The next day, I decided I was going to talk to Miko about listening to me as well as apologize for my behavior. Even though she didn't remember it, I felt compelled to apologize. No matter what, I need her to know that I needed to be taken seriously. I wasn't going to be sloughed off anymore. I didn't want something like that happening again.

I entered her office and locked eyes with her. I placed my hands on my hips and was about to speak when she spoke first.

"Before you say anything, I would like you to hear me out."

I relaxed. She must have put some serious thought into what happened. So I waited for her to continue.

"My answer was 'no'. Deep down, I always knew it would be. I have always known, that one day, I would eventually have to marry a noble. I hoped that I would find a man, who would love me for being me, the ambitious girl," Her voice had some hope in it, but it became laced with hate as she continued. "but I was wrong. All they see is a chance to rise to power! I don't believe in fairytales anymore. This is my fate, and I must accept that." Her face softened as she confidently stood up. "From now on, I am going to be a princess, my attendants can be proud of. I will resort to receiving their counsel, whenever necessary." I could hear the sincerity in her voice and see it in her eyes. The experience had, indeed, changed her. "As my attendant, will you stay by me, and help me achieve this goal?"

I smiled. She finally figured it out. "Can I get that in writing?"

She caught me off guard with a hug. It was odd to have a friend hug me. Sure I had Nosuke and his parents hug me, but that was different. I finally decided to hug her back. This girl was like a sister to me.

"I won't let you down." She promised as she broke the hug.

I could see in her eyes that she was truly serious about this.

"Thank you." Then I decided to lighten the mood the same way Nosuke would with me sometimes. So, I smiled playfully at her and began to poke at her ribs.

"Stop! Okay, okay."

I stopped. "You caved fast. We might have to work on that." I teased.

She just smiled at me sweetly.

"I'm sorry I was so harsh on you while you were drunk."

"Oh... uh... right, that... Can we just forget that happened?" With how little blush was on her cheeks I could tell she didn't remember everything.

"You don't remember a thing, do you?"

"I would like to keep it that way."

"You're not even the least bit curious?"

"Was it something embarrassing? I don't want to know, if I did anything inappropriate or anything, like that." Her face went full pink now.

"You don't need to worry, it wasn't anything that bad. I was way worse. But you did get on my nerves... and I smacked your butt."

"Gee, thanks... My Father, what did he say?"

"About me smacking you? Nothing. I made sure he didn't see that."

"Lucky for you... That would have ticked him off, you know. Speaking of which, did I say anything stupid around him?" She shyly covered her face with her hands.

"No, but the look on his face was priceless when he heard you singing sea shanties." It was terrifying at the time, but now that I know my status as a pirate is safe, it was hilarious.

"Sea shanties?"

"The songs I sang when I was drunk. I have to say, it was interesting hearing them come out of your mouth." The smile wouldn't leave my face as I recalled her singing them at the top of her lungs.

She giggled. "I would have liked to have seen that."

"It looked something like this." I then proceeded to imitate Prince Zen's face the best I could.

"That is just like him."

I decided to take it a step further and continued with my imitation. "Kiki and Mitsuhide! I want you to train my daughter! What the heck! Let's have Obi train her too, but then we'll tell her she's not allowed to leave the grounds! It will work out perfectly!"

For the first time, Miko burst out into full laughter. It was a cheery laugh and it made me smile just listening to her being happy.

"Just so you know, training was my idea, but that was great." She informed me as she wiped a tear from her eye because she had been laughing so much.

"You should laugh more often. You have a good one."

She smiled back at me.

Suddenly, I remembered something. With all the drama, she hadn't noticed the promise ring on my finger.

"Oh! Now that things are back to normal, did you want to hear some news?"

She nodded and signaled for me to continue.

I held up my left hand and pointed to my ring. "Nosuke gave me a promise ring."

I saw her face light up. "Wow, it's beautiful! I am so happy for you!"

"Thank you. You should see his mother, she's practically got names for our kids picked out."

"Really? But isn't that something for you both to decide?"

I chuckled. "If you met her you'd understand. She means well and I'm sure she will leave the decision up to us, but it doesn't stop her excitement in the slightest."

Miko chuckled too. "I don't think my Mother would do that, so it's hard for me to picture."

