained to her.

Suna flashed a smile. "Okay, I'm game. Who runs first?"

I flashed Desti a sly smile. "How about Desti!"

"Seriously?!" Desti didn't seem to like this idea.

"Awesome! You better run, Desti!" Suna took off her dress and revealed men's clothing underneath, just like I saw Queen Rin do many times before.

"Alright, let's get this over with…" Desti gave me an unimpressed look, that I returned with an apologetic one.

Suna grabbed Desti by the arm. "Too slow."

"Wait... what?"

Kat burst out laughing. I almost did too. I can't believe Suna would do that. But the look on Desti's face, priceless.

"You just stood there gawking at Miko. She said anything goes, so I caught you, before you could run."

"She got you there!" I smiled at Desti and snickered.

"Okay Miko, who's next?!" Suna asked excitedly.

"The captor of course!"

"Sweet!" Suna took off into the forest area and looked back to see that we were just standing there. She continued to run full speed until she disappeared from sight.

I knew these trees like the back of my hand, she wouldn't get away for long. I took to the trees, when I believed that I gave her a long enough head start. In this game, silence was everything, not speed. I snuck up on my target, like a predator stalking its prey. I found it really amusing, when you come unexpected. I threw myself at the tree trunk just infront of Suna, held out my hands, to swing myself skillfully around it and planted my feet directly in front of her. After cutting her off, I placed my hands on her shoulders.

"Woah! How'd you do that?" Suna shrieked.

"I have my ways."

"You sound like my dad."

I smiled proudly.

"I'm impressed though. You covered a lot of ground, quickly."

"That's the idea."

I returned with Suna, to the others.

"It's your turn, Miko!"

It sure was. This was going to be fun.


BORING! BORING! BORING! Hasn't anyone found me yet? I can't wait here any longer or I am going to go crazy! My tactics were too good. I always keep moving, I know all the best places to hide, but this isn't Obi, we're talking about here. I give up! I jumped down from my current hiding spot and came to a pillar. I looked around it and saw Keno. Unfortunately, he saw me too. Well, actually it was what I wanted, so I can't complain.

We joined the others again.

"He actually found you?" Desti seemed very surprised. Desti knew me better than that. I let him catch me.

I smiled sheepishly.

"Looks like it's your turn, Keno!"

He gave a playful grin and darted towards the corridors.

Oh great! He's going to hide somewhere we can't follow. But this time is different. We've got Desti. I gave Suna a gesture to wait and Desti a smug grin. "Looks like you're up!"

Desti returned a knowing look. A sigh escaped his lips and he turned around, leaving in Keno's direction.

I stopped Suna, before she could follow him. "Suna, leave it to Desti!" I gave her a reassuring smile.

"Why?" Suna asked.

"Cause where he's going, we can't follow."

Eventually, Desti came out of the corridors, escorted by Keno.

"See." I stated proudly.

We stopped playing, when we were alerted to Mitsuhide's presence.

"Dinner is ready!" Mitsuhide announced as he stood in the doorway.

"Awesome! Let's eat!" Suna enthused.

Suna kind of reminded me of myself, before I was given the royal muzzle. She won't be enjoying that for long, not if King Izana's got any say in the matter. But who was I to kill her dreams. That is not my style.


Dinner as usual, the adults talked. But boldly, Suna spoke up too. We don't speak unless we are addressed. Not while the entire family is together in the dining room. It was an unsaid rule, Keno and I knew it. But, got to admire her spirit.

"What is the matter, Zen? Are you going to remain silent?" King Izana stared at Zen.

"Lord Brother… I would rather not say anything, at this time." Zen was withholding things. My guess, if he says anything, it would end up being about the incident in Karebi.

Knowing this too, King Izana made eye contact with me, as if asking me if his suspicions were correct. I gave him a nod in response.

"I see. You're still upset."

"Lord Brother, this is not the time to talk about this."

"It is the perfect time. Say what you need to say, Zen!" It was surprising that King Izana didn't seem to care. It wasn't normally like him. But it is the only chance they will have to talk this out. I feel like Father was intending on pacifying him, this time round.

