A/N: Sorry that it took me a long time to update a chapter. I know that some of you really like the Ellen X Kaoru ship, so I wanted to dedicate a chapter focusing on them. I really like their relationship in this fanfic and wanted to develop it by telling their backstory too. I hope you all enjoy it.

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: "Bloody Crown" involves a lot of jumping back and forth between the past and the present. So, to avoid any confusion, here are some notes:

Italics—The Past (Flashbacks)

Normal Text—The Present

Chapter 7: Scandalous Sisters

It just didn't make sense. None of it did! With the colour drained from her face, Hiyori strode briskly alone through the castle's maze of corridors. Just a few minutes ago, she had excused herself from Mai and Sayaka, not wanting to be in their company. She could not think properly after what they had just told her. Right now, the hunter needed solitude so as to collect her thoughts. The number one burning question she struggled to find an answer for was one she had since discovering the portrait of Countess Fujiwara.

'Mother must have known her somehow,' Hiyori thought. 'And if so, why did she keep her picture in her locket?'

Perhaps Countess Fujiwara was someone her mother once encountered in her days as a hunter? But that still didn't provide an answer as to why the vampire's picture had been in her mother's possession. Had they been enemies? Being a vampire and a vampire hunter, they should have been like water and oil. But the locket! What about the locket? If her mother truly hated Countess Fujiwara, Hiyori doubted she would have kept a picture of her, not to mention around a chain close to her heart. When it came to jewelry, besides a wedding ring, nothing was as more personal as a locket. A memento that symbolized love and served as the only way for someone to gaze upon the face of their loved one when they were apart.

Tightly clasping the very silver locket she had wrapped around her wrist, Hiyori opened it and gazed upon the two faces within. The smile of Kagari, solemn and dignified; and the smile of Minato, bright and full of laughter. For the first time ever, Hiyori could not help thinking that they looked nice, side-by-side. The idea shook her to the core.

'What am I even thinking?' she screamed at herself. 'Mother was once Protector of the Kamakura Empire. No way would she have ever tried to become acquainted with a vampire. She would have put personal feelings aside and done her duty...as must I.'

But doing her duty...Hiyori did not even know what her duty was anymore. She had tossed marriage and starting a family out the window. She was now a vampire hunter; her duty was to kill every vampire she encountered. But she could not do even that, not after everything the servants told her. Was Kanami going to be the one vampire she could not bring herself to kill? And if so, were there to be others in the future? Other vampires like Kanami, lonely and just wanting to feel love?

'Queen Yukari and practically everyone else in the empire says that vampires are our mortal enemies,' Hiyori thought. 'But...could it be possible that we are in the wrong? Are there possibly some vampires that don't want to wreak havoc and just want to live in peace? Just...what is my duty now?'

The hunter shook her head. She was overthinking things and needed to relax her mind. Past experiences taught her that if she kept stressing over something, she would not have an acute mental stability if thrust into a surprise fight. Hiyori was taking no chances, no matter what the four servants would tell her about Kanami. What she needed now was some peace and quiet to herself.

There were several empty rooms in the castle that Hiyori could have secluded herself in, but the first place that came into her mind was the library. After all, she had initially been intent on reading some books and perhaps they'd distract her enough. There might even be some texts that could prove useful about vampires; she had not completely gotten rid of her intent to kill Kanami. She thought she remembered the way Mai showed her during her tour. Was this the right corner to turn? She stopped and thought. Yes, it was. Down this passage and then to the right, and then up the broad flight of steps, and then to the right again. Yes, there were the double doors of the library.

Mai had only pointed out the library entrance during the tour and they hadn't actually gone inside. So, Hiyori was in for a joyful surprise once her eyes fell upon the magnitude of the place.

It was a large room, two stories high with a vaulted roof, and possessed endless shelves of books. Never before had Hiyori seen so many printed works in one room, not even in the library of the royal palace when she made rare visits. Two sweeping staircases led up to the higher shelves, where several ladders were situated to reach the topmost books. Amongst the wonders was a big globe, a writing desk, some paintings, and a magnificent fireplace with a sitting area in front. Although there was no one around for her to be self-conscious about, Hiyori struggled to contain her childlike glee.

'It'd probably take someone years and years to read all this!' she thought. 'And to think that vampire dunce only reads the same old fairy tale book over and over and over again!'

At once, the ebony-haired hunter set forth on her task of finding some useful tomes and novels of interest. It was in the midst of her search that she paused. She could hear someone.

"K-Kaoru...come on. We need to get back to work and—mmph!"

With the hair on her scalp standing on end, Hiyori slowly looked behind one of the many bookshelves where the voice was coming from. She slapped both of her hands over her mouth to keep from letting out an exclamation of shock at the sight before her.

Ellen was on the ground, her blonde hair spreadeagled in all directions. She had her bare limbs wrapped tightly around Kaoru, who was above her. The pink-haired butler had discarded her black tie and waistcoat to the side. Her hair, normally worn in twin ponytails, was let down and hung dishevelled and loose about her face. But what made Hiyori's eyes almost bulge out of their sockets was how the two sisters' lips were moulded together in a passionate kiss.

'W-What's going on?! Ellen and Kaoru are s-sisters, aren't they?!' the hunter internally screamed.

Repugnance and horror were all that Hiyori could feel. Though not particularly devout, she was fully aware that incest between siblings was an unforgivable sin against the blessed Amaterasu. Ellen and Kaoru may have thought themselves hidden from the eyes of mortals but they could not hide from the eyes of the heavenly goddess, who must surely be frowning down upon them and spewing out curses.

'Why are they doing such a thing?! Do they not know that such an act is punishable by death?'

Still unaware of their audience, Ellen and Kaoru pulled away, breaking the kiss to catch their breaths, before quickly crushing their lips together again. Her mouth twisted in a frown of disgust, Hiyori had to look away at that point. She pressed her hands over her ears in a vain attempt to block out their intense and fervid moans. This was even worse than what she witnessed in the armoury! She had to steal away now!

"Okay, Kaoru, that's enough already!"

"Fine, fine..."

Every ounce in Hiyori's body told her to just slip away before they noticed her. Heaven forbid that she look back—but she did. The sisters hurriedly put their clothes back on and tidied up their appearances, before Ellen held Kaoru by the shoulders.

"Kaoru, I'm serious. We really shouldn't do this wherever we want around the castle. Just because we're no longer surrounded by people doesn't mean that we are totally alone here. What if Kanami-chan and the others ever spotted us?"

The pink-haired girl raised an eyebrow. "You say that all the time and yet you are usually the one who initiates it."

Ellen's cheeks burned at her lover's words. "Well, we are going to have to be more careful from now on. Besides, we have our daily duties and no excuses to dawdle."

"By Amaterasu's name, Ellen, I swear you are sounding more like that old lady with each passing day," Kaoru groaned.

Letting out a giggle, Ellen gave her pink-haired sister a quick peck on the lips. She would have pulled back if Kaoru didn't put a hand behind her head, pulling her in for a longer kiss. Unlike the hungry and desperate kisses they just shared earlier, this one was soft and gentle, spreading a comforting warmth through the sisters' bodies.

From her hiding place, Hiyori was surprised to see such...adoration between the two. Never before had she seen a husband and wife look at each other as Ellen and Kaoru did. She guessed that was to be expected since most marriages were arranged, and for economic and political gain. Despite her initial revulsion, the hunter couldn't help feeling the tiniest bit captivated at the passionate romance between the two sisters. Such devotion and intimacy she thought only existed in books.

Ellen and Kaoru...two sisters bound in a forbidden love...

'Poor star-crossed lovers,' Hiyori thought. For some reason, a gnarled place inside of her started brewing with jealousy.

She stepped back, determined that she must withdraw from the scene. Wrong move. Right when Hiyori planted her foot in a different spot, the floorboard underneath let out a creak that echoed throughout the quietness of the library. Whipping around at the sound, Ellen and Kaoru gasped in unison, their faces white as salt.

"H-Hiyoyon?!" Ellen cried.

Her terror quite equal to that of the two sisters, Hiyori's cheeks coloured with the deepest blush at the perverseness of the unwanted situation. It was impossible to pretend not having witnessed them, and to flee like a frightened deer would have been foolishly awkward. Overpowered was the hunter with embarrassment and vexation. How ill-judged she was to just watch shamelessly like some sick voyeur, and what a disgraceful light all three of them were now in!

Her words fumbling over each other, Hiyori stammered, "I-I didn't m-mean..."

"Please, Hiyoyon, y-you won't tell anyone, w-will you?" Ellen asked. "P-Please don't."

The blonde-haired maid's eyes were large and almost spilling with tears, as she imagined the terrible fate she and her sister might suffer. Their lives were at stake, depending on what Hiyori chose to do. Either she would, by some miracle, be understanding and keep silent. Or by just a few spilled words, have them sent to the Tower of Kamakura and later, the block. Ellen clutched at her apron so hard that her knuckles began to turn white.

Her breathing just as unsteady as her sister's, Kaoru stepped forward. She spoke slowly, lest she threw up from fright.

"Listen, Hiyori...Ellen and I love each other. We know how despicably you must think of us, but please don't tell anyone. Especially the others!"

Unable to look at them the same way as before, Hiyori bit her lip. She felt as though a burden, as heavy as a mountain of coal, had been heaped onto her shoulders. Ellen and Kaoru's lives were hanging precariously from a cliff. And yet, despite knowing the dangers, nothing could stop the two sisters from their illicit love affair. Hiyori did not whether to admire them or think them crazy.

"H-How long has this been going on?" the hunter asked.

"A couple of years now," Kaoru admitted. "Before Ellen and I came here."

The ebony-haired hunter just could not comprehend the sisters' relationship. How and why did they even fall for each other? Hiyori's hardened heart was simply incapable of understanding romantic love at all. She'd hear bards' songs and read stories about amorous lovers, but never before had the hunter felt a personal connection with them.

"Hiyori-chan, you must know that as a girl of noble birth, you could never choose your own life," Iroha once said to her at age thirteen. "You cannot even choose your own partner; you are related to the royal family. It is forbidden for one of royal connections to marry their own choice. And most importantly, you and Sanae-chan are the last descendants of the House of Hiiragi. You cannot choose your allegiance. You must serve your noble house, your family, and your future husband. I have allowed you to dream and allowed you to read those silly romance novels, but you must put them aside and do your duty. You must lay low by trying to win the favour of Her Majesty, Queen Yukari. And if you play your cards right, she may restore your rightful royal title as a princess, along with your lands. You could even succeed as queen yourself!"

'That's right...' Hiyori said to herself. 'I am...Lady Juujou Hiyori of the House of Hiiragi. I must never fall in love...I cannot fall in love...'

All of this—everything she worked for—was to get vengeance for her family. Never would she be a slave to romance. So, why...when she looked at Ellen and Kaoru's clasped hands and remember their loving kisses...why...why...was she green with envy?

In her bitterness, the hunter spat out, "I-It isn't right, all of this!"

Gesturing to the two sisters with her hand, she exclaimed, "I-It's sickening!"

Her words stung like salt rubbed into a wound. And already Ellen and Kaoru suffered many wounds from their struggles.

Cringing at the spite in Hiyori's words, Ellen said, "But we love each other, Hiyoyon!"

"We won't blame you if you don't understand," Kaoru said. "We know nobody would anyway."

"And you were still determined to have each other?" Hiyori asked, scowling.

"I want nobody else in the world," Ellen said, tightening her hold on Kaoru's hand.

"We know that we are meant for each other," her sister agreed.

"And just how are you both so certain?" Hiyori dared to question, partially because she was actually curious to know.

"We'll tell you everything..."

"You got more chocolates again, Ellen?"

"Yeah...you can have them, Kaoru."

"Don't mind if I do."

Greedily snatching the box Ellen tossed her away, Kaoru tore away the pink paper, clearly unimpressed with how beautifully wrapped it was. Within seconds, a handful of the delicious brown sweets were tossed into her open mouth. Relishing the smooth delicate flavour of cacao on her tongue, Kaoru chewed away but kept an arched eyebrow on her older sister.

"What's wrong?" she asked, spewing bits of chocolate from her stuffed mouth.

Even though she asked the question, Kaoru already knew the answer. She was not ignorant to her sister's growing unhappiness.

In spite of their opposition of character, the two of them were the closest of friends having done everything together since childhood. Kaoru's family, the House of Mashiko, had been killed many years ago for high treason by Queen Yukari. Having supported vampires; married them; and offered refuge to them, along with werewolves like Nene, it did not take long for the queen to uncover their secrets. Most scandalous of all was their involvement in a conspiracy with the House of Hiiragi to overthrow the Royal House of Origami. The Mashikos had ignited a spark that grew into an inferno that consumed them. Only Kaoru and Nene survived to then later on formally become a part of the House of Kohagura, a minor noble family in the Kingdom of Osafune.

A smile crept up the pink-haired girl's face in remembrance of how easily she and Ellen got along from the start. Kaoru was endeared to Ellen by the easy and cheerful ductility of her behaviour, although it was a great contrast in comparison to her own personality. On the strength of Ellen's regard, she knew she could count on her younger sister's loyalty and discretion. Many secrets she could tell Kaoru that she could not tell to even their own parents. In return, Kaoru trusted Ellen with hers. In terms of judgement, Kaoru was the superior. Ellen was certainly by no means lacking in brains, but her younger sister possessed a keen intellect about the world, along with the cunning mind of her late parents. She was at the same time lazy, lacking in manners, and aloof to the opinion of others. In that respect, Ellen had greatly the advantage. The elder sister was sure to be liked by everyone with many admirers, while the younger was continually giving offence. However, despite being as opposite as black and white, the two sisters understood each other, even having the capability of immediately sensing the other's emotions—which Kaoru was conscious of right now.

"What's wrong?" she repeated.

Sitting down at her dressing table, Ellen waved her hand in the direction of a mountain of presents beside her bed. They ranged from expensive clothes and jewelry studded with great big diamonds to wrapped sweets and bouquets of flowers. All were from potential suitors that ranked amongst the highest nobility in the Kingdom of Osafune. All were at least more than half of her age. All were men of her parents' choosing. All were competing for the grand prize—her hand in marriage.

There was even a golden cage in the corner which held a rare parakeet. Ellen felt almost as trapped as the bird. The only difference was that she could let it free anytime she wanted—she, however, would never be free. With a sigh, she lifted the latch of the parakeet's cage, letting the bird hop onto her finger before letting it fly away out the window.

"Just all of this! It's all worthless," Ellen cried. "Clothes, jewelry, chocolates—of what use are they?"

"I agree—except for the last one," Kaoru said, emptying the rest of the box into her mouth.

"I don't want to do this. I can't do this," Ellen hyperventilated.

She clutched at the footboard of her bed with both hands, trying to get a grip on her self-control. Seeing her sister's display of pain caused great agony for Kaoru too. Nene, who had been resting on her lap, let out a whine before trotting over to Ellen, gently pawing at her leg. In her anguish, the blonde-haired girl barely noticed the wolf pup's gesture of reassurance.

"The jousting tournament is tomorrow," Ellen said. "I don't know how I'd be able to handle watching it. I mean—they will be competing against each other to win me as some sort of prize!"

Still seated in her chair, Kaoru waited patiently for Ellen to vent everything all out, even though she heard her sister's grievances several times already. "I mean all of them...they are over thirty-years-old. They are repulsive and arrogant. They do nothing but drink and make love with any woman they choose. I can't bear imagining myself with any of them. Especially that Duke Hayashi and his ulcered leg—it stinks!"

With a sigh, Kaoru got up and took Nene in her arms, stroking his fur. It had only been a month since Ellen's parents announced it was time for the tradition of the Kohagura Jousting Tournament. A tradition where eligible men competed for the hand of the eldest daughter in marriage. A tradition that was upheld for centuries—and now Ellen would suffer from it. The month of preparation had been agonizing for the elder sister. Where her parents, unaware of her pain, saw wealth and opportunity, she saw a miserable future. And yet, Ellen kept quiet, afraid of what could transpire if she voiced her discontent to the mother and father she loved so dear.

"Oh, Kaoru!" Ellen exclaimed. "I only have you. I don't want a husband. I don't need anyone at all. I just want you. Only you ever truly understand me."

Her pink-haired sister nodded, concealing the pleasure Ellen's words gave her. "Ellen, listen to me. I must warn you against hiding your true feelings. How will Father and Mother know about your displeasure if you keep it to yourself? It is to our entire family's interest to ensure that your future marriage is a success—but I truly believe Father and Mother want only for you to be happy."

Taking out a handkerchief, she gently took Ellen's face, wiping away her sister's tears. However, the blonde-haired girl caught her hand with both of hers. Closing her eyes, Ellen found comfort from the warmth emanating from Kaoru's palm against her tear-stained cheek.

"And if I tell them that I do not want to marry at all? You know that they would not agree to that, Kaoru," Ellen said. "Do you really think that they would let the House of Kohagura fall to dissolution with both of us dying childless?"

'No,' Kaoru said to herself. 'No, they wouldn't.'

By Amaterasu's name, there must be something that she could do! Kaoru hated feeling powerless like this. Here she was able to enjoy the freedoms of being a younger sister and Ellen practically had the weight of their entire family on her shoulders. If she could not delay or stop the jousting tournament, nor prevent Ellen's marriage, then she had to think of a different option.

The life of a noble in the Kamakura Empire was always full of intrigue and conspiracy. Certainly, the former House of Mashiko possessed the most cunning of minds when its family members still prospered. And for the first time ever, Kaoru would use the intellect she inherited to think way outside the box. It did not take long for the young Mashiko heiress to come up with a breathtaking idea. It would require great skill and tremendous effort; way more than what her lazy sluggish body and average stamina could handle.

'But for Ellen, I must do this!'

Outside on the wide-open fields near the Kohagura Manor, an array of colourful tents with crimson cords was set up. Orange banners, bearing the emblem of the Kingdom of Osafune, fluttered in the breeze. A space of level grass had been set up and staked for the tournament. Quite a crowd of spectators had gathered to watch the sport. Even the Kohaguras' serfs were allowed to lay down their plows and axes for the day to see who'd win Ellen's hand in marriage. Underneath a canopy, four special chairs had been set up for the Kohaguras, overlooking the best view of the tournament grounds. However, only three were occupied. Looking at her younger sister's empty seat, Ellen's stomach churned at Kaoru's absence, feeling abandoned and alone. She couldn't do this without Kaoru. She needed her! Oh, where was she?

"You are looking rather pretty today," came a voice from behind. "All spruced up for your future partner-in-crime?"

Ellen turned to see the friendly smiling face of a woman with grey hair pulled underneath her conical hennin headdress. She wore large hoop earrings in the same colour that matched her golden eyes. Ellen's face immediately brightened and she got up to curtsey.

"Viscountess Maniwa!"

Rising from their own chairs, her parents greeted the woman they served. "It is a pleasure to see you, milady."

"Likewise. Although I see a certain midget has not graced us with her presence," came the joking reply.

At the viscountess's words, Ellen let her lips curl up in spite of herself. Viscountess Maniwa Sana was known to have always had a disagreeable relationship with Kaoru, ever since the latter thought she was an old lady because of her grey hair. That moment was insulting enough to become entrenched in Sana's mind to the point where she knew she would never forget it. In addition, Sana could not understand how one girl could be so lazy and Kaoru's slothful behaviour was certainly a severe trial.

'The girl is literally like a log!' the viscountess thought on more than one occasion. 'Will not move unless someone kicks her! What is Her Majesty, Queen Akane, thinking by wanting her as a loyal servicewoman someday?'

Staring at the tournament grounds, Sana said, "It's about time for the games, is it not? Your youngest daughter does not care much for punctuality, does she?"

Giving an embarrassed cough, Lord Kohagura Kimitake agreed, "Yes, unfortunately, we shall have to make do without Kaoru's attendance."

"But that is of no matter since the real jewel is here," Sana laughed, patting Ellen's shoulder.

Then seeing the girl slump a little, she leaned close to her ear whispering, "Don't worry, darling. You don't have to be afraid."

"How are you so sure?" Ellen whispered back, trying to hide the sadness in her voice.

Sana only gave her a mysterious wink, before taking her place under the tent belonging to the House of Maniwa. Left with nobody but her parents, along with Nene at her feet, Ellen once again felt the heaviness of dread due to the absence of the one person she needed the most. She was lucky that her chair was right underneath her, otherwise, she was sure her knees would have given way and made her collapse. She could register nothing, not even when her father gave a huge speech to the contestants and audience. The sounds of cheering and clapping fell on her deaf ears, as she stared ahead of her. Lined up in order of noble rank were all twenty of her suitors. Which of them was she going to be forced to submit to?

Then, she jolted a little. Wait, weren't there twenty of them? Why was there now twenty-one?

The jousting competitors seemed to have also noticed the addition to their numbers. Kimitake leaned towards his beautiful foreign wife, Lady Kohagura Jacqueline.

"Who is that man?"

"I haven't the faintest idea."

"He looks rather like a dwarf."

"Peculiar, is it not? What should we do?"

"Oh, let him go for now. The little midget is so stunted in growth there's no way he'd win and if he does, who knows? He is probably the holder of a large fortune. Look at that chainmail! Would have certainly cost a pretty gold coin for that!"

"I do not recognize his coat of arms, do you?"

"Perhaps he comes from a different kingdom. That would certainly be a prospect!"

Ellen's eyes were fixed on the mysterious knight's banner. It bore the orange rampant symbol of a wolf with an M in its claws. The anonymous individual said nothing nor took off his helmet, appearing aloof to those who'd try to interact with him.

"Let the games begin!" roared Kimitake's voice.

It was a brutal combat; the clashing of the lances being drowned out by the cheering of the crowd. One-by-one, competitor after competitor would fall down from his horse until only a handful remained. Ellen tried to keep from looking away. She had no stomach for sports such as jousting. Surprisingly, "the little midget", as Kimitake had called him, actually held his ground and put up a fight. His performance was first-class, his mental state calm and controlled as with each opponent he'd face, he would quickly unhorse him or break his lance.

"Strong little fellow, isn't he?" Kimitake remarked to Jacqueline.

Sitting obediently beside Ellen, Nene's tail wagged in excitement of the mysterious knight. A series of howls reverberated from his throat. Although she did not know why, Ellen could feel a sense of growing anticipation, watching this unknown individual. Their pride hurt with each defeating blow, the other competitors grumbled amongst themselves, along with those who had placed bets on them. Having overcome battles with bloodshed, to be defeated by this knight, who only came to their hips, was like a slap in the face. It was almost like a mouse winning a fight against a cat.

During breaks between the bouts, the anonymous nobleman still did not speak a word, only nodding politely to those around him. Perhaps he was mute or found socializing a tedious task. From beneath his helmet, his eyes caught those of Ellen's and their eye contact was enough to make the blonde-haired girl blush profusely. There was something so intriguing and at the same time, comforting about those pale blue eyes.

Reading the knight's gaze, Ellen could almost hear him say, "Don't worry. I will protect you. I won't lose and let them hurt you."

Folding her hands together, the blonde-haired girl pressed her lips in a straight line. It seemed so surreal and slightly ridiculous. A knight in shining armour...having come to save her.

'What a silly idea,' Ellen thought to herself. 'I am foolish to think such a thing. My nerves are getting to me.'

And yet, she would be lying if she said that she did not have the smallest hope for the chevalier's victory. He certainly did not seem like his fellow competitors, showing no sign of arrogance. Shaking her head, Ellen decided it was too quick to judge, drawing her attention back to the tournament grounds when the trumpet was blown, signalling the last round. There were only two remaining contenders—that Duke Hayashi with his repulsive ulcered leg, and the anonymous cavalryman. As the excitement grew, the shouting of the spectators almost died away. Everyone held their breath as the opponents got back onto their horses. It was horrible and yet most magnificent.

Within seconds, the two combatants came thundering towards each other on their steeds, their lances raised and flashing in the sunlight. Ellen gasped sharply when she saw Duke Hayashi's weapon glance a stunning blow to the knight's arm.

"It's looking ugly now," said Kimitake. "His Grace must've hurt the little fellow's left arm with that strike. He is not holding his shield properly."

"Coward! Not so tough now, eh?" the noblemen on the sidelines jeered. "Looking more like you're dancing than fighting!"

Unbeknownst to anyone, from beneath his helmet, the knight was sweating buckets and breathing hard like a panting dog. His opponent was making real use of his height and weight. His stamina already alarmingly low, the knight knew there was precious little chance of him winning if he did not manage to defeat his opponent within the next few minutes. Biting his lip so hard that it bled, he tightened his grasp on his lance, darting one last glance at the fair maiden sitting with her parents. It was only for a second but the sight of Ellen's round frightened eyes gave him determination enough. He had to do this!

With a cry in unison, the two competitors charged at each other again. A great shout arose from the crowd. Duke Hayashi was down—unhorsed and wounded with a single sharp jab near his throat.

"Little bastard!" he roared.

But the rest of his vile swearing and curses could not be heard anymore over the cheers of the spectators. Ellen caught herself clapping and beaming a wide smile, as the tired knight came forth, almost falling from his own horse. With a slow tired gait, he knelt at her feet.

"You have earned her," Kimitake said, unable to hide his admiration. "State your name, young man."

"I dare not, milord," came the deep raspy voice, before withdrawing something underneath his chainmail. "Behold a letter I give to you. It is an honour to win the hand of Lady Kohagura Ellen, but I, unfortunately, must part from you all for now. I have...business I must strictly attend to first."

"I do not understand," Kimitake said. "Business where?"

Stepping forward, Sana answered, "At Her Majesty, Queen Akane's court."

Kimitake and Jacqueline drew in a collective breath. Their eyes widening upon the knight, they realized that the mysterious man before them was a little gold mine, along with a direct hotline to the queen of the Mokusa Republic. This was an opportunity too good to be true.

Standing beside the knight, Sana said, "I think Her Majesty would love having Lady Kohagura Ellen at court sometime."

"Until our marriage then, fair lady," the knight said, getting down on one knee and taking her hand. "I am truly happy and pray that you will find happiness too."

Her heart pounding, Ellen started a little at the piece of paper he secretly put into her palm. His hand was so small and yet, so warm. Ellen couldn't help but think of how reassuring his hand felt, almost like her sister, Kaoru's. Was there hope for her after all? Could she learn to love this mysterious man as he seemed to properly esteem her?

'Oh Kaoru, if only you were here now to offer me encouragement as you normally would! Where are you?'

Unwilling to remain a second longer even to enjoy his victory, the knight then jumped onto his horse and rode away, ignoring the cheers of the crowd and Kimitake's calls for him to come back. Their attention fixed on the last glimpse of the rampant wolf banner, Ellen took the opportunity to unfold the piece of paper and glance at the few words written upon it.

"Meet me at the village church at ten."

Colours danced across the nave of the church as light filtered through the vibrant stained-glass windows. At the end of the great stone building, above the altar, was a large round mirror of polished gold, representing the sun—the traditional symbol of the blessed Amaterasu. Nervously, Ellen approached the figure sitting in one of the pews, her steps echoing in the silence of the sacred building. At the sound of her tread, her future husband turned around before rising and lifting off his helmet. A tumble of long pink hair came out and Ellen's mouth actually fell open all the way at the familiar sight of a girl she knew all too well.

"Kaoru?!"

"Hey..."

"B-But you—y-you were the—"

"Sorry for my deception," Kaoru began. "Listen, Ellen. I know how badly you did not want to marry any of the men Father and Mother chose for you. And I could not bear the idea of you being in an unhappy marriage with a man you cannot bring yourself to love. So...I wanted to save you from that."

"You did all of this for me?" Ellen asked.

"Of course. You're...my sister. I'd do anything for you."

Flushing a little, Ellen warned, "Mother and Father will be angry."

"They need not know. It'll be our secret, including Viscountess Maniwa's."

"Viscountess Maniwa? What has she got to do with it?"

Something between a groan and a sigh came out of Kaoru's mouth as she set her helmet down. Here came the responsibility she wanted no part of but was prepared to do for her sister. If it was for Ellen's sake, Kaoru was willing to get off her lazy bum to do even the hardest tasks.

Rubbing her sore arm that Duke Hayashi jabbed earlier, the pink-haired girl explained, "Queen Akane is in need of more allies. So, I agreed to Viscountess Maniwa's demands for us to serve her at court."

"Us?" Ellen repeated.

Cringing and praying to Amaterasu that her plan would work, Kaoru said, "The two of us are to go to the palace together. Viscountess Maniwa says that she'll then write a letter to Mother and Father and lie that you secretly got married there. She knows that they will not mind. Don't you see, Ellen? We can be together as always. And most importantly of all, you won't have to actually marry."

Speechless, Ellen stared in bewilderment at her sister. Kaoru came up with such a grand scheme, risked her life by fighting head-to-head against twenty large men, and agreed to actually do work...all for her? Moved by her sister's devotion, Ellen felt tears start welling at the corners of her eyes.

"Huh?! Why are you crying?" Kaoru exclaimed. "I thought you would be happy."

"I am," Ellen choked, wiping her eyes with her long sleeves. "Kaoru...thank you."

She sniffed before gulping out, "You're hurt."

Tenderly, the blonde-haired girl took her younger sister's arm. A small patch of dark red blood was staining her sleeve.

Shaking her head, Kaoru dismissively said, "It's nothing. I'll bandage it up when we get back home."

Distressed at how the pink-haired girl didn't care about going through such pain, Ellen swept her younger sister into her arms. Her hold on the shorter girl was firm and unrelenting, as though she was afraid if she loosened her grip, Kaoru might slip away.

"I do not deserve you as my sister," Ellen said. "Always...you sacrifice your own happiness for mine."

"If the sister I love cannot be happy, then I could never be happy either," Kaoru replied, returning Ellen's embrace.

Pulling away, she got down on one knee, prepared to make a solemn oath. "Whatever happens cannot change one thing. I love you, Ellen, and I would commit even the greatest sin for you. Even Amaterasu's will I would go against for your sake."

Taken aback by such intensity, her older sister asked in a small tentative voice, "Love...like as a sister?"

Nothing came out of Kaoru's mouth, but she did not have to say anything. Ellen already knew the answer. Her blue eyes took in the small girl in shining armour before her. Here...here was her knight. Her knight that came to save her and would never treat her like an object. Her one true love.

