The year slowly dragged on and so did the war. Battle after battle, each one just as grueling as the last. It didn't seem like there were enough hours in the night to get the sleep we needed.

Of all the battles I had been in, this was the worst one yet. We'd carried on relentlessly for two days. The ship we were fighting against had been something like a trojan horse. The enemies just kept pouring out onto the deck.

They swung over from the mast of their ship onto mine, slicing up the sails as they would slide down to join the fight.

I had quickly adapted to using the khmali sword. I used it in countless battles and gained new scars along the way.

We took cover as flaming arrows shot at us for the hundredth time. Fires were everywhere and we weren't given time to put them out. I ran my sword through my next victim and then saw another blade coming towards me. I was going to be a goner for sure! But to my surprise, the blade was blocked.

I looked to see who it was and was overjoyed to see Prince Zen's face.

"Sorry we're late, Kat." Prince Zen knocked back the attacker and ran his sword through him.

"Zen! I was starting to think no one got my letter."

"I almost didn't. Your man, Minato, is quite resourceful."

Swords clashed.

"I guess I'm lucky your ship was the closest one!"

"Indeed!"

"LOOK OUT!" One of my men cried.

I looked and saw the main mast was coming down! I lunged and tackled Prince Zen out of the way just in the nick of time. My coat had caught fire so I quickly threw it off into the water.

"Are you alright, Zen?!"

"Yes. What about you?"

More men charged and Prince Zen and I were once again engaged in battle. I dropped my opponent. "I can still fight!"

I noticed a few men drop to the floor randomly, but I was too preoccupied to really care who was covering me.

The battle continued to rage, but finally, we turned the tide and won a small victory in this war. The fires were quickly put out and I stood in disbelief at the state of my ship.

"I'm surprised the Phoenix is still afloat." Prince Zen told me.

"She didn't get her name by coincidence." I explained.

"You'll need to go in for repairs. Do you think you can make it back to Clarines?"

"I think so. It may be slow going but we'll get there."

"I'll do my best to keep anyone from pursuing you."

"Thank you, Zen." After nearly a year, I had gotten used to referring to everyone by their first names. Zen and I had come to each other's aid on several occasions. We'd even ended up back to back a few times. I could tell it wasn't Zen's preferred way to fight, but he was a quick learner and he quickly adapted.

The only person I didn't dare do call by his given name was King Izana. Zen didn't seem to mind because he never corrected me on it.

I looked back at Zen's ship and saw Miko standing on deck. Now the men dropping to the floor randomly made sense. Miko must have used her throwing knives.

"Would it be too much to ask that I come aboard and talk with Miko?"

"I don't see why not."

I made my way over to Zen's ship and greeted Miko. "Thanks for the cover."

"I couldn't just stand by and watch, now, could I?" Miko smirked at me.

"I'll be glad once this war is finally over. This is getting ridiculous!"

"Agreed."

"I have to go back to Clarines for repairs, did you have any letters or anything for me to take to the castle?"

"I do as a matter of fact. Wait here and I'll get them." Miko left and came back with several letters in hand. I quickly looked over who each one was to. There was one to Rin, Suna, two to Shirayuki, and even one to Amari.

"I'll make sure these get there safe and sound."

"Thank you, Kat."

"You're welcome. Now, if there's nothing else, I would like to head straight there."

"Sure. Be careful out there!"

"You too!" I made my way back to my ship and we set sail back to Clarines.

After three days travel, we finally pulled into port. The men got some much-needed shore leave and a repairman assessed the damages.

"How long do you think it will take?" I asked.

"Two weeks, minimum. The whole deck has to be replaced and I'll have to order in a new mast for you. Nevermind the railings and new sails."

I let out a frustrated sigh. The longer I was in port, the less help I was on the front lines. "Kito!" I called.

"Yes, Captain!"

"Stay near the ship and send for me once repairs are complete. I need to go to Wistal."

"Yes, ma'am."