"Alright then. Just what were you thinking?!" Zen tried to contain his anger, with gritted teeth.

"You don't trust Miko, to handle it?" King Izana mused.

My mouth fell open. This was clearly a trap. I'm sure that my Father was fully aware of that. He trusts me. I would hope.

"From what I could see, she was more than capable." King Izana added.

"You know that isn't what I meant." Zen defended.

"Then what do you mean?" As if King Izana didn't know.

"You know, Lord Brother!" Zen was choosing his words carefully, because of the audience.

"I do. That particular situation required our immediate attention. It couldn't be helped."

"You had the choice to bring her along!" Zen didn't break eye contact even for a second.

"She did very well out there, do you deny this?"

"What exactly happened? And why are you two being so ridiculously vague?" Suna piped up.

King Izana gave her a fatherly glare.

"What? If it's a private conversation, then have it in private and not at the dinner table." Suna reasoned. My mouth dropped, as I could not begin to express what kind of scolding she would be in for.

"You and I will be having a talk after dinner, young lady." King Izana informed her. King Izana turned his attention back to my Father. "As I was saying, do you deny how well Miko did?" I believe King Izana was really saying he had full confidence in me and was asking my father to either confirm or deny his own. That was what I translated from getting to know the King.

"No." Zen answered in a low tone.

"Then let's not waste any more time on this matter." I don't think my Father really would except the king's words, but this conversation was going to end.

Zen remained silent, once again.

After we ate, it was time to prepare ourselves for tomorrow. All final checks in place. I will be seventeen tomorrow. I can't stand the thought of only having a year to get my life sorted. This was too fast. I needed to find a husband, my way. I don't want to go through the interview channel like the royals before me. My Father knew better than that! I want to walk in his footsteps! I want to marry for love!


The ball drew near. I was getting my hair done and my dress fitted nicely. I stared at the mirror in front of me.

"You look stunning!" She smiled…

...It probably gets a lot of attention, doesn't it? People can be cruel. Promise me, you will choose to love your hair, and not care about what others think. It is your beauty and nobody else's."

"Ya, okay." I never really thought of my hair, as simply just mine. I always thought about the opinions of others, and how much I wanted to be viewed as normal. I actually grew to resent it. But this woman's view, opened my eyes to a new perspective.

She braided it in an extravagant bun, and dressed it with her prettiest flowers, from her garden. When I looked in the mirror, I truly saw how beautiful, my hair actually was. I fell in love with the style too. "Can you teach me how to do that?"

Once again, my hair was done up in that same exact bun, with a special aquamarine jeweled, silver encrusted pin, instead of flowers. My aquamarine dress flowed beautifully. I was admiring it all, trying to get my mind off of the possibility of meeting many of the men, who sent those marriage requests, out there.

It was time and unlike last time, Desti escorted me to the ball. Once I was there, I was released to my Father. I saw everyone there from our royal family. I knew as soon as this dance with my Father was over, Keno would be right there to claim my next dance. I remembered the last time, when he took me outside and told me, I was going to be his wife. Great! That thought isn't going to leave my mind now. It'll haunt me, till the night is over.

A few short seconds into my first dance and I completely forgot about it. My Father was savoring this moment, because my next ball would be with potential candidates. I wouldn't get a chance to dance with him next time. After that, it would be with my husband.

We parted ways and, just as suspected, Keno was first in line to have a dance. I was thankful for this though. It meant, that he bought me some time, before I was juggled between the single noblemen. But that didn't last, either.

One man to the next, I danced. I grew tired of this.

I heard the women gawking at my dress and overall appearance. They clearly didn't think I heard them, but I had been training my ears to hear even the tiniest of pitches. I didn't care though. If I had, I wouldn't have chosen such a fine dress to begin with.

The night finally came to an end. I went straight to bed.


The morning came and we said our farewell to the King and his family. It was a shame, that I didn't get a chance to really get to know Suna. But there would be more opportunities.