I was suppose to stay off my leg when I could, so I watched Amari for Mother, while she took up her regular duties. I would watch him stumble around and I would catch him. He had a big smile on his face. I stared at his auburn locks. I can't believe I was so worked up over this. His hair colour turned out to be completely normal. I picked him up, raised him in the air and spun a little. He giggled.

I took him to our usual spot on the grass and enjoyed watching him play.

Even though, I had a limp, I was still able to keep up with my little brother. I liked to hide behind a tree and swing back into plain view. He would giggle and chase me the best he could. I made him little toys in my spare time. He even seemed to have a particular interest in my sapphire sphere. So I would roll it around on the ground. He did try to put it in his mouth, but thankfully it was too big to get inside his it, let alone to swallow.

I would roll it towards him and eventually, he started to roll it back to me. I was so proud of him. "Can you say… M-IK-O?"

"Mmuo…"

"Mmm-ii-kkk-oo?"

He giggled. "MUHKKIII…!" He waved his around energetically.

"Mmmm-iiii-kk-ooo?"

"Mumma…"

"You are so cute! But I am not your momma." I smiled. "M-i-k-o."

"Meemmmo..." He then squealed.

"That is better… We can work more on that later." I sensed Desti nearby, watching me. I wasn't bothered. "You can come out. It isn't an important meeting or anything."

Desti came out from behind the tree. "You looked like you were having so much fun. I didn't want to disturb you."

"You don't disturb me." I smiled teasingly.

His faced turned a slight shade of pink.

"D-dassstiii…" Amari chimed.

"What?! That's not fair! He can say your name better than mine!" I pouted.

"How many times do you talk to him, about me?" He asked slyly.

"I don't know what you're talking about…" I replied sheepishly, feeling my cheeks burn.

How did he…? Oh come on! Thanks a lot, Amari! You totally ratted me out.

"More times than you let on." He smiled. "Don't deny it!"

"Alright… You caught me…" There was no use, beating around the bush. He wouldn't believe me anyways.

"What have you been telling him? All good things, I hope." He teased.

"Don't push your luck! Don't think you're going to get any more out of me!" I teased playfully.

"Oh really… I think I might have a way." Desti was up to something.

"Don't even think…" He started to chase me around. "... about it!" I giggled, running away from him playfully.

"You aren't going to get away from me!"

I swung myself around a tree, skillfully changing my direction. "Wanna bet!"

"No, because I don't do that and neither should you!" Desti reasoned.

I made sure we didn't get too far from Amari. I was responsible for him.

As my attention returned from Amari, I was too late. Desti playfully grabbed me and held me there. He sent his breath down my neck, causing a tickling sensation. He hugged me tightly from behind and raised me off the ground twirling me in the air.

"What did you say?! Let's hear it! You should know, I am not letting you go, until you do." Desti threatened playfully.

"OKAY! Okay! Okay! Will you please stop!" I really didn't want him to let me go, but my pride wouldn't allow me to continue this charade.

He put me down, letting go of me. He was anxiously waiting to see if I would honour my words, or act childish and use the opportunity to run away, again.

I wished I hadn't made him let go so quickly. I still didn't want to explain myself to Desti or any of the things, I said about him, to Amari. So instead, I came over and leaned into his chest.

He knew what that meant. He wrapped his arms around me.

I pulled away and it dawned on me… I could not restrain myself… I would always become weak in Desti's presence. I could not lie to myself, anymore. 'I LOVE DESTI!' I did not have the strength to reject him. The thought of being with someone else, made my heart break. I felt a tear escape my eyes. "I'm sorry… I can't do this…"

He seemed to know what I meant.

"It's not fair…" I felt the tears coming down harder. "We can't pretend things haven't changed between us… Things can never be as they were… because I think...I-I'm in love with you."

His eyes were glossed over. He was left speechless, with his mouth open.

"L-lowwviieeeee!" Amari cheered happily, clapping his hands. "Llow-vey…!"

My eyes grew wide. Why did Amari have to chose that word to fancy.

"Wait…!" Desti tried to prepare the right words.

But I picked up Amari and left him there.

As soon as I was alone with Amari in his room, I curled up on the floor, leaning my back against the wall. I burst into tears.

Amari placed his hand on my knee, sweetly. "Meemoo…?"

"I'll be alright… sob… I-I hope... you never have to go through this… sob... Amari… Fall in love with a noble girl!... sob… Don't let anyone hurt you… don't let the commoners get to you…!" I said in spite towards myself. I never blamed Desti, I was messed up and my life as I know it… is ruined.

"Llow-viiee…?" He asked as sweetly, as before.

I cried into my knees again as I bunched myself up.

Many days went by, I had paperwork that still needed to be done, especially after the incident in Difila. I worked hard and got several stacks done. I accidentally got a letter mixed in with the completed paperwork, that I wasn't aware was even there, to begin with.

Mother entered my office. "Miko? Could you do me a favor and watch Amari for a while?"

"Sure." I took him in my arms.

"L-lowvie! Lovie!" He cheered excitedly.

My cheeks heated up. Was he trying to get me in trouble?

"No. That's Mm-ii-k-o." Shirayuki corrected him.

"Lovie, mimo!" He smiled.

"Don't worry, he will get it eventually." I reassured her sheepishly. And rushed out of my office, with my little brother, in my arms.

Kiki came later and grabbed a stack of papers, from my desk. She returned to Zen's office. She lifted the papers vertically to straighten them out, when a letter fell out from the middle.

"What's this?" Kiki picked it up off the ground, after placing the papers on Zen's desk.

It grabbed the attention of everyone in the office.

Kiki handed it to Zen, who looked over it curiously. "It doesn't seem to have an address." He opened it. His face turned red, as he read the contents of the letter. "This was for Miko?!" He shouted. He noticed there was no names on it, but it was clearly written by a man. The words were erotic and extremely inappropriate for a princess to receive or anyone for that matter. He stood up abruptly. He was furious.

"Zen, I understand how you feel, but allow me to talk to her. She might be more honest with me." Kiki suggested.

Zen contemplated it for a moment, but finally agreed. He gave Kiki the letter to read, before she started to look for me on the grounds.

Kiki read it and fury crossed her face, also. "Who would be so bold to say something like this to their princess?"

Zen was relieved, that she shared his feelings on the matter.

Mitsuhide became intrigued as well. "Why?! What did he say?"

Kiki turned around to leave, completely ignoring him.

"Kiki?!" Mitsuhide freaked out.

But Kiki left anyway. She was a bit too distracted, to even notice Mitsuhide.

Kiki found me on the grass under the tree, near the courtyard.

"Llovie… mimo… lovie…"

"Please don't call me that anymore?" I pleaded with him, while hiding my face in shame.

"May I join you?" Kiki's voice was a bit halting.

"Y-you may…" What was going on? I was doing all my paperwork… What did I do this time? They don't… know about the confession, do they?

"You are in love, are you?" Kiki got right to the point.

I covered my face with my hand. "You heard about that…"

"Must say, I am a little surprised." Kiki looked concerned, but I saw a little anger in her expression.

"It was bound to happen, sooner or later…" I felt my heart crush again.

"Is that so? So you are instigating it? I am a little disappointed, Miko…"

I was shocked. I thought she was supposed to be encouraging me to follow my heart. DISAPPOINTED?! I got defensive. "You're one to talk! I thought you wanted me to follow my heart?!"

"I never told you to be foolish."

F-foolish? She thinks, I am being foolish? I felt tears well up now. "I thought you were on my side, but apparently that would be too wishful thinking…" I left Kiki with Amari. I ran into the forest. I wouldn't normally act this childish, but I could not bear another moment, like that…

FOOLISH?! Just when you think you know someone, they change! I climbed a tree and stayed there for the rest of the day. I knew Amari would be with Kiki.

"Where is she?" Zen asked Kiki.

"I don't know… Zen, she seems to think we would actually support this." Kiki explained.

"I never thought she would do this. Engage in this nonsense." Zen grew more concerned.

"Perhaps, this is Kat's influence?" Mitsuhide pointed out. After hearing about the contents of the note from Zen, he was thinking it might be as a result of their time together.