I rented the nearest horse and took off to Wistal. In no time at all, I arrived at the castle. I quickly delivered all the letters and was now looking for Nosuke. Suna had happily pointed me in the right direction and told me that his break was coming up soon.

Finally, I found him. We threw our arms around each other and kissed passionately for what seemed like forever before allowing time for a breath.

"I missed you so much." I told him breathlessly.

"I missed you too."

"I hate this war... I just want it to be over."

"You sound like you need to relax." Nosuke observed.

"More than I'm probably willing to admit."

"I was just going on my break."

"What did you want to do?"

"Come with me." Nosuke grabbed my wrist and dragged me into the nearest room, which happened to be the one referred to as 'The Room of Enchanting Flowers'.

As soon as we were inside, Nosuke pinned me up against the wall and quickly claimed my mouth. I moaned into his kiss as his hands began to explore my body.

"Are you... sure this is... okay..." I asked between kisses.

"Why not?... You're... my wife."

"You're right... nevermind..." I wasn't going to spoil this. I don't know why I even said anything, to begin with. Right now I wanted nothing more than to be with him.

His kisses migrated from my mouth to my neck as we removed each other's clothing. We enjoyed every second of our magical, passionate, and spontaneous love making.

We got dressed again and walked out, right into Rin. Our faces went beet red.

"I see you found your husband with no problem." Rin noted keeping her composure.

I wanted to ask if she'd heard but was terrified to at the same time. "He was right where Suna said he would be..."

"Glad to hear it." Rin leaned in to whisper to both of us. "Next time, maybe find a bedroom. Less likely to be overheard that way."

My face was on fire. She had heard us!

"Y-Yes, Your M-Majesty." Nosuke stuttered.

Rin backed up again. "Good. I'll see you later." She walked off without batting an eye.

Even though our 'adventure' in the 'Room of Enchanting Flowers' was fun, we did as Rin asked. For the next two weeks, Nosuke and I spent every possible moment together, mostly in the bedroom.

Finally, it came time for me to leave. Nosuke and I shared a tearful goodbye, though it was mostly me in tears, and I was given letters to return to Zen, once I got the chance. I mounted up and headed back out to war.

Two months later, the war finally came to an end. Currently, we were returning to Clarines and I braced myself on the rails of the side of my ship. I had felt nauseous consistently and I'd missed my bleed.

"SORA!" I hollered. I hoped I was wrong and that he hadn't been poisoning me.

"You rang?" He suddenly appeared behind me. I was startled with how quickly he'd shown up. Then again, I wasn't at the top of my game either.

"You really need to stop scaring me like that!"

"You called for me, remember?"

"Yes! Of course I remember!" I snapped.

"So...?"

I took a deep frustrated breath. "Have you poisoned me?"

"What makes you think that?"

"I'm nauseous all the time and my body isn't doing what it's supposed to... if you catch my drift."

"That isn't my doing."

"You sure? Because the only time my body changed its behavior like this was when you gave me your tea."

"I promise, what's going on with you has nothing to do with me."

"Alright then. I guess I'll just have to see a physician."

As soon as we pulled into Clarines, I went to the nearest physician. We sat in his office and I began to explain things.

"I've never been this nauseous in my life, and I live on the sea most of the time!"

"Mrs. Hara, have you experienced any other symptoms?"

"I'm more short tempered than usual... my bleed has been absent... I think that's it." I fidgeted. "Do I have some sort of disease or something? Is this something I'm going to live through?" I hated not knowing what this was.

The physician smiled at me.

"What?!"

"Mrs. Hara, you're going to have a baby."

My eyes went wide and my jaw dropped. I'm with child?! Already?! Joy filled my heart.

"I take it this wasn't planned?"

"I don't care! I'm going to be a mother!" I gave the physician a hug.

He gently pulled me off of him. "How long has your bleed been missing?"

"About two months... why?"

"Then I would take it easy for the next two. You're at the greatest risk of losing the baby at the beginning."

"Yes, sir." I paused for a moment. Nosuke would want to bed me as soon as possible. "Umm, doc?"

"Yes?"

"I-Is being... you know... intimate with my husband... still okay?"

"Of course. The child is protected quite well."

I let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, Mrs. Hara."

I left the office and returned to my ship. I would spend the night here to give my men some much-needed shore leave. Then I could return to the castle later. I made up my mind not to tell Nosuke until my extra two months of waiting were up. I didn't want to get his hopes up only to have them dashed if I lost it.

My eyes watered as I thought about Nahiko. There was another thing I was certain of. If this child was a boy, I would name him Nahiko. I wasn't going to let Prince Jerkface win!

I tossed and turned but eventually, I fell asleep.

I was currently searching for Miko to tell her the good news. I didn't want to tell Nosuke yet, but I had to tell someone. She didn't know about my marriage to Nosuke yet either.

I wasn't able to see her, she was always busy somewhere doing something. I gave up for a while and started to make my way to the docks. But I overheard something, that I found really disturbing.

"I can't believe this. She doesn't belong with that bastard!" The one man spoke in disgust.

"How could they do this! They may as well spit on her! I have never heard of anyone do something so heartless!" The other stated.

"Can't we do something?! I can't just stand around and do nothing! I will fight if that is what it takes!"

"So will I! She belongs with her people! I would die before allowing this to happen!"

I didn't like this conversation. I had to know what they were talking about. I had a really bad feeling about it too. "What are you talking about?"

The men's attention drew towards me. "Didn't you hear the news?" They studied my expression for an answer. With an ignited fury, he explained. "King Izana has ordered Princess Miko to marry that lowlife Prince Kotau! He is saying these orders are to make an alliance with Taurialle!"

"That is a bunch of bull shit! Prince Kotau has always wanted her and now he's going to win!"

"I used to believe in King Izana, but now I hate him!"

I had tuned out their conversation because these words kept playing in my head. Miko is being forced to marry Prince Kotau?! My fists balled up. How dare he! After everything I went through and everything he almost did to me, WILL BE FOR NOTHING! Miko?! I wonder how she is holding up. This must be devastating and Desti must be going out of his mind as well. Why can't they get any peace! I saw Prince Kotau in my mind. I remembered what he had said to Miko.

~"You may not realize this Princess, but you are already mine!"

How could she already be his?

"And when I have you, not even the Prince of Clarines will be able to save you. I will make you suffer even more, for this foolish attack." He signaled some guards in. Miko was outnumbered.

"Every night, after I am finished with you, you will cower in the corner like a frightened child. You will not see the light of day, and no one will visit you."

"And when you think that it could not be any worse, you will die, like a dog."~

That Prince had this planned out from the start. He would stop at nothing to get his hands on her!

I felt the tears well up. I made my way towards the pier to stare out towards the ocean.

I didn't accomplish anything! He will have her... No! Miko is the most resourceful person I know... She has to find a way out of this! If anyone can get out of this, it's her! I have to believe that. Desti will be the one she marries. This cannot happen!

All I can do is be there for her and encourage her to never give up. I will stay by her side. Prince Kotau will not win this! We may not know who we are dealing with, but he doesn't know either! I need to see her. I can only imagine what she must be going through right now. I bet she will have a tough time, remaining composed through all of this! Not even Miko can do that. Maybe when I find her, I might be able to cheer her up.

My good news might remind her of some level of hope for hers. This is still all so disturbing... If Miko doesn't marry Prince Jerkface, will that mean... no peace? What does Miko think about all of this? She sacrifices everything for her people. She wouldn't actually go through with it, would she? Surely there is another possible outcome. I need to trust in Miko. She is cunning.

My mind didn't want to stop thinking about it. I was starting to make myself sick as my mind mauled it over and over and over again. I could not bear to lose my... sister. She and Desti meant the world to me. Aside from Nosuke, they were the most important people in my life. I felt like my whole life was now hanging in a balance, emotionally. I felt so helpless. I would like nothing more than to take this into my hands and kill that bastard! I don't understand Miko's reasons for sparing him. We should have killed him when we had the chance.

I gritted my teeth and threw a punch at the post next to me. I slumped my body against it and allowed gravity to pull me to my knees. I felt the tears burst forth. I felt my heart getting ripped apart. I wanted to believe things would work out, but the nagging doubts didn't want to leave me alone. I took a deep breath after some time, trying to collect myself.

Miko needs me to be strong for her. I will do my best to do that. It frustrated me to think that was the only way I could help.

One of the guards pointed me in the right direction. Although, I was curious as to why Miko would want to see the bastard that started this whole thing. Kaylem was in prison. Problem solved.

I had visited with the man while we were on our return trip to Clarines after Miko and Kenshi had rescued me. I was hoping to get closure, but he just fed my disgust for him.

His messed up brown hair and his olive green eyes only made him look average but I knew there had been much more to him.

Thoughts ran through my mind as I descended the unending stairs. When I finally reached my destination. There was Miko locked in a cell! What was she thinking?!

"What are you doing here?! Are you out of your mind?!" I roared.

She barely even looked at me.

The guard that had followed me, let Miko out of the cell.

I made sure she followed me and I took her back to the castle. I wanted to lighten the mood, but with the way Miko was right now, there probably wasn't much point. She probably was still processing things in her head.

Over the next while, I tried continuously to reconnect with Miko but I just kept missing her. I finally relented and decided that she would come find me when she was ready.

I was on my ship, checking up on a few things when I paused a moment and looked out at the sea. My thoughts wandered to Nahiko again. I placed my hand on the hilt of my sword and another on my stomach.

"Your memory will live on, Nahiko. I swear it." I muttered barely audible.

I heard footsteps as someone climbed the ramp onto my ship. I turned around and there stood Kaylem. My anger raged and I instantly took hold of him and slammed him against the mast, pinning him there with my left arm while I drew my sword and held the blade against his throat.

"Wait! Stop! Let him go!" Miko ordered. It wasn't often that Miko gave me an order, but when she did it was serious. I forced myself to stop.

"Give me one good reason, why I shouldn't kill him right now!" I roared.

"She is clearing a debt to me... for my... parent's death." He quivered. I felt the man shaking.

"Is this true?" I demanded.

"It is." Miko answered plainly.

I grudgingly released him and put my khmali sword back in its place.

"I told him, you would be able to give him some work." She explained.

I could see why she would think that... but him?! I did my best to calm myself as I turned to face him. Fine. "If I get even a hint of betrayal from you, I won't hesitate to kill you, got it?!"

He nodded.

"Thane! Put him on scrubbing the deck!"

"Yes Captain!"

"Thank you, Kat." Miko had gratitude in her voice.

"This doesn't mean I trust him, I hope you know what you're doing."

Miko just smiled and turned to leave.

"Miko! Wait!"

She stopped and turned her head. "What is it?"

"I've tried my best to catch up with you ever since the war concluded. I know you're a princess and all, but do you think you have some time to spend with your sister?"

"I don't see why not." She smiled.

"Come with me and we can talk in my cabin."

I led her down to my cabin. I sat on the bed and motioned for her to do the same. She obliged.

"How are you doing?" I asked.

"As well as I can, given the circumstances." She gave me a weak smile.

Damn it all, Miko! Seriously?! "Miko, don't give me your composed answer. You fought for a year in a war when you'd had no experience with killing and you are being forced to marry the bas- jerk of a prince who probably plans on raping you every night! There is no way you're okay with this!"

I saw something break in Miko and she let the tears flow. "Oh... Kat... I-I... I-I..." She burst into tears not holding back anymore. "What can I do...? I don't even... sob... have a choice...sob..."

I pulled her into my arms. She needed someone to open up to and I'm glad she finally admitted that she wasn't okay. I was relieved that she finally felt like she could open up to me.

"We don't give up till we make our own option." I broke the hug and looked into her eyes. "Do you remember when I first came to the castle and you gave me the idea to become a guard instead of choosing one of the other options?"

She nodded.

"We need to do that again. You can't refuse to marry Prince Jerkface, but you can't run away either... so what are we left with?"

We sat silent for a moment as we tried to think of something.

"May I offer a suggestion?" A male voice from the shadows spoke up.

I almost leapt clear off the bed and Miko jumped a little.

"Holy Poseidon Sora! How many times do I have to tell you not to scare me like that!"

"My apologies, but I couldn't help but overhear that Princess Miko was in a bit of a bind."

"What did you have in mind?" Miko asked.

Was she seriously considering using Sora?

"Kat, would you give us a moment?"

"Fine..." I left and closed the door behind me. I didn't like this one bit. I knew Sora could probably kill her in seconds if he wanted to, but it didn't make sense to kill the person you were asking for work from.

Miko was smart too, I only hoped that she had the good sense to refuse whatever he was offering.

Moments later, Sora emerged.

"I'm not going to find a corpse, am I?"

"Don't joke about my work."

"Sorry."

I re-entered my cabin. "I don't want to know, so don't bother telling me." I sat on the bed again. "Sit down, I want to share some news with you."

Miko did as I asked.

Now was as good of time as any. I wanted to tell her while I had the chance. "I wanted to tell you before the war and everything, but it got too hectic too fast." I presented her my left hand.

A smile crossed her face. "I am so happy for you!"

"Thanks. It happened as soon as I landed in Clarines as a mercenary. And..."

"You mean, after you made out in front of everyone." Miko pointed out with a cheeky grin.

"Yeah, what can I say? I love him!" I paused for a moment. "There is one other thing..."

"Oh?"

"I didn't think it would happen so fast... but..." I took a deep breath. She was the first person I was telling. The only problem was, I didn't know how to word it.

"Do I need to drag it out of you?" Miko toyed.

I guess straight forward it is.

"Miko... I'm with child."

Miko's jaw dropped and her eyes went wide.

"That was my reaction when the doctor told me. Nosuke doesn't know yet. I want to surprise him."

Miko did her best to recover from the surprise news. "You are so lucky, Kat!"

She almost sounded a little jealous.

"Yeah... tell that to the morning sickness."

Miko chuckled.

"Laugh it up now, then when it's your turn I can point and laugh."

Miko's aura got dark and gloomy again. For the love of... I wasn't meaning with him! I flicked her forehead.

"Not with him you dolt! With Desti."

"That won't happen..."

"Not with that attitude! I know you, Miko. You'll find a way out of this and when you do, Desti will be right there waiting for you."

"Even if I were able to get out of this... I would never be permitted to be with Desti. That is too much optimism, for one princess to hope for."

"Desti has stood by your side since you two were ten! He's risked his life to save you and fought valiantly in the war! Prince Zen would be crazy not to grant him a title for his service." I smirked. I had deliberately looked up how it could work for a royal to marry a commoner. "That's right I did my homework."

"It isn't my Father, that's the problem... The King must approve it. This is all up to King Izana, just like the arranged marriage." Miko continued to explain.

"Given the circumstances, I don't see the King as one who would take much convincing. He knew I was a pirate when we went to Wilant and he didn't throw me out. He is not an unreasonable man."

"Not as far as the rules of social standing are concerned. You don't know what it was like for my Father to try and convince him, to allow him to wed My Mother."

"Maybe not, but that was years ago. I have hope that you and Desti will be together."

"It doesn't matter anyways..."

I flicked her forehead again. "Stop being such a downer."

"Sorry..." Miko mustered a smile.

"Come on! What do you say we hit up a tavern and swindle a poor sucker out of his money for old times sake?"

She chuckled. "Kiki knows... but if we are discrete, it should be fine."

Why does that not surprise me.

"Great! This time I'm drinking water with you. I don't want to risk any damage to the baby."

"Good thing to keep in mind." Miko agreed.

"Yeah..." My hand fell to the sword at my side yet again as I thought about Nahiko. I wished with my whole heart that he could be here, but he was gone. All I could do now was pass on his love to the child I carried.

"That sword...? What happened to Nahiko?"

"Nice to see the situation hasn't dulled your observation too much..." Tears formed in my eyes against my wishes. "Nahiko... he gave it to me just before he died in battle..." Miko went silent. I knew she was probably being hard on herself like she always did when things didn't work out. "Don't think it's your fault in any way... the only people responsible are the one who killed him and Prince Jerkface..." Tears streamed down my face freely as I repeated Nahiko's last words to me. "I have no intention on letting them win! If the child I carry is a boy, I will name him Nahiko, so that his memory can live on..."

"I'm sorry...I see it pains you. It's a testament to what kind of person he really was. I would like to see that his memory will be honored. And every fallen soldier..."

"Then do me a favor... If you see that bastard in person, give him a good kick in the balls for me!"

"If I get an opportunity... I will."

"Thank you. Although, it would be better if we could beat him at his own game. I honestly hope you come up with something before it's too late."

"You and me both."

"Let's get to the tavern, I want to say hi to Minato and maybe just the smell of booze will help me feel better."

We both left the ship and headed into town. We made our way to Minato's tavern and sat the bar, my usual seat.

"Long time no see, Red Whirlwind. What can I get ya?" Minato asked.

"Just water."

"How about for you, Kat? The usual?"

"No just water for me too."

Minato raised an eyebrow at me. "Already?"

"What do you mean, Minato?" I played dumb.

"The only reason someone who drinks regularly would stop so suddenly would be either, trying to better their life or, in your case, find out they're about to be a parent."

"Fine you caught me, but don't say anything. I could still lose it."

"My lips are sealed."

A group of men arm wrestling at a table caught my attention. They were making an awful lot of noise, even for a bar. The bulkier of the two men won and he gloated. It was clear he'd won several matches by the way he was puffing his chest out.

"Kneel before your king, you peasants!"

Really? Wow! Someone needs to be taken down a notch.

I heard Minato groan. "That scoundrel has been here every day for the past month. He's chasing my good customers away."

"Then perhaps we should give him some real competition." Miko's tone was competitive so I knew she had something up her sleeve.

"If you did that, I would be forever grateful to you."

"Don't worry, I have this under control." Miko walked up to the champ with full confidence. "Why don't you take on someone with a little more skill. If you think you can handle it!"

The burly man burst out laughing. "You've got to be kidding me! No way a weak wench like you could possibly stand a chance!"

"Care to put your money where your mouth is?" I taunted. There was no way Miko would be displaying this much confidence if she didn't have the skill to back it up.

The man raised an eyebrow. "You can't be serious."

"Two hundred dil says she wins."

"Yur on!" He shifted his gaze to Miko. "Don't blame me if you get hurt."

Miko smiled at me.

I leaned in and whispered into her ear. "If you lock your shoulder it will give you a fighting chance."

He lifted his arm and Miko accepted it.

"Ready... Go!" I called out.

Everyone watched in anticipation as Miko matched his strength. It seemed like it carried on forever. The man was sweating profusely. I hadn't realized that Miko had so much strength. Finally, Miko pinned the man's hand to the table and everyone erupted in cheers.

I proudly held out my hand to receive the money. The man grudgingly plopped it into my hand.

"A pleasure doing business with you." I smirked. "Now be a good boy and go play with kids your own age."

"What Was That?!" The man stood toe to toe with me and grabbed me by the coat.

Miko took her sheathed sword in hand and pointed it towards him. "If you know what is good for you, you will put her down, this instant!"

I was glad that Miko was on the ball because there wasn't much I could do without threatening the life I now carried. The physician said to take it easy. I'm sure that starting a duel was not on that list of things I could do.

The man released me. "I'll be back and I'll make you pay for this."

"Oh no you won't!" Minato's voice boomed. "I never want to see you here again!"

The man didn't say another word and stormed out of the tavern.

"Here." I held out the winnings to Minato. "For all the service he lost you."

"Thanks, Kat."

I looked at Miko. "Shall we go?"

Miko nodded.