A/N: I have been very sick recently due to my acid reflux. As a result, posting chapters might take a while, since I am trying to recover and take care of my health. Thank you all for your understanding.
BTW, I have also recently posted a new video on my YouTube channel of a speed-paint. It's of a new drawing I did for "Bloody Crown", so if you are interested, check it out! The link to my channel is on my Fanfiction profile page.
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 8: A Premonitory Warning
Stirring from her dreamless sleep, Kagari slowly opened her eyes and smiled at the sight of the young woman slumbering next to her. Although they shared a bed many times, the vampire hunter never noticed until now how mature Minato looked with her hair out of her ponytail. With a gentle hand, Kagari brushed a stray purple lock from the vampire's face, kissing her forehead. Until she returned from Touken Josai, this would be the last time she'd gaze upon the relaxed sleeping face of her lover. The last time she'd wake up to the warmth of Minato by her side. The last time she'd be in her arms. Although she knew that they wouldn't be separated forever, Kagari could not help feeling the slightest bit despondent.
"I'll miss you," she whispered, before tenderly kissing Minato's temple again.
Gently so as not to disturb her lover, the hunter tried to disengage herself from Minato's arms. However, she was prevented from doing so, when she felt the vampire's hold on her tighten.
"Don't go."
Her voice was so plaintive, almost like a child's, that Kagari could feel her heart melt. She knew that the sooner she left, the sooner she'd be able to come back. But the sorrowful look in Minato's eyes made it harder for the hunter to find the will to leave.
"It's selfish of me to say that when I know you have a family and friends of your own," the vampire sighed, stroking Kagari's hair. "You miss them and they most likely miss you too. But...I just wish this moment could last forever."
Removing Minato's hand from her hair, Kagari clasped it in both of her own, pressing it to her lips. "And it will someday. Right when I come back."
Untangling herself from the bedsheets, she picked up her clothes, which were unfortunately very wrinkled from having been crumpled on the floor. But rather than putting them on, she hung them back up in the large wardrobe and reached for the hunter uniform she hadn't worn in three months. It felt strange to once again put on her practical travelling dress, instead of one made of rich silks and furs.
As Kagari got changed, her eyes took in the bed-chamber that had been hers during her stay. She would miss it, along with Fujiwara Castle and its residents, just as much as she would miss her beloved Minato. The place had unexpectedly become home to her.
Biting down hard on her lip that it bled, Kagari fought against the tears starting to well up in her eyes. Why was she crying? This wasn't their final goodbye...was it? What if her plan didn't work? What if she never saw Minato again? There were so many risks and probably still more that she hadn't thought of. They shouldn't have made her turn a hair. She literally put her life in a gambit countless times as a hunter. However, that was different. In those cases, only she could die. But now, Minato and her family—and possibly even the villagers they protected too—would have their lives on the line, if she couldn't somehow make her plan work.
Taking a deep breath and composing herself, Kagari knew that she had to this. Even if Yukari didn't care about her, it was only a matter of time before Iroha or Akane or one of her other relatives sent troops to find her. And what would she have to say then if they chanced to discover her here?
Just as Kagari fastened the golden clasp of her cloak, Minato's voice stopped her. "Wait."
Turning around, the hunter watched as her lover unfastened a silver chain around her neck. "I want you to have this. It's been in the family for generations."
It was a small oval locket with a crow engraved on it. Real silver and beautifully crafted—a piece of jewelry like this, although fairly simple, would have been like pulling out a tooth to buy.
"It's beautiful," Kagari breathed. "But, I really should not—"
Ignoring her lover's protests, Minato said, "Here. I'll put it around your neck, alright?"
The metal felt cool against the hunter's bare skin, but it was the touch of her lover's hands against the nape of her skin that made Kagari shudder. She couldn't believe Minato was giving her something so precious. It felt wrong taking such a valuable family heirloom.
"To remember me by," Minato said. "Until we meet again."
