A/N: EVERYONE! CAST YOUR VOTES! For those of you who haven't, just a friendly reminder that there is a poll on my Fanfiction account webpage.

I want to know whether you all want a stereotypical happy ending or a more realistic one (ie. where not every single one of our favourite characters wins/survives). Reason being is that if I write my realistic ending (which is the original one I've plotted out) without warning, I definitely know people will be angry at me because there is one big, major death of a certain Toji. (nervous laughter)

Or perhaps you guys even want me to write two chapters? One chapter as a happy ending and another chapter as a realistic ending? Anyway, check out the poll and vote!

1) Happy ending

2) Realistic ending

3) Both (one chapter as a happy ending; one chapter as a realistic ending)

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

Italics—The Past (Flashbacks)

Normal Text—The Present

Chapter 30: Till Death Do Us Part

For all the speculation and predictions of the past weeks, Kanami's proposal took Hiyori's breath away. She was literally speechless and could not say a word. Her shock betrayed by her parted lips, Hiyori wondered fleetingly what could possibly have made her lover come up with an offer of marriage so out of the blue. To see such desperation, along with a touch of fear in Kanami's eyes, bewildered Hiyori and gave her more confusion than joy. After enchanting moments when they'd confirm each other's feelings with chaste kisses and snatch the occasional opportunity to give in to their desires, the sight of Kanami getting down on one knee and taking her hand should not have been such a source of amazement to Hiyori—but it was.

This was not how Hiyori imagined being proposed to. She thought Kanami would have been eagerly ecstatic, hopeful for acceptance. Instead, the vampire was clearly in an ill state of agitation. Hiyori fantasied about Kanami choosing the perfect surroundings as well. A moonlit night in a beautiful garden, similar to the inner courtyard they whimsically chased each other around in. That would have been an ideal time and place for a proposal. Instead, she and Kanami were just standing in a hallway, wearing their night rails. A formal setting—like when she and Jun were officially betrothed in the royal palace, witnessed by the court—even that had been less unusual and awkward than this!

"Kanami, I don't understand," Hiyori said, at last. "What is this all about?"

"I know it sounds crazy. You must think I am crazy. But I can't wait any longer; we must get married now!" Kanami insisted. "I don't want to be ever separated from you, Hiyori-chan, and the fear of that ever happening is too much for me. We both know that there are people out there who would be all too happy to see us both either dead or forced apart. That is why I refuse to give them the chance!"

Seized by a fit of trembling, she continued, "Marry me, Hiyori-chan. I love you and it is a true, pure, and honourable love. I make suit to you, my queen, as your humble servant and protector. Say you will have me!"

Hiyori hesitated. Every part of her wanted to say yes, but she was being asked to give up her royal title and right to the Kamakura Throne in exchange. She thought of her determination to become a vampire hunter and avoid marriage in the first place. All those hardships of blood and toil would be for naught. Then, she thought of all her late ancestors and their ambitions for a Hiiragi on the throne. Dare she put an end to her powerful noble lineage by never producing any heirs? Her thoughts then turned to all the people whose hopes were vested in her—and for some reason she could not explain, Yuzuki's face was among them. She remembered the solemn advice given to her as a warning from the snow queen, "A queen cannot choose both love and duty." Hiyori didn't know why she should care about what Yuzuki said so much; she was not seeking to please her in any way. But hadn't she always reminded herself over and over again that love was only a weakness? Could she still right the wrongs that had been done by Yukari if she accepted Kanami's hand?

With Hiyori's hand still tightly clasped between her own, Kanami's beseeching eyes filled with tears, taking her queen's silence as rejection. But the choice had already been made for Hiyori.

"I love you, Kanami," she said, quietly, "and I will be your wife, but there is something I desire you to promise me first."

"What must I do?"

"Swear to me, I beg of you, that we shall tell this to no one but our trusted friends. I wish to keep our union a secret unless the worst comes to the worst."

Kanami frowned, thinking about Yume and the information she had whispered to her earlier. "Very well, Hiyori-chan. I swear to you."