Zen broke his pen in half. "I was stupid to allow that girl, to be anywhere near her!" He was boiling faster, by the second. "Pirates feel no shame or remorse! It makes me wonder, what else has she been filling Miko's head with!" He tensed up even more.

"I will get to the bottom of this. Miko has always been very reasonable. I am sure she will come around. I will talk to her about it, when she returns." Kiki reassured Zen.

Zen was suddenly, extremely concerned. "Do you think she might have already…?"

"No… she wouldn't. She knows her position. She would know to respect how things work."

"I hope you're right, Kiki…" Zen continued the rest of his worry in silence.

I climbed into my room, after night fell. Kiki was sitting at my desk, with her arms crossed, watching my every move. "Where have you been? You were supposed to be looking after Amari!" She did not seem thrilled.

"I'm just trying to understand… Why would you try to get my hopes up and then rip them apart!"

"Who is he?" Kiki didn't waver.

"What are you asking? Are you trying to point out that he is a commoner… because if you are, don't bother!" I felt betrayed. I was wrong! She doesn't understand me at all!

"Another one?"

"What do you mean… another one?" I was really confused now.

"Those letters… don't tell me they were from Desti!"

"Letters? What letters...? Wait! You mean…." Oh no… So this is about the letters from Nosuke. I slapped my face.

"They weren't from Desti, were they?"

"Those letters aren't mine, Kiki. They are from Nosuke… for Kat…"

She simmered down. "You have been sending his letters? You know Zen won't be thrilled to hear that."

"Will you tell him?" I grew concerned.

"I think Zen will be thrilled to know, that they weren't for you."

"Why? Are they that bad?" I asked as my face heated at the thought of Kat and Nosuke being erotic.

"You could say that."

I pulled my hand away from my face. "Does this mean… that you are still supportive of Desti and I….?"

"Of course." Kiki assured me. "Although, Zen seems to think that you might have been loose. Can I tell him, that he has nothing to worry about?"

Huh? No way, have I done... it! "Please! Why did you read the letter anyway?"

"Why else? Zen was worried as usual." She smiled her cheeky smile.

"I wish he wouldn't…"

"It really can't be helped. Zen will always worry about you. In his defense, you do have a knack for getting into trouble."

I remained silent. I knew she was right. I couldn't argue that fact.

"Speaking of trouble… You haven't been getting into any with Kat, have you? Zen doesn't trust her, ever since he learned about her secret." Kiki was more serious again, in her usual way.

"The Red Whirlwind, the water temple, I think you have heard about it." I hoped this tactic would allow me to avoid her real question.

"Anything exciting in a tavern?"

What?! How did she figure that out, so fast? I can't get out of this! Will she tell my Father? Of course, she will. I had to be smarter, but honest… that is not easy. "I don't drink, Kiki. I don't think I need to remind you, that it didn't turn out well, the last time."

"Kat never took you to one?" She persisted.

Who am I kidding… She knew my tricks. "Why do you think she would?" I was pushing my luck, but I wanted Father to accept her back into the kingdom. It would not work in her favor, for him to develop even more dislike for her.

"She is a pirate captain. They are always visiting the taverns at port." She gave a slightly, disgruntled look. "I see what you're doing. I know you avoid the answer when you know I am right. This only confirms my suspicions… Zen will not be pleased."

"Kiki, I just want Father to accept her. I don't want him to hate her, even more. I miss her a lot. I know she would never hurt me."

"But we cannot allow her to corrupt you, either. That is something that you need to keep in mind. You are a princess and she, a pirate. You cannot tell me, that being around her, has not influenced you, in any way."

I remembered the poker game, the bets, the drunken night, the bad language, bar fights… She's right… But still… Kat is my... sister! "Kiki, she is my best friend. And my sanity, too. They both are." I knew she would understand what I meant. I realize that I have been getting more used to troubling situations. Many things don't phase me like they used to. But even so, I have been a mess and would still be, if it weren't for them, always cheering me up, again.

"It would take a lot more than that, to convince Zen. He does have a point, pirates have been trouble before. You can't trust them. They swindle, cheat, steal, abduct others, and attack other ships. I don't necessarily believe that they all operate the same way, but pirating is a sketchy business."

"She isn't like that…" I defended.

"We can never know for sure. All we know, is that she has been lying to us from the very beginning." Kiki reasoned.

"If you had to work for a man, who hated you and promised to kill the likes of you... would you so freely give up your identity?" I stood accusingly. I had gotten really close to Kat and I was able to understand how she thinks.

"Can't say that I would." Kiki responded. "I never said I blamed her for making that decision, but it doesn't change the fact, that she still could be withholding anything. For instance, her real reasons for you being on her ship."

"That was my idea." I said firmly, in Kat's defense.

"She could have tried to make you believe it was your own idea. That way you would go willingly." Kiki did make an excellent point.

"But it's not Kat!"

"I don't know why you have so much faith in her. I too, have covered for her. I have seen a level of determination in her, that doesn't add up. I cannot deny that, deep down, I think she cares for you. You can't be around people like that, however. You are an important figure to this kingdom, you have a certain image to uphold. That can't be done, if they see that you visit taverns, with a pirate, of all people."

I hated it when others made more sense than me. "I understand what you're saying, but it doesn't matter. My heart will not betray me."

"You are stubborn, just like your Father." Kiki teased.

"If we aren't willing to fight for what we believe in, then what good is courage?"

"I should only hope, I could change your mind, but I should remember who I am dealing with." Kiki spoke in defeat.

I felt a bit proud, after hearing that from Kiki. "On that note… I'm off to bed." I felt a yawn coming on.

"Sleep well." Kiki took her leave and did just as I said I would.

A couple weeks went by, it was the time for my birthday again. They were planning the ball as expected. But not much later, I was informed this was not the usual ball, I was expecting.

"I'm expected to find a husband?!" I don't believe it! I didn't answer any marriage interview requests, so they are hosting a ball for me, instead. I shrunk down in my chair. This is the worst idea yet.

I could see Desti was mortified.

"Yes. You have come of age. The kingdom wants to see you find someone." Shirayuki explained. She did seem to understand how I was feeling about it. She didn't seem thrilled, either.

"Mother, I don't want this." I could feel any hope of being with Desti, dwindling away into nothing.

"You haven't accepted any requests, so it is unavoidable."

"If I…"

"It is too late for that. The ball is already being organized in your honour. I suggest you get ready. The King will arrive soon." Shirayuki turned to leave.

I knew, I could not talk myself out of this one.

I stood up and followed her, leaving Desti alone, to think on this disaster.

It came time for the ball. I found myself surrounded by one man, after another. There were so many. I danced with each one. I felt like my feet would fall off. I didn't get a single break.

I watched Desti in the corner, who was disheartened, but I realized he looked a lot more calm, than I expected. Well, fine then. I thought he would care more, but I can see I was wrong!

It was getting dark and many had been drinking the champagne, others were tired. I still had not found a single man that even slightly interested me.

I suddenly heard a shriek from a woman, then gasps from others to follow. What is going on? I looked around as I saw the guards pull out their swords. It can't be that bad. The guards are still so calm. I relaxed, until we saw dingy men surround the ball room.

My Father, the King and the attendants drew their swords. For a situation like this, I couldn't help but notice that the guards and attendants were unnaturally calm.

The guests fanned out and the guards were being toppled, with too much ease.

Zen and King Izana took their stance.

"Obi! Please look after Shirayuki and Amari." Zen asked in desperation.

He agreed and lead Shirayuki out the one side of the ballroom, taking Suna and Queen Rin, as well.

Zen must have sensed the problems I did.

Keno stood next to me, nervously.

"Can you give me your sword? Mine isn't here with me." I almost demanded from Keno.

"That will be a problem. I don't have mine with me." Keno informed me.

"Are you serious? You're the prince!" I was in a dress, so clearly I couldn't be armed!

Desti approached me, extremely calm. He took my arm.

"Desti, get them out of here!" Zen ordered as he engaged their opponents.

Desti nodded and pulled me away from the ballroom.

I took a quick look back. I noticed, not even Kiki was on her game, tonight.

Why do all the soldiers have such a calm disposition, at a time like this? It didn't add up. The royals were acting normal… I was snapped out of my thoughts. We had a pursuer.

Desti let go of me. "Get to your sword! I've got this." They engaged in a fight.

I realized Desti was off his game as well.

Keno and I ran around a corner and I tripped over something. A man was on me in seconds with a cloth to my mouth. I was hyperventilating, so I couldn't refuse to breath in the substance, for more than two seconds. Everything went black.

Desti had come over with his sword. He was frustrated with himself, for not being able to protect me. He couldn't understand why he stayed so calm. He couldn't help it, for some reason. He stood there ready.

But the man had the sword at my throat. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Another man stuck the tip of his sword at Keno's throat, who had gone down with me, when I tripped.

"What do you want with them?" Desti asked.

"Them? That's funny, we're only here for the girl."

"The Prince might want him, too." The man pointed at Keno. "You never know when he might come in handy."

"Agreed. Let's take them!" The man turned to Desti. "Don't follow us, if you know what's good for ya!"

The three men disappeared with us.

"Desti! Where is Miko and Keno?!" Zen ran up, noticing Desti was alone.

"They took them!" Desti replied with anguish.

"Then it was only a diversion." Zen balled up his fists.

"Zen. There is more going on here." Kiki stated.

Mitsuhide joined in. "I can't bring myself to care." At least that is how Mitsuhide translated it.

"No one can seem to fight properly, for some reason." Kiki added.

"It sounds like the effects of a type of herb." Shirayuki came from nowhere.

"Then, this was carefully planned out." Zen realized. "How could I have been so foolish?"

"You're not the only one." Shirayuki pointed out.

"Can the effects be reversed?" Zen asked plainly.

"I would need to know what herb was used. I am not familiar with any kind, that has those effects." Shirayuki was really not able to help with this.

"How do you know it was an herb?" Obi asked.

"How could it not be? What else could explain why every guard is reacting the same way?"

"Shirayuki has a point." Kiki agreed.

"Well, we can't afford to stand around and discuss this any further. We need to find Miko and Keno! I need to know why they went through all this trouble to get them." Zen expressed his urgency. "Desti! Did you learn any useful information, during your encounter with them?"

"They mentioned a Prince." Desti spoke calmly.

"Prince Kotau!" Zen was overcome with fury.

Shirayuki looked concerned at her husband.

"I know what this is about. We need to move, now!" Zen ordered.

They left towards port. Leaving the remaining princesses and the King behind at the castle.

I came to. Keno and I were stuffed in a small room. He was tied up in ropes. I was in chains for some reason. Isn't that a bit excessive? I am the princess and I am in chains! And Keno isn't! I heard the door open.

"Good. You're awake."

I recognized him immediately. "Kaylem?!"

"How's your mother? I hear she has been well."

"Now you are going to know what it feels like!" Kaylem sneered at me.

"No! MOM!" I pulled out my sword to stop him, but the men beside me tried to grab me. There was no time. Kaylem's sword plunged into Shirayuki's chest. I watched helplessly, as her expression turned cold and her body was discarded against the tree. I was in horror at the sight. "How could you?!" I started to feel the wells of tears threatening to slide down my face.

"How dare I? How dare you! My parents, were nothing but generous and caring! They died because of you! I didn't kill this woman, you did! By deciding my parents' fate, you've decided your own parents' fates! So why don't you run home to daddy! Tell him how you killed your own mother. Let's see how quick he is to forgive you!" Kaylem yelled at me, the pain still on his lips.

I knew Kaylem was really informing me, he knew I didn't suffer the loss, during our last encounter. "Leave her out of it! This is between you and me!"

"She isn't the one on my ship, is she?"

"If you plan to kill me, just get it over with!"

"That would be so small minded. I have a better use for you, Ru Ru."

Does he not know who I really am… or is he calling me that, to remind me that he has a right to do this. Smacking my actions in my face.

"I am giving you over to Prince Kotau."

My mouth fell open. No! I didn't know what the Prince of Taurialle wanted, but if it was another revenge plot, I knew it wouldn't be good.

"Sleep tight, Angel. You're going to need it." He had a smug grin on his face, before leaving the room.

"What is going on? Who is he?" I wasn't surprised Keno was panicking.

"Someone, who doesn't like me very much…" I didn't want to get into details.

Luckily, Keno wasn't the type to press for intel. "So, what's the plan? How do we get out of this?"

"I will think of something." I tried to remain hopeful.

Zen and Queen Rin were gaining on the ship.

"Keep up this pace! We will be on them soon." Queen Rin ordered.

"Zen!" Kiki looked pissed. "Make them pay for this!"

"It's good to see you're back to normal." Zen observed, the difference in Kiki's disposition.

"It seems to have worn off."

"If the guards were affected, but not royalty, it must have been something in the food."

"Zen, it would be too risky to put it in our food. Someone would have noticed." Queen Rin stated, as if she had it all figured out already.

"We need a plan. They're in our plain sight now."

"Kaylem! There is a ship on the horizon! No wait! There are several! It's a fleet! One looks like a royal vessel!" The man in the crow's nest shouted.

"Of course, it is! Now that Prince of theirs, is going to come in real handy. Bring him above deck!" Kaylem ordered.

The men came up with Keno.

Kaylem pointed his sword at Keno's throat. "Time to show your friends that we really mean business." He had a smirk on his face, that sent a chill down Keno's spine. Kaylem led him to the stern of the ship, to display him in plain view, with the sword across Keno's neck. "LISTEN UP! IF YOU DON'T WANT YOUR PRECIOUS PRINCE TO DIE, YOU WILL BACK OFF! I WILL NOT HESITATE TO KILL HIM, IF YOU DON'T!"

"Keno…" Queen Rin, felt her heart quake at the sight of her son's life being threatened. "We need to back off. They will kill him, if we don't." She expressed an urgency that mostly came from her understanding of pirates..

"Miko… I can't just let them go either…"

"Zen, they aren't playing around." Queen Rin reasoned.

"Pull up the sails!" Zen ordered. He balled his fists, ready to explode from frustration. Zen stared at the ship, as it started to fade from sight.

Desti stood confidently. "We may not be able to do anything, but I know someone who might."

Queen Rin looked hopeful.

"No way!" Zen shot it down, knowing full well, what Desti was suggesting.

"We are out of options. This is the only way! Please!" Desti pleaded.

Zen contemplated it for a moment. "Fine." He was not happy with this plan at all. But right now, his daughter needs help.

Desti had a letter, he already wrote to Kat. "We can send this with the bird."

"How. She doesn't have a walnut stone, so it would be no use."

"Actually…" Desti caught Zen in shock. "She does."

There was no time for explanations. Zen signalled the bird handler to bring the bird. Once released from its cage, the letter was placed inside of the small contraption hanging off the collar, it flew with the blow of a whistle the bird took off in record speed, in the direction of the fleeting ship.

"Where is it going? It should be going back or something." Zen was very confused.

"Maybe, she will be able to cut them off!" Desti seemed excited to know that she was further ahead, than the fleeting ship.

"Now, we wait for a response." Zen hated waiting. He wanted to charge right in. But that just wasn't possible.

The door opened again and Keno was tossed to the floor boards. "Owpphhhh." He straightened himself up.

"We're getting near the docks. Soon, you will be in Taurialle, princess. And thanks to your little friend here, I managed to call off your guard dogs. No one is coming for you!" Kaylem stated in full confidence and a whole lot of pride.

"We shall see about that." I refused to show weakness.

"I will let you in on a little secret… but first, eat this!" He pushed food in my face.

"I won't eat anything you have to offer!"

"It wasn't a suggestion." Kaylem raised his sword.

Reluctantly, I ate it.

"What was it?" Keno picked up on my distaste for it.

"That, my friend, is a drug made from an herb, that came from Taurialle. It gives an impossibly large dose of stress relief. You can't bring yourself to react quickly, while this is in your system. It makes people much easier to manage."

"So, that was what you gave the guards!" I figured it out.

"Nothing get's passed you." Kaylem mocked.

A man came from behind. "Kaylem! We're here."

"Excellent! Bring them up to the deck!"

"Yes sir!" The men grabbed us, pulling us to our feet.

I felt myself calm down considerably. No adrenaline rush, no anxiety, no frustration. I felt completely at ease.

Once up on deck, I noticed it was dark. I saw the docks up ahead. I didn't struggle as they pulled me off the ship. "The Prince awaits."