"I will guard it with my life," Kagari vowed, before pressing her lips against Minato's, not wanting to release them.
Holding the hunter fast by the waist, the vampire asked, "How long do you think you will be gone?"
"Well, five days' journey there and five days back, so hopefully not longer than two weeks," was the reply. "In case of any delay, I will send one of my family crows with a message."
"I will keep watch by the window day and night then," Minato half-joked. "But I do not care how long I must wait. I have lived many years; I am willing to be patient for as long as it takes."
Then with a lingering kiss on Kagari's forehead, she whispered, "Like I've said before, no matter what, I will always find you."
When the House of Fujiwara and the House of Yanase bid her farewell outside the castle, it seemed to Kagari that it would be scarcely bearable to leave the warm atmosphere of the large family. It was more difficult than she thought it would be, particularly when the children clung to her dress, and Touko's youngest daughter, Shiori, raised her stout arms, begging to be picked up.
"You are welcome here anytime," Shigeru said. "The past three months have been absolutely delightful with your company."
"And be sure to take care of yourself on the way home," Touko added, handing Kagari a small bag. "A little something for the road. Some leftover cookies Mai and I baked together in our free time."
She rubbed the head of her eldest daughter affectionately, who shyly bobbed a curtsey to the hunter. "You will come back though to visit, won't you, Lady Hiiragi?"
"Of course, darling," Kagari answered. "Perhaps I'll be back sooner than we all think."
"Maybe you could bring some more of those peppermint sweets you had earlier? Those were delicious," Kanami's older brother, Tamaki, remarked, prompting his parents to roll their eyes.
"By the bucketload," the hunter laughed, patting his shoulder.
She embraced each of the family members in turn until she came to Minato last of all. Knowing that to cling to her lover for a noticeably long period would raise eyebrows, Kagari made sure to keep the hug quick, despite how much she didn't want to let go. She never imagined that releasing herself from those warm and secure arms would be so painful. All of a sudden, the hunter felt so empty without Minato's embrace. When would they hold each other once again?
"This isn't our final farewell," Minato said.
Giving a nod of her head, Kagari quickly mounted her horse, not making eye contact with her lover. If she did, she knew she would start crying. She did not turn around to look back or wave, despite hearing the parting good wishes of the family members behind her. With the setting sun warming her back, Kagari took out the silver locket she kept hidden underneath her dress, clutching it with one hand.
This was more than just her most prized possession now. It was the symbol of a vow she was determined to keep. A promise that she'd gladly destroy herself for in order to fulfill it, so long as she ended up in Minato's arms one last time.
Keeping her steed at a steady pace, the hunter held the reins firmly with one hand, using the other to flick the locket open. Those beautiful light-brown eyes and that bright smile she loved...
"I will come back to you."
Imagine Yukari's aghast horror after three months of blessed assurance of her stepsister's demise, to be then taken aback by the court herald announcing Kagari's presence for all to hear. But probably what surprised her the most was how the hunter seemed to radiate light throughout the great throne room. Her once pale cheeks were now rosy and her eyes, normally so dull and emotionless, were glinting with a spark of what could only be described as pure happiness. Something was up...and Yukari did not like it. The other courtiers seemed to notice the change in the hunter too, except for perhaps Akane and Iroha, who in their utter delight and relief, ran forward to embrace Kagari. To the distressed inquiries about where on Earth had she been for so long and what a state she was in with her dirty clothes, the green-haired hunter could not make a favourable answer. Albeit calm they usually were, she had forgotten how melodramatic Akane and Iroha could become in their agitation.
"To be gone for months on a mission we believed would only take you a fortnight at most!" Iroha exclaimed.
"Dear sister, where in Amaterasu's name have you been?" Akane asked next.
Poor Kagari wished they kept their voices quieter, disliking the attention she had already drawn in the room. Extracting herself with difficulty from her stepsister and half-sister's arms, the hunter approached the young woman seated on the cold iron throne. Having not first addressed the monarch, already her behaviour was considered impertinent for failing to follow royal etiquette.