How terrible that they were having this conversation with half-hearted feelings. The two kept thinking about whether it would be wise to wed on these terms. But then Kanami remembered Yume's smug face, and Hiyori thought about how horrified Yukari and even Akane would be. That made things a whole lot better and restored both girls to the delight of how they were still in control. It seemed like a dream. Soon, they would be united in holy matrimony.

Joy overwhelming her fears, Kanami got up from her knees and crushed Hiyori to her chest, sealing their lips together. She kissed her with even more ardour than she had ever shown before. In that kiss, there was passion and longing, but there was also pain. It had been a strange proposal, in grim circumstances, and whether this was the right decision neither of them knew, but they dared offer up a fervent prayer that Amaterasu would bless this marriage—even if it would certainly result in blood.

Trying to prepare herself for the next hour, Hiyori's fingers repeatedly rubbed the fabric of her houppelande gown—rich ivory velvet, completely lined and trimmed with fur. Around her petite waist were a silver brocade belt and a jewelled girdle. The long train was heavy, and the bodice too tight, but Hiyori knew she had never before looked so beautiful in her life, not even when she had married Jun. She left her long hair down just as Kanami liked it, her head only covered by a veil and an emerald circlet. Dangling from her fang-scarred neck were ropes of pearls, along with her precious silver locket. It had once been a symbol of the love between Kanami's mother and hers—now it was a symbol of their own. Mai had wept when she helped Hiyori into her wedding gown, and even Kaoru, who had been annoyed at having to be awake at night, looked as if she might shed a tear.

They were all there, crammed in Rui's small household chapel—Mai looking resplendent in her magenta gown, Sayaka very pretty in her blue and silver damask, Ellen wearing an air of jubilation, and Kaoru, tired from being robbed of sleep, yet happy. Even in the darkened chapel, lit only by the aurora's brilliance outside, Hiyori was aware of them all looking on as she walked down the nave, holding Rui's arm.

It had taken a day of planning, organized through very discreet letters sent between Kanami and Hiyori at Crystal Castle and their friends at Rui's mansion. The importance of its need to be kept secret was firmly urged upon all of them. Their proceedings, at Hiyori's insistence, must never be discovered by even the Akabane Sword Team. She knew that the first thing they'd do if they heard about the secret marriage would be to write immediately to Queen Akane. However, Rui might be told in strict confidence. Just from their last visit to her mansion, Kanami and even Hiyori shared no doubt that she would be trustworthy—especially when on their last visit to her place, they overheard her muttering how religiously deranged Akane had become. The young couple would need another witness outside of their circle of friends anyway.

With the excuse of wanting to visit their friends again, Kanami and Hiyori were allowed to do so. By some miracle, Yuzuki showed no sign of having smelled a rat. And then finally, when the last candles in Rui's household had been blown out, the hour they had all been anxiously waiting for came. After locking the chapel doors to prevent the eyes of any unwanted spies from snooping on them, Rui led Hiyori to the altar, giving an encouraging smile to the girl.

'Mother, I wish you could see me tonight... Father, I wish it was you giving me away... Jun, I finally found happiness just as you wanted...'

Training her eyes to focus upon the one she loved so dear, Hiyori made herself smile at Kanami, looking magnificent in white cloth with silver, with a glistening ruby fixed upon her breast. She had no idea of how faint and dizzy Kanami actually was, nor her increasing dread. The Holy Mother was definitely watching them now in this holy place. Kanami internally prayed harder than she had ever done before—for the happiness of herself and Hiyori, first and foremost, but also that Amaterasu would not turn her face from them both in wrath at this evening's rebellious act. The vampire finished her prayers in time to receive Hiyori at the altar.

If she wanted to back out, this was her final moment. But right when she took Hiyori's hand, the familiar warmth emanating from her lover's palm ceased any last doubts she had. Their new life together was about to begin. They had a new purpose, one in which their love would continue to grow and flourish. Both girls knew there was no other person they'd wish to share such a commitment with. Aware of the eyes of Rui and their four friends looking on, Kanami and Hiyori knelt before the chaplain, his baritone voice reciting passages from the religious scriptures and praying for Amaterasu to bless the couple.

But, when the time came to make their vows, Kanami had eyes only for Hiyori as her one true love solemnly recited her oath of loving faithfulness. Then, it was her turn. Prompted by the chaplain, Kanami spoke clearly, her voice strong and sure, "I, Countess Etou Kanami, take thee, Lady Juujou Hiyori, to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to be debonair and buxom in bed and at board, till death do us part, and thereto I plight unto thee my troth."

Though they were the same words she herself pledged, somehow, to Hiyori, they sounded more touching coming from Kanami's mouth. This was a promise even greater than the one Kanami made before, swearing to be her loyal servant and protector. With eyes starting to water, she watched as the vampire picked up the silver band from the small velvet cushion Nene had between his teeth. Unbeknownst to Hiyori, this was the very wedding ring Countess Fujiwara once wore, which had been safely kept by Kanami ever since her mother's demise. And then with one final blessing, the chaplain pronounced them officially joined in holy matrimony.

It was done. There was no going back. Swallowing, Kanami realized she must now live with the guilt of what she just did—not just as an act of love, but also avoidance. She doubted it would ever leave her. But it was too late to start feeling sorry. Not that she really was in the first place. She did not have to pretend to actually be happy, finally being married to her queen. They were unified, yet they were both free! Free from any unwanted suitors...

Banishing her fears to the deepest place in her mind, Kanami gently kissed Hiyori, exulting, "My lady and queen!" When they turned around, everyone knelt in reverence. It came as a shock to both girls to see their four friends and Rui with their heads bent to them, and they hastened to raise them. Then everyone was crowding around, congratulating them, Mai and Ellen both weeping tears of joy.

"Kanamin, Hiyoyon, in such a dark time as this, seeing you both happy and married is like a light at the end of a tunnel," Ellen sniffed.

"After being burdened with nothing but war strategies from the Mokusa Republic, I think we have all been starved for some sort of celebration," Kaoru said.

Her smile dropping back into her usual blank expression, Sayaka then asked the question they had all been wondering since Kanami and Hiyori secretly told them about the wedding. "What will you say if anyone finds out?"

"Yes, enemies could use it as grounds to either rebel or even argue that Hiyori-chan can't take the throne, since she gave up her title," Mai said.

"More importantly, and not that I am complaining, but why were you so insistent on getting married right now anyway?" Kaoru asked with a pointed look at Kanami.

All eyes now turned to the vampire, anticipating a response that would quell their confusion. Kanami swallowed down a lump in her throat, with a lie on her lips. "I just could not wait any longer to marry Hiyori-chan. I love her and didn't just want to be her protector. I wanted to be her wife and I wanted her to be mine."

"Just wanted an official excuse to bed her, did you?" Though Kaoru had muttered it under her breath, her lewd joke was loud enough to be heard by her elder sister, who smacked her upside the head. "Ow!"

"But why keep this from the Akabane Sword Team and the rest of the Mokusa Republic?" Mai asked. "I'm sure they would have been just as pleased to see you both wed, especially as it only solidifies the prophecy more."

"Because I don't think Queen Akane even cares about that prophecy."

It was neither of the newlyweds who had answered, but Rui who was standing aside from the group with her arms crossed. Adjusting her spectacles, she said, "I may have once helped Queen Akane escape from her sister, but I was too blind back then to see who she really is. Even though I have spent all my years of exile here in the North miles away from the republic, messengers, gossip, and allies have given me enough verification to know that all our blessed queen wishes is to use the 'two birds' as nothing but puppet rulers. This is no longer just a war between the Origamis and the Hiiragis; this is a war of religion too. Queen Akane will help put Countess Etou and Lady Juujou on the Kamakura Throne, but she will expect something in return—the reversal of the Kamakura Reformation and the Church of Amaterasu once again as the national religion."

"That would be a violation of free will!" Hiyori spat. "And for the record, I may have been raised by devout followers of Amaