Usually the early morning hour was cold but some days it brought blissful warmth. She roused to her cheek pressed to his bare chest, right over the rhythmic sound of his heart. In all the times that she had woken up like this, she only had one point of focus. Everything about him was serene. If anyone has to look at him right now they'd be enthralled by the sheer beauty. She wondered soundlessly, feeling incredibly fond.

She brushed the smooth strands of hair that were blocking his face. It was impossible to resist. She held his face in the gentle hands and with deep affection bestowed a kiss on his forehead.

"Haven't you had enough?"

Hearing this, she was startled. Why does he have to pretend he has been sleeping? She thought.

In that moment, the blush that creeped her neck faded the moment it appeared. She fell silent for a second before she could come with a proper reply.

"Why? Can't I admire his majesty's beauty?" she encountered.

He blinked, a little surprised. It seemed like he didn't expect her to say that with a straight face, let alone with such seriousness.

"My, my, who's the one shameless now?" he said and let out a high pitched laugh which was a rare sight to see.

Without knowing, she stared like a fool, awe-struck, almost forgetting the mocking reply.

She came back to her senses when he reached for her, pulling her down. His lips traced hers, planting a brief and chaste kiss.

She couldn't help but smile, her face illuminated in the faint light of the early morning.

If they wanted they would have lingered in the bed all morning, but they needed to tend to their duties. Reluctantly, they got out of the bed soon. After getting ready for the day, together they sat to eat as servants brought morning refreshments.

In the middle of the breakfast, Anna set down her teacup, and picked up the letter which Izana had placed on the table. It was from Alarecia. As she read through the content, her brow furrowed. At the end of it, she had a look of confusion on her face.

"Wasn't the crowning ceremony supposed to be months ago when I was recovering from the injury?" she asked. She remembered telling her brother she wouldn't be able to attend. Yet now she received the invitation.

"It was postponed for some reason. Now, your brother wants you to attend no matter what."

He didn't look content about it. She read a quite displeased look in his eyes. In her heart, she guessed his brother really wanted her to be there that's why he must have postponed it for her.

"You won't be coming with me, I suppose." she discerned, understanding he would not leave his duties on such a short notice. And neither would he want to converse with her brother.

"Yes." he replied in confirmation. "Zakura will accompany you."

Hearing that she quickly made a disapproving face. "I don't think that is necessary."

Last thing she wanted was someone to follow her and keep watch like a hawk. As much she was concerned she wasn't a helpless maiden.

He gave her a long hard stare, long enough so she would give up. She understood his worry.

"Fine." she let out a defeated sigh.

"It's for your safety. You don't need me to remind you of that." He could not risk her life after what had happened during the assasination attempt. Even after her injuries completely healed, the scars of the attack she still carried on her body. They would never go away.

Later that day as evening drifted closer and work for the day was near over, she received a message from his office. He wanted to spar with her. She hadn't necessarily expected him to consider it this soon.

After donning in required attire, she headed straight for the training area.

He was waiting for her, stripped off his additional council layers he wore everyday. Seeing her, he unsheathed his sword, rising it into the air.

She on the other side did the same, ready to attack. There was no need for any other talk.

The blades met, clinking sound echoed in the surrounding. She didn't want him to go easy on her. The match needed to be fair and square. To her delight, he seemed to understand her wish. Because his attacks were fierce, sharp like the edge of the blade.

She blocked a second blow, and a third, then regressed.

"Is this what you got, wife?" he provoked.

She did not rise to the bait. Keeping her calm, she ignored the remark beginning to strike again. The swords met again, this time with more intensity. She almost pushed him back with a force, but he attacked holding nothing back.

Her hair spilled from the bun. Swiftly plunging down.

If there was a moment when his thoughts started to wander, he felt distracted, that would be right now.

She didn't stop. With quick motion, her sword shivered through the air almost going for a pinpoint attack. It managed to halt his motion for a fraction of a second, giving her time to focus on her next attack. She leaped back and charged again with a tight grip on the hilt of her sword.