"Your Majesty, I have returned," Kagari said, getting down on one knee and making sure she did not meet the queen's eyes.
"Sister, I am very glad to see you safe and back at court," Yukari almost hissed. "I am looking forward to your report, regarding your mission. I trust that it went well?"
'Better than you would have ever thought,' Kagari silently answered, before adding, 'You little bitch.'
"Yes, it did," she said. "In fact, with Your Majesty's permission, I have an announcement to make."
Promptly, her words raised the queen's eyebrows, along with some of those in the throne room. Steeling herself, Kagari took a deep breath before speaking in as loud a voice as possible. Her intent to make sure she was heard was not necessary, however. The entire great hall was dead silent, hanging onto her every word.
"I wish to retire from my post as a vampire hunter. Your Majesty has always persuaded me from doing so, but I have met an individual of noble birth during my travels. I wish to get married and live a life away from court."
Her last sentence came quite without warning to the female monarch and the rest of her audience. Kagari was convinced her older stepsister held her in contempt for it. Yet, she had no time to read Yukari's blank expression because once again she was bombarded by Akane and Iroha, along with the rest of her Hiiragi relatives.
"An individual of noble birth! Why Kagari—you never sent a word about this by letter—you sly thing," Iroha teased. "So that was what was keeping you so long!"
"Who is it? Oh, do tell, dear sister," Akane said. "Is he handsome? Rich? I do hope above all, he is a faithful follower of the blessed Amaterasu. You know how important that is."
"So, what is he like?"
"Tell us! Tell us!"
With everyone fixed on Kagari and trying to extract as much information from her as possible, Yukari tightly gripped the armrests of her throne. A suitor of the stepsister she hated so much was dangerous enough. A suitor that she did not know herself, and who could possibly be powerful and have a vast army, was an even bigger threat. If he was ambitious and just as potentially threatening as Kagari, who knew what they could accomplish together?
Her knuckles beginning to turn white, Yukari turned to the young woman beside her, whose loyalty was unquestionable. In a court full of intrigue and conspiracies, Yukina was the only person she was willing to let her guard down around. As queen, Yukari was fully aware that for her whole life, she would always have to be plotting. A cold tactical girl, though only sixteen, Yukina was her perfect conspirator.
"Keep an eye on my stepsister and find out as much information as you can," the female ruler whispered to her cousin.
She knew Yukina would do the deed just by the cruel grin the purple-haired girl gave.
Yukari's private chambers were a statement of excess and materialism, every lavish piece of furniture bought with money from the royal treasury. They were richly appointed rooms that were spent more on rather than the poor and hungry outside of the palace. The queen's pride in her lineage was plain to see; every decoration was in the Royal House of Origami's colours—gold and purple. Never in her life would Yukari have chosen anything of silver and green—a homage to the House of Hiiragi. Everything was expensive and tasteful, designed for absolute comfort. From the outrageously large four-poster bed to the small ornate clock atop the mantelpiece were all for Yukari's pleasure and greed. These were her apartments. She never let anyone into them.
Which was why Kagari felt like an intruder when Yukari summoned her to her chambers. Despite her beautiful surroundings and plenty of sunlight filtering in through the three floor-to-ceiling windows, it was like entering the den of a dragon. Hence why Kagari did not gaze around in amazement but kept her steady burgundy eyes on the danger. It made no difference that Yukari was not seated on her throne now. Even on one of the plush chairs by her fireplace, the seventeen-year-old queen was just as venomous as a snake. Kagari was sharp enough to know that even here in her stepsister's chambers, Yukari would not hesitate to kill her. All the queen had to do was lift up a finger if she was displeased, and then the hunter's blood would be spilling all over the meticulously woven carpet.
"Do sit, Sister," Yukari said, extending a palm towards the chair opposite her. "How about a friendly game of chess?"
In her mind, Kagari translated this to, "How about a competitive game of conquest where I am the queen and you the weak little pawn?"
"I think I should like that," the vampire hunter said, making herself comfortable. Although internally she added, 'After all, Yukari, a weak little pawn can easily become a queen when she reaches the other side. A weak little pawn...can bring down an empire.'
Starting the game by moving one of her white knights, Yukari said, "I know that you possess the shrewd mind of your ancestors to be aware that I haven't invited you here for mere entertainment."
"Yes, I suspected as much," Kagari answered, moving one of her black pawns in a classic "Queen's Gambit" opening.
Peering at the board and deciding it was safe to capture the sacrificial pawn, the queen said, "And I think we can make this conversation easier by not hiding the truth from each other. Would you agree?"
"If that is what would please Your Majesty."
"It would."
Neither of them said anything else afterwards, concentrating only on their game. The silence growing uncomfortably long, the hunter guessed that her stepsister was waiting for her to speak first. However, Kagari's tongue was frozen and her mind simply incapable of thinking about what would be the right thing to say. As a result, she blurted out, "So, why have you called me here, Your Majesty?"
With a sigh, Yukari got up and moved towards the dark cherry side table, pouring herself a goblet of wine. She did not offer to pour any for her guest, but simply returned to their game, making her next move by threatening her opponent's bishop with her rook.
"I will get straight to the point, Kagari."
The hunter knew she was in serious trouble since Yukari rarely spoke her actual name. On the occasions that she did, the queen always spat it out with venom.
"A report of a most alarming nature has reached my ears. I have reasons to suspect that you have indeed been philandering with an individual of noble birth—but not a mysterious young lord as so many believe. I was told that not only have you been fraternizing with my enemies these past three months, but that you and Countess Fujiwara are to be united soon afterwards in a secret marriage. Do you deny it to be a falsehood?"
Her cheeks colouring with disdain, Kagari replied, "If Your Majesty took the effort to spy on me, I wonder where is your proof?"
"My proof is right around your neck that you are trying to keep hidden with your collar," Yukari said, acidly. "I know you are wearing it, Kagari. And I know whose portrait is in there."
Moving her bishop with what she hoped was a stony expression, the hunter made no reply.
"Are you pretending to be ignorant of it?" Yukari asked, her voice starting to rise.
She lost her patience as Kagari remained silent. "Take it out from under your collar at once!"
With trembling hands, the hunter showed the silver locket in plain sight for the queen to see. Yukari's eyes narrowed at the crow engraved on it. As all this was going on, Kagari's head just wouldn't stop getting overwhelmed with questions. If Yukari knew all this, what else was she aware of? And how did she find out? Just who did she send to spy on her? In the royal palace, she was surrounded by courtiers and servants alike, but Kagari always took great caution when opening up her locket and sending out her messenger crows. She even made sure to burn the letters that Minato would write back. Surely nobody got their hands on those papers? Or had they? Could someone possibly have disrupted the communication between her and Minato? Yes...first catch the crow; keep the letter for evidence; copy it down; before sending the fake written message and her crow on route towards their initial destination? That never crossed her mind before.
"What do you have to say for yourself now?" Yukari demanded sharply.
"I do not pretend to be as candid as Your Majesty. You may ask however many questions as you like, which I may choose not to answer," Kagari said.
"How dare you? Is that how you address your queen?" Yukari asked. "Answer me, once and for all, and even now, I may not lose my patience, however thin it is at present. You are my dear stepsister, Kagari, and I would not wish harm to befall you. And Countess Fujiwara is a vampire—our empire's worst enemies. Not to mention, a wife and a mother of two. She will deny you. So, what have you to say to that?"
"Your Majesty has already said that Countess Fujiwara has a family of her own. There is no reason for you to suppose as to why the countess would fancy me. And, if you will forgive my impertinence, do not waste my time with sugarcoated words. I know that Your Majesty cares nothing for me at all and that your feelings towards me are anything but those of a most beloved and concerned stepsister."
The queen's already red eyes seemed to become an even brighter shade of scarlet in her rage. "We both know that you are being a most frightful liar, and I will not let you leave this room until you start being honest. So, are you going to tell me the truth or do I need to tell a servant to lay a mattress here for you?"
"During my stay with them, Countess Fujiwara and her household had been nothing but civil and gracious to me. They have human villagers as loyal subordinates but treat them like equal friends. All these admirable qualities and many more I have already reported to you and the High Council earlier. You could not possibly see them as a threat. Even the High Council agreed! What more would it take to convince Your Majesty? They aren't like other vampires; they are not monsters!"
Clutching her locket, Kagari vehemently cried, "I love Minato and she loves me!"
The two young women had reached a stalemate. In their silent rage, only the ticking sounds of the mantelpiece clock could be heard.
"You have stolen the heart of a woman who is already married, just like your good-for-nothing father had. And you are willing to ruin an entire family's happiness, as your father had ruined mine," Yukari said. "You are really no better than him."
"Don't give me that shit, Yukari," Kagari scoffed, no longer caring about being polite. "I know that the well-being of Minato's family is the least of your concerns. All you are worried about is my existence as a threat to your throne!"
"How dare you—"
"It has not just been about me. You've had so many executed without a trial to save your own skin—vampires and people who you believe to be traitors without any proof. You have even killed your own flesh and blood! Don't think that I truly believe your mother died of natural causes—the so-called grief she suddenly succumbed to."
Once again, a silence fell between the stepsisters, before Yukari rose from her chair and walked over to her writing desk. It was a handsome piece of furniture, trimmed with gold embellishments. Neatly ranged upon it were stacks of papers, a quill and ink bottle, along with a brass armillary sphere. Taking a document from her desk, Yukari shoved it in front of Kagari's face, along with a quill.
"You stubbornly forget that all unions between nobles must be approved by the crown, and I certainly do not approve of yours. See here? It is your official marriage contract to an individual of my choice," the queen said. "It would be wise for you to sign it."
"And if I don't?"
"Refuse to do so and I shall have not only your vampire lover killed but the entire House of Fujiwara. I shall have their heads displayed on pikes above the city gates."
"I have conditions then," Kagari said.
"State them."
"If I sign, I still get to see Minato and her family. You will not touch them or bother them at all. And I get a say on who you choose for me."
"No."
"You will agree to my demands or—"
"No, you will agree to my demands as I am the queen. And unless you start being rational, I have only to give the word and take swift action at once. Your refusal to sign is rebellious enough to be considered treason. So, I suggest you quit your whining and sign."
"But—"
"Sign!"
Her heart plummeting into her stomach, Kagari felt as though the writing on the contract was starting to swim before her eyes. The lives of her dear friends and her beloved Minato depended on just one piece of paper. Kagari's hand was trembling so much that she could barely get a firm hold on the quill Yukari handed to her.
'I'm sorry, Minato...'
Taking a deep breath and making a silent prayer to Amaterasu, the hunter carefully signed on the blank line. Each stroke of the quill was harder to make than the last. Somehow, she was able to finish, without ruining the parchment with any inkblots. Barely containing her glee, Yukari practically snatched the contract away once she was done.
"There. Is Your Majesty happy and satisfied now?" Kagari spat.
"Not yet. You still have not made your move," Yukari said, indicating towards the chessboard.
Giving one last glare at the stepsister she realized she hated more than ever, Kagari internally vowed, 'This isn't the end. I will keep Minato and my friends safe from you. And I will someday find a way to be with Minato forever!'
With an arrogance that matched Yukari's, the hunter moved her black pawn to the end of the board, changing it into a queen. "Checkmate."
Yukari's face was as white as her chess pieces. It did not matter that she had captured more of Kagari's. The hunter was clearly the superior in games of strategy. Like the black pawn she just moved, she had become more powerful than Yukari realized.
"Guards!" Yukari roared, compelling two soldiers to quickly burst through the doors and get down on their knees in respect. "Escort my stepsister to her room. I want security posted outside her doors; she is not to leave her chambers without my permission. Confiscate Kogarasumaru and all of her weapons, along with her messenger crows. I will not have her making correspondence to anyone."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Kagari felt as though a part of herself was being torn away, as she handed her precious okatana over to the two men. Kogarasumaru was like her own spirit and soul. Then, a sudden thought striking her, she frantically clasped her silver locket with both hands, afraid if she let go that the guards would yank it right off her neck. The arrogant defiance she had before was now gone, completely broken. But Kagari no longer cared anymore.
Her eyes already spilling tears, she begged, "Don't take this away from me too. It's all I have left of her."
Clearly relishing her stepsister's pain, Yukari said, "Of course I will not. Even I am not that cruel to have no pity for my own stepsister."
'Yes, you are,' Kagari thought.
She knew what Yukari's true reasoning was. To mock her by letting her keep the portrait of the one true love she would never have. Well, the queen could laugh with satisfaction all she wanted! Like she intended, the pain struck home leaving Kagari with a dull ache in her body.
The hunter continued clutching the locket. This was more than just a reminder of Minato; this was now her last hope. The hope that whispered that this wasn't the end. It shouldn't be the end!
'No matter what they tell us and no matter how hard they try to keep us apart, I will return to you, Minato!'
One of the several rooms that was a part of Yukari's chambers was a small hall of paintings. Unlike the Gallery of Portraits, this room was dedicated solely to pictures of the royal family. They were all robed with garments of the richest materials and had crowns on their heads. Their stately attire was made of all gold and purple with intricate patterns. Some had pictures of flowers and strange beasts in needlework all over them. Precious stones of astonishing size and brightness shone from their crowns and on any form of jewelry they wore.
The portraits were chronologically arranged according to when the kings and queens had served as rulers of the empire. Near the double doors to the small hall, the faces of the first rulers looked kind and wise, clearly showing from how handsome a lineage Yukari descended from. But a few steps deeper into the hall, the faces were more serious. One would feel that obeying royal etiquette was of the utmost importance to these rulers. Further in, near the middle of the room were portraits depicting faces that looked very strong, proud, and happy—but they looked cruel. Further on, they looked even crueller. And then there was Yukari's portrait, last of all. Without a doubt, the painter had done a fine job of captivating the current queen's fierceness and pride in her withering glare. Here in Yukari's hall of paintings, the royal family's history was clearly shown—having started out as a golden age of wisdom and benevolence before turning to corruption and evil.
Walking to her portrait, Yukari gave the side of it a good tug and it swung open like a door. Behind it lay a hidden staircase, leading to the tallest tower of the royal palace. Yukari's secret chamber was bare, save for a large round mirror with a black iron frame shaped like twisted thorny vines. The glass looked as though it was made out of ice and although it was not winter, the room was freezing cold. Coming out from the mirror and spreading around it was icy frost, covering over the parts of the walls and floor nearby.
"I see you have come again, Yukari."
"Nice to see you too," the queen sarcastically replied, glaring at the looking-glass.
The face of a woman with short, wavy, white hair and glowing orange eyes had appeared in the mirror, giving Yukari a deadpan look. Her skin was also white as paper, and a black and orange accessory resembling a pair of clawed hands covered her mouth like a mask. Even spiritually trapped in a mirror, Princess Ichikishima was no less regal than when she was alive hundreds of years ago. She was the last ruler of the now-extinct Royal House of Aradama, the family that the Houses of Origami and Hiiragi were cadet branches of.
"I see that you have taken a step forward in preventing your stepsister's happiness," Ichikishima said.
"Indeed, I have," was the smug reply.
"She has no idea, does she?"
"Of the prophecy?"