"Do you want to meet them? I'm sure they would love you."

"I would love that!"

"Then let's go! Nosuke is off today." I could also give Nosuke a bucket of water to the face. It was revenge for him throwing me in the lake a few days prior. I wasn't planning on Miko coming but it would make for a funny situation.

"Let's. But first, we should inform Desti where we're going. Wouldn't want him to worry."

"Of course. The man doesn't need to have the life scared out of him again."

"Again?"

Shite... She didn't know even that? "You don't remember that either? ... I'll tell you later. For now, let's just go."

"Sure."

We made our way to Nosuke's home and, as usual, Nahiko was sitting on the porch with his pipe.

He rose to greet us as we drew near the house.

"Kat, it's good to see you. Did you miss us already?" He gave me his usual hug and I hugged back without hesitation.

"It's good to see you too, Nahiko."

Nahiko looked at Miko for a moment. "Is this who I think it is? Or are you and Nosuke pulling a prank?"

"It isn't a prank, it's really me." Miko informed.

"Well, it's an honour to have you visit our humble abode, Your Highness." Nahiko gave a bow. "What brings you all the way out here?"

"I was hoping to meet the lovely folks that Kat has told me so much about."

"Sakura is going to be over the moon. Why don't you two go inside, lunch is just about ready."

"Thanks, we will. Is Nosuke still asleep?" I asked hopefully.

"Isn't he always on his days off?"

"Mind if I wake him up?"

"Be my guest."

I smiled playfully. This was going to be so good!

When we entered the house, Sakura was busy with making lunch. I decided to give Miko a little entertainment. So I spoke in a quieter than normal tone.

"I'm home, mom."

She quickly spun around and her face lit up as it always did when I showed up unexpectedly. Since I was just here a few days ago, there was almost no prediction that I was going to show up today.

"Kat, my dear!" She pulled me into a tight hug and lifted me off the floor. It was a little painful but this is who she was whenever she was happily surprised. She set me back down and held me at arm's length. "I wasn't expecting you! Please tell me you're staying for lunch!"

"Yes, we're staying for lunch."

"We?" She obviously hadn't seen Miko yet.

I tilted my head towards Miko.

"This isn't another joke you and Nosuke cooked up, is it?"

I laughed. One joke with a red wig and all of a sudden I was the suspicious prankster.

"No, it's not a joke."

Sakura quickly became flustered. "Please sit down, Your Highness. You must be tired from the walk here." She pulled out a chair with a pillow for Miko to sit on.

"That's very kind of you." Miko smiled sweetly.

"We rode horses, mom." I informed casually.

She completely ignored me for the moment. "Would you like anything to drink? Or maybe..."

"I am fine. Thank you very much." Miko politely declined.

"Hey mom, you got the cold water ready?" I smiled slyly, now it was time for some fun.

"Of course. I decided to have it ready for the next time you showed up. Although I'm surprised you returned so soon."

I had asked Sakura to have some water ready so that I could get my revenge on Nosuke when he least expected it.

"Sweet!" I grabbed the bowl of water off of the counter and went into Nosuke's room.

He was sleeping so soundly. He was almost too cute to wake. Almost. I splashed the water on him.

"AAHH!" The look on his face was priceless! I would do it again in a heartbeat. "Kat! I'm gunna get you for that!" He leapt to his feet.

I bolted out of the room with him close behind me.

"You gotta catch me first!" I teased.

Nosuke had determination in his eyes. "Oh I'll catch you!"

I did my best to stay just out of reach as he chased me around the small home. I was laughing too much and he finally caught me.

He pinned me down and began tickling me mercilessly. It didn't last long though.

"Nosuke, we have company."

He stopped what he was doing and looked up at his mother. His eyes grew wide with shock and he clamored to his feet.

"Your Highness!" He bowed. "I didn't see you there. Please forgive my behaviour."

I could tell Miko was trying hard to keep her laugh down. She only spoke once she had regained her composure, for the most part.

"It's alright."

Nosuke stood back up and I got up from off the floor.

"Mission accomplished." I stated with a smile.

"You planned this?!" Nosuke accused.

"Well, I wasn't expecting Miko to be here, but yeah."

Nosuke gave me a glare.

"What? It was funny."

"Go get dried off and changed, Nosuke. We'll leave once you're ready." Sakura directed.

"No need to tell me twice." Nosuke agreed.

"I love you, honey." I innocently called.

"I love you too."

"Where are we going?" Miko asked now that she had a chance to speak.

"We're going on a picnic for lunch. There's this beautiful spot about half an hour hike from here. I think you'll like it, Your Highness." Sakura answered.

"I look forward to it."

Once Nosuke returned dry and ready for the day, the five of us set out on our walk. Nosuke and I walked behind everyone else and I watched Miko take in the beauty of the countryside. If I was honest with myself, I enjoyed it almost as much as the sea.

Suddenly! Nosuke grabbed me and lifted me into the air.

"Nosuke! What are you- Aahh!"

I was now atop his shoulders. I laced my fingers through his hair and I had a big full smile on my face. Only Nosuke could make me feel like this. Miko had turned to see what the commotion was about.

We arrived at the usual picnic spot. At the top of the hill where we stopped, there was a single strong oak tree that shaded most of the hill. The green grass flowed down the hill until it reached a crystal clear lake at the bottom. The water was so still that you could see the reflection of the sky like a mirror.

Sakura began to set up the picnic while Nahiko sat leaning against the tree and lit his pipe.

"Can I help with anything?" Miko asked.

"Oh, you don't need to trouble yourself, Your Highness."

"It's fine."

"Okay... Why don't you go with Kat and Nosuke to find some stones for the corners of our picnic blanket. That will keep it from flying away."

We quickly found four rocks and set them in their place and sat down to eat lunch. The conversation was pretty typical, but I noticed Miko wasn't paying attention. She was eyeing Nahiko's sword. I don't blame her.

Nahiko didn't use that sword in our duels, instead, this one was reserved for serious use only. Although he had granted me the chance to swing it around. It was a rare sword. He told me once while we were dueling that he found it with one of the biggest treasure finds the Phoenix ever discovered. So it was natural that it drew Miko's attention.

"It's a khmali sword. I got it while I was a bachelor living on a ship." Nahiko explained. He probably noticed her interest in it before I did.

"It looks like a fine sword." Miko observed.

"It is. It's also very rare. I came across her by chance. You wield a sword yourself, don't you, Your Highness?"

"I do."

"Would you like to give her a whirl?" He smiled kindly at her.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course." Nahiko stood up, drew the sword and used both of his hands to present it to Miko.

She didn't say anything and carefully took it and studied it.

I knew from my time wielding it that it was lighter than I expected it to be. Miko was probably noticing the same thing.

We all watched as Miko stepped back to give herself some space and began to swing it around. I could tell she was just as fascinated with it as I was and she was having fun with it. I looked over at Nahiko and noticed he had a smile on his face. He must enjoy seeing others marvel at the sword as he once did.

"It's magnificent!" Miko handed the sword back to Nahiko in the same way he had given it to her.

"I thought you would like it."

"Nahiko will you spar with me?" I asked giving him my pouty face that always worked on Desti.

"I don't normally spar with her, you know that."

"I know... but I want to see you use it!"

Nahiko thought about it.

"Pleeeaase..." I begged.

"Alright, I suppose one match won't hurt."

"Awesome!"

I stood up and drew my sword that was around my waist. I had been improving my single sword skills as well as keeping up my dual-wielding skills. I had to keep them balanced.

We gave ourselves the proper space.

"Same rule as always?" I asked.

"As always." Nahiko confirmed.

Swords clashed as Nahiko and I went full force at it. This was why I loved training with him. He put me through my paces and challenged me. He was better than I was, of course, but I'd like to think I was at least a challenge for him.

He seemed faster and more precise with this sword, so after several minutes, he sliced my right shoulder.

We stood down, both of us breathing heavy, and headed back towards everyone else.

Sakura pulled out the bandages that she always carried with her and signaled for me to come to her. I listened as I took off my coat and presented her my arm.

"There! You're good to go." Sakura said as she finished dressing my arm.

"Thanks, mom."

"You're welcome, dear."

Miko and I began our ride back to the castle and talked.

"So, what did you think of them?" I hoped she found them as comforting as I did.

"They seem like very nice people."

"I'm going to be honest, I'm starting to see them as family."

"That's wonderful!"

"I only wish my parents could be around to meet them."

"If they were, I know they would be delighted for you!"

"Thanks, Miko. It's nice I can talk to you about this."

"What are friends for?!"

I gave her a smile. It was nice to hear her say that we were friends.

"It is really nice to be out here. It seems so peaceful. Like the world would just disappear, don't you think?"

"I do. This is the only place that brings me the same peace and calm that the sea does."

"The sea life sounds amazing. Do you ever miss it?"

"All the time. The sea wind blowing through my hair, the smell of the salty water and the sway of the ship. There is nothing else like it in the world!"

"I've been on the sea before, but it was a little different for me... I remember the feeling like I could fly, while standing on the prow, or is it the bow? It was different from anything I have ever felt before, like I was free!"

"Desti told me your experience on a ship wasn't under the best circumstances. And both bow or prow are accurate, by the way. If you think it feels like flying on the bow then you should try climbing into the crow's nest. Best seat in the house!"

"Crow's nest? I'm confused, I thought we were talking about the sea?"

I laughed. "The crow's nest is the spot on top of the main mast where the look out is. It's so they can keep an eye out for enemy ships or bad weather coming from far away."

"Oh, I see."

"Don't worry, if by some miracle you ended up on my ship, I would be more than willing to teach you everything you need to know."

"That would be exciting!"

"Yes it would." I decided to amuse her with starting up a sea shanty. "What do you do with a drunken sailor, What do you do with a drunken sailor, What do you do with drunken sailor Early in the morning?" I looked at her to continue since I knew she knew it.

"Way hay and up she rises, way hay and up she rises, way hay and up she rises early in the morning!"

"Shave his belly with a rusty razor, Shave his belly with a rusty razor, Shave his belly with a rusty razor, Early in the morning!"

"Way hay and up she rises, way hay and up she rises, way hay and up she rises early in the morning!"

We continued singing till I ended the song and we were in sight of the castle.

"Before we go back, I would like to ask you, what did you do to your uniform?"

I figured she would have noticed sooner or later.

"Oh that... I kinda tore it to uh... gag you... while you were drunk..."

Miko brought her horse to a halt. I did the same.

"What?! Why would you do something like that?!"

I gave her a nervous laugh. "You may have driven me a wee bit crazy with your antics... I had to do it before I did something else I would regret..."

"That was a really bold move. My Father would not be happy to hear that."

"He would have been even less happy if I had taken you over my knee."

"I never gave you a hard time." She teased.

"Ha ha ha... yeah right." I jested back. She nearly got me caught.

She gave me a 'do-tell' kind of glare.

"I'll just say for now that you gave me a good scare." I might tell her one day, but for now, it was all I could say. Thankfully, she didn't push it. "While we're on the topic of that night... there are some things you need to know..."

She looked distant. I needed her attention for what I was about to say.

"Miko, I need you to look at me so I know you're paying attention."

She was reluctant but she did as I asked. Now I knew she was listening.

"Good. Now, the first thing is that you need to know this wasn't your fault. Okay?"

She responded with a subtle nod.

"Desti rescued you from Apollo..." Not having experienced sex myself yet, I was a little embarrassed but I did my best to stay serious. She needed to know. "He... He tried to rape you, Miko."

Due to the lack of horror on her face, I could tell she didn't know what I was talking about.

I let out a sigh. "You have no idea what I mean do you?"

"I'm not going to like this..."

"No... sorry... Do you at least know what sex is?"

She nervously shook her head.

"Okay..." I bluntly explained exactly what sex was and how it worked. I found myself blushing a little as I explained but she didn't seem to notice. I saw she was extremely embarrassed by my bluntness, but it was the only way I knew how to explain it. "Inside of marriage or between two people who love each other, it's said to be the most amazing thing that they can share... However... rape is when someone forces it on another, whether they want it or not."

She stayed silent and tears quickly started to flow down her face.

"Miko, remember what I said. This wasn't your fault. Apollo fooled us all. I'm just grateful Desti got to you before anything more than drinking whiskey happened."

Miko's horse became restless and it was no wonder as to why. They both started to return to the castle. I started my horse going again and kept pace with her. I knew her reaction was probably normal, but I was concerned and the only thing I could do now is be there for her.