It continued until she was dead on her feat, defeated, with her breathing ragged.

"I am impressed." he admitted. In truth, he didn't expect anything less.

"Well. I'm honoured." she said, giving an endearing smile.

Torches were lit on the walls, light crept across the white floor. A wind howled. It wasn't really warm, but she wasn't feeling any cold.

"Your majesties," A retainer bowed, presenting a tray of water and stack of cotton towels. As soon as his job was done, he vanished within a blink of an eye. There wasn't a single soul in the sight.

"Izana," she called, after wiping her sweat and drinking some water. After doing the same, he gave her his attention. "Isn't it too quiet?" she asked.

"Is it?" He took a step closer.

"Yes."

"Close your eyes." he suddenly ordered.

"Huh?" A puzzled look, then a sense of shock. "Why?"

"Because I said so."

After a moment of thought, she gave the tiniest nod, "Okay."

She felt his hand around back of her neck, then a weight of something settled on the chest. Impatiently, she opened her eyes as soon as he stepped back.

It was a pendant. Her fingers trailed across delicately carved stone.

"It's a gift." he simply said. "We missed your birthday while you were recovering."

Oh.

Suddenly it was overwhelming. She herself didn't remember that.

She paused for a second, looked up at him as he gazed back at her with an air of profound contentment. Without thinking about any appropriacy, she embraced him on the spot. Her face was pressed into his shoulders, hands gripping his back were so tight that they almost seemed to tremble.

She half-expected him to push her away. Certainly he didn't touch other people out in open like this.

But he wrapped his arms around her, gathering her closer. She felt a sharp intake of breath over her hair. Her heart thrummed against the ribcage. There was so much to say, but right now she preferred to be comfortably silent.

For it felt like an eternity, they stayed in the embrace, eyes closed, relishing the moment.

The loud but hesitant clearing of the throat made them aware of their surroundings.

"Your majesty,"

Just then every part of her went still. How long had Haruka been standing there? Even if she wanted to disappear very deliberately from here, she couldn't find enough courage to lift her head up. Let alone separate herself from him.

"What is it?" About her head, Izana's voice had no implication of anger or irritation. As if nothing happened. Maybe his face had been also expressionless.

"Lord Rido wants to have a word with you. It seems like he is not pleased with the decision made at the council."

"Did he not make his position clear before? Right now he thinks it's time?"

"He's insistent."

"Tell him, I'll attend the matter tomorrow."

Haruka didn't need to be told twice,"Yes, your majesty. "

As Marquis left she realized, Izana had also not let her go. "I can't believe you." she quietly spoke." Do you intend to ruin your reputation?"

The question was masked with a serious tone but underneath it was hollow and tricky. No one's reputation was going to taint because of it. It was the fact he had accepted and showed his affection outside, she had wanted to poke fun.

"We're married." he stated as if she had forgotten and needed a reminder. "Besides, isn't it your fault?"

They looked at each other, she snorted, "My fault?"

"Yes. You're the one responsible."

"Ah...that's terrible. It can't be helped then." she said. "I am bound to act this way. You're stuck with me for the rest of your life."

"Seems so." he smiled. "It is terrible, because I'm never letting you go."

Now everything was too bright. Even the blue moonlight seemed to lose its glory against that response. Her eyes glinted, she huffed an amused laugh. Surely, she wasn't going to argue.

The next day, after a heartfelt farewell in their private chambers, she parted with him and left for Alarecia.

She traveled inside the carriage along with her maids while Zakura rode on the horse alongside other soldiers. After two weeks of a long journey they arrived in their said destination.

As the carriage stopped in front of the gates of the castle of Alarecia, Anna precisely looked at the surroundings. Nothing in her home had changed a bit. It was just like how she had left.

The first prince, soon to be King, was standing on the castle grounds to greet them. Haki was also there; she had arrived when the preparations were just starting for the ceremony.

When the prince found out that Izana didn't accompany her, he was enraged. "Why didn't he come along with you? Does he not care for your well being? After what happened -"

"Brother, please calm down."

By now she had known both of them would never get along.

"It seems like the prince doesn't favour His majesty much. Any particular reason?" Zakura asked, later that evening. He found it interesting how two kings of neighboring kingdom despised each other yet ended up becoming allies. Anna could see the intrigue in his eyes.

"I don't know. Perhaps ask his majesty himself." she suggested.

He laughed, "You're funny, your majesty. I daren't."

She smiled. At the same time her thoughts wandered back to Clarines.

"His highness Zen must have also reached north and been there for a couple of days now. He left Wistal just two days before us." she said, her tone turned worrisome. "I hope he's handling the condition well there."

"I guess you don't know about the whole situation in Sereg?"

She shook her head, "I'd be thankful if you'd enlighten me."

Then he told her about the attacks on the aristocrats that were happening. And Zen was sent to investigate it with Lord Hisame, who was also vice-captain of Sereg Kinght circle.

The upcoming day ceremony went smoothly. The castle was bustling with life, vibrant with joyous celebrations. Seeing her brother and Haki happy had made Anna content. Also, settling back in her old room, meeting everyone she knew before, it was sure pleasant. She needed it.

After staying for a couple of days, they left Aalrecia along with Haki, as she had to go back to Lyrias. And Anna decided to make a stop there for a few days before heading again to long journey for Wistal.

"You really don't want to eat?" Haki's voice echoed behind the door. They had arrived in Lyrias safely last night. When maids told their queen had no appetite and didn't want to eat, Haki herself came to see what was the matter.

Inside the room, Anna shook her head, "Not now. I'll have brunch later." she added, "I am exhausted from the journey."

"Alright. Rest for a while then."

As Haki left, she curled up in the bed and touched her stomach. She hadn't bled this month. And now, she was feeling morning sickness. She had an obvious clue what was wrong with her. With this sudden realization, at first she thought about confirming it with Shirayuki as she was going to visit her anyway. But since this was a sensitive matter, she thought of waiting until they would reach Wistal and then she would meet with Garack who had more experience and knowledge in the regard. Not to mention, there was a small chance she could possibly be wrong and this was just tiredness from all the traveling.

In the afternoon, as she planned she headed for the pharmacy. After crossing the yard, she sensed someone's presence.

"You don't have to follow me everywhere, you know. " she said in a sullen voice. "No one is going to ambush me suddenly."

"You don't know that, your majesty. Anything can happen." Zakura confronted.

"I'm going to meet Shirayuki." she stated, hoping he would understand the two women will need privacy to talk.

"Alright. I'll stay nearby in the pharmacy building." he said.

As she strode into the pharmacy, the workers paused to look at her as she passed by. They couldn't exactly know this was the queen, but from her clothing and features they understood it was someone from very high status.

Yuzuri and Suzu spotted her first, she smiled and gestured to them to keep quiet.

Shirayuki was standing near a shelf, observing something.

She lightly tapped her shoulder and said, "How are you, Shirayuki?"

"Your majesty, when did you arrive?" the red haired pharmacist turned around. She looked surprised and confused with the queen's sudden appearance.

"Last night." Anna said and then asked, "Would you like to have lunch with me?"

Shirayuki didn't know what to say. Everyone in the room was staring at them.

"Yuzuru and Suzu would be joining us too." she continued, inviting them also.

But of course both of them also didn't know what to say. They still hadn't come with the terms that the princess they used to know was queen now.

"Is it really fine her majesty having lunch here with us? " Suzu managed to say.

"Yes." she answered confidently. "You don't need to think about all the proprieties. "

As she said that, their expressions eased a bit. Before leaving for the meal, they started to organize their workplace and finish the remaining work.

"How's your research about Olin Maris coming along? Chief pharmacist told me that His majesty has trusted you with the task." Anna queried, after Shirayuki was done with her work.

She looked really happy as she spoke, "We have made tremendous progress so far."

Anna was genuinely happy to hear that. She was about to express her thoughts when a voice interrupted them.

"Mistress!"

Both the women looked around to see Obi entering the room.

"Ah, her majesty is here too?" he was of course surprised to see her here.

"Show some respect." Suzu commented, glaring at him.

Ignoring him, Obi gestured at Shirayuki,"I'd like to borrow her for a moment."

"And her majesty would want to come along too."

"Huh?" Suzu was puzzled.

"It's fine." Anna assured, and then three of them exited the room.

As they stood in the hallway, Obi spoke, "A royal messenger arrived at where the Master and rest are. Mitsuhide-san is under arrest."

What?

Both of their faces were painted in shock.

"That's just ridiculous. Why?" Shirayuki asked.

"Some Knight has accused Mitsuhide-san claiming he is the one who was behind attacking the noblemen in Sereg." Obi revealed.

"He could never do that." Shirayuki said.

"Yes. We know what kind of person he is." Obi supported the fact.

Since all young noblemen were possible suitors for Kiki, it added him more as the suspect. Anna thought. Someone had plotted this with a well thought process.

"What are the chances they will target me?" Shirayuki questioned.

"I won't let them." Obi told her, quite confident in his abilities. "You should stay here in Lyrias."

"Their target is likely his highness and the aides. Master has entrusted me with the job to investigate the matter. And he has also sent a trustable person who will be arriving soon. You will be safe."

Hearing that, both the women were at ease.

"If you don't mind, I want to talk with her majesty alone for a bit."

Shirayuki appeared very worried at first; in return Obi gave her assurance that it wasn't anything serious so she had to nod in acknowledgement.

Anna knew after what she told him at the night of the banquet at Wistal, he must have been more careful and would have never left Shirayuki alone. Even if someone behind this plot didn't know Zen's connection with Shirayuki and didn't target her, they had to think about Shirayuki's safety. Only Obi and she knew that the assassins attacked at Wistal had another objective, which was shirayuki. It was unknown if those people had given up.

"So did you find anything strange during these past few months?" Anna asked after Shirayuki was out of sight.

He leaned on the side of the pillar, "I suspect some people might have been wandering around. It could be just me being extra cautious as there's no suspicious activity yet. Not a single attempt to even come in contact with Miss." he informed her, further explaining, "But it's possible that they are laying low and collecting more information as they failed in Wistal."

She paused thoughtfully. "But if your suspicion is true then they can take their chances now if you are away." There was implicit concern in her voice.

"This situation is very serious too." He also looked distressed." I have to go to investigate. I would have asked you to accompany Miss too, along with the person Master has sent, as for being more safe."

"But if something happens to you, his majesty would come for our throats." he specifically highlighted.

She avoided saying anything on that,"I'll see what I can do."

Only if she could convince Zakura to stay here longer. Which was almost impossible.

"As soon as this mess is over in Sereg. We have to tell his highness the truth." Obi said. "If those assassins are still after mistress then we can't hide it. Sooner or later master has to know."

For the long time, she had been contemplating the same thing and agreed with him. Even if she couldn't tell Izana, it was the time Zen needed to know.

Both of them walked toward Shirayuki who had been waiting patiently for their conversation to be over. After that, Obi left them to talk alone in the hallway and headed out of the building.

"Shirayuki, are you alright?" Anna asked, clasping her shoulder. For a split second, she saw her looking so dejected by the situation they were facing.

"Yes. I'm fine." she replied, trying her best not to sound distressed.

A shuffle of footsteps made them look up in the direction of the sound.

"Here you are, your majesty. I have been searching everywhere." Zakura was marching toward them.

Did the news about the prince's aide getting arrested traveled so fast?

"What happened?"

"We have to go to Wilant."

What now?

This chapter turned out to be extra long than usual. If you guys read the manga you'll know about the Sereg arc. Though I'll explain what happened to Zen and rest in short in the next chapter. Hope you guys liked Anna and Izana's interactions.

Now the Important note:

When I first started writing this story, I had a sad ending in mind. But now I'll wrap up the story in the next few chapters with a happy ending.

And after the story ends, maybe I'll write a modern setting with Izana and Anna, including all other characters. Would you guys like that?

I'll be busy with my exams next month, until then.