Apathetically, the princess said, "You could have ended her life there and then. It would've been easy. You'd have no need to worry if you did."
Despite her supposedly supportive words to the queen, in truth, Ichikishima was indifferent to both Yukari and Kagari. During her reign and even now, the princess had no particular affection nor hatred toward anyone. She was simply incapable of being anything but neutral. Although without prejudice and compulsion of any kind, Ichikishima was also dismissive and lacked conviction. She was not one to wish ill will on anyone, but also would not care if disaster befell them. The princess was simply impartial and unconcerned with anyone's affairs. However, it also made her superior in council and guidance. Hence why Yukari always sought Princess Ichikishima for the best judgement.
"I'm not a total monster," the queen said, sarcastically. "Besides, I cannot imprison nor kill my dear stepsister without a valid reason. Most of the five kingdoms are loyal to the House of Hiiragi—they would turn on me and try to remove me from the Kamakura Throne."
Leaning so close to the mirror that her breath came in visible puffs of air from the cold, she added, "Kagari will see sooner or later. And if she doesn't...it will be terrible on her part."
Because Ichikishima's mouth was covered with a mask, Yukari could not tell whether the princess was smiling or frowning. Those impassive orange eyes seemed to bore into her own like a drill, as though she was eyeing the queen like some sort of strange specimen.
"I must warn you, Yukari, against going down a dark path. To do so would not only awaken a great evil within yourself but in the stepsister you fear so much. Do not forget the Hiiragis of the past and what happened to them. Each and every one of them, no matter what their motives were, whether they were kind or cruel from the start—all descended into dark madness after being corrupted by power. The entire House of Hiiragi became the worst villains in the Kamakura Empire's history."
"And they are your descendants!" Yukari accused, making a sound that was somewhere between a laugh and a scoff.
"That is beside the point," Ichikishima said, still maintaining a level voice. "Forget the prophecy you constantly fear. You are in even greater danger by attempting to cross a line that has the potential to make Kagari snap like the rest of her Hiiragi ancestors. And her desires are no different from some of theirs. She is a lonely soul who wants only to be loved and belong. You, on the other hand, have unlimited riches, power at your fingertips, famed beauty spoken of across the land, and everyone bowing at your feet... You have everything life could possibly offer. But Kagari's life is bound up in only one person. And if you snuff out that last flame of hope in her...she will become the worst Hiiragi of them all."
The princess's words nearly sent shudders down Yukari's spine, but arrogance forbade her from showing any sign of weakness. "And she will be destroyed like the rest of them. My royal family has defeated each and every one of them every single time!"
Her triumphant comeback was short-lived when Ichikishima gave her last and final warning. "You and your family may have sat on the throne with pride for centuries, Yukari...but remember, it was pride that came before the fall."
A/N: Kagari has been forced to sign a marriage contract with a man of Yukari's choosing, and forbidden from seeing Minato. Will she ever see her lover again? And what about Princess Ichikishima's warning? Will Kagari indeed fall down into evil madness? Leave your thoughts and comments in the reviews!
Some additional information in case you missed/didn't understand it...
1) The House of Hiiragi owns crows that act almost like messenger pigeons. Kagari is now the sole owner of them since she is the last living descendant. Iroha, despite being Kagari's half-sister, doesn't belong to the House of Hiiragi. Kagari's only remaining relatives are those on Iroha's side of the family, along with Yukari and Akane's.
2) Princess Ichikishima is from the now-extinct Royal House of Aradama. The Houses of Origami and Hiiragi are descended from the Royal House of Aradama and are cadet branches. But due to lingering claims to the throne amongst their various offspring, this is why they are stuck in a war that has lasted for centuries. Right now, the Houses of Origami and Hiiragi are at a stalemate, neither side wanting to fight at present since Kagari technically still works for Yukari.
3) Before she died, Princess Ichikishima had her soul trapped in the magic mirror. How this happened is a mystery that will not be revealed until later on in the story.