Placing herself just millimetres away from Ellen's face, Kaoru nervously asked, "M-May I?"

Her eyes shifting towards the golden mirror of Amaterasu, Ellen felt the heavy gaze of the sun goddess on the two of them, burning with fiery wrath. But the tender look in Kaoru's face, touched with a hint of shyness, made Ellen's fears go away. Being judged by society, the danger of certain death, and Amaterasu's wrath were not powerful enough to sway the two sisters. And if Kaoru was willing to defy the strict conventions of the world for her, Ellen too would be willing.

Gently, the two sisters closed their eyes, letting their soft lips meet. Amaterasu may have been watching, but of what importance was that?

For more than a year, Ellen and Kaoru were able to live happily at Queen Akane's royal palace, serving as ladies-in-waiting. Being at court, it was expected that they did not get as much privacy as they would have liked. Only in the late hours of the night could the two sisters sneak away to the tops of forgotten towers and indulge in their love for each other. Amid their chaste kisses and gentle touches were also seared memories of intense passion. Fervid moments where they would let their constraints of modesty go, giving into the fire of lust. Just when they thought everything was perfect enough, things only became better and better once Sana personally gave the two sisters an important mission.

When they entered the study of the viscountess, she immediately ordered, "You both are to go to Fujiwara Castle. As you know, Countess Etou Kanami and her cousin, Lady Yanase Mai, have survived the massacre and have been laying low for some time. Apparently, they have a new friend living with them as well—Itomi Sayaka. Judging from her surname, I believe she must've been from the former House of Itomi. But our allies have given us word that they are all still well and undetected by Queen Yukari."

"And I assume you want them brought back here?" Kaoru asked.

"Not just yet. The Mokusa Republic is still facing several attacks against Queen Yukari and her allies. At present, Her Majesty, Queen Akane is trying to seek aid from the Kingdom of Ayanokouji. But for now, stay at Fujiwara Castle until things settle down. I have asked the House of Setouchi to regularly send you necessities each month. You may send updates and any other correspondence through them when they make their deliveries. However, your main mission is to protect Countess Etou and her cousin, and ensure that nobody discovers them."

"In order words, you want us to play dead with them," was the pink-haired girl's candid remark.

Despite her flat tone of voice, anticipation was starting to rise within Kaoru, along with her older sister. The two exchanged a delighted glance, their eyes large and hopeful. A large castle with only three other people in it... Certainly, they would have more privacy than here in a palace full of courtiers.

"Kaoru!" came Sana's snappish voice. "I want no complaining from you, as usual, understand? The word 'mission' is not synonymous with 'vacation'."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah..."

Seeing how steam was about to blow from the viscountess's pink ears, Ellen hastily apologized, "She understands, milady. We shall leave at once."

She quickly pulled Kaoru out with her before Sana could protest. No sooner had they exited, than the blonde-haired girl pushed her lips onto her sister's.

"Hey, come on! You barely closed the door before doing that," Kaoru said.

"Sorry," Ellen giggled with a blush. "I guess the excitement of us finally being able to have more time together got to my head. I was too excited."

Smirking, Kaoru said, "Well, no need to be hasty. We'll soon have all the time in the world."

With a smile, they took each other by the hand. When they were children and even now as mature individuals, the gesture still felt the same—earnest and protective. Together, the two sisters walked the first steps towards their new future, resolute and ready to brave the possible dangers ahead...

A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed Ellen and Kaoru's backstory! I really liked delving into their relationship more and trying to write what sparked their love for each other. Hope you guys root for the two sisters!

Some additional information in case you missed/didn't understand it:

1) The House of Kohagura is part of the minor nobility and serves the House of Maniwa (a more important noble house) that Sana belongs to.

2) Jacqueline (Ellen and Kaoru's mother) is from a foreign land. Kimitake married her for the sake of alliance.

3) Sana and the House of Maniwa serve Queen Akane. Technically, the House of Kohagura does too, but they cannot make direct communication with the queen as easily as Sana can. This explains why Kimitake and Jacqueline were eager to have Ellen marry "the mysterious knight" who came from the royal court, even though they never met him before.

4) Akane is Queen of the Mokusa Republic, which is located on the island Kingdom of Osafune, where Ellen, Kaoru, their parents, Sana, (and basically anyone who belongs to Osafune) live. You'll learn more about the Mokusa Republic later on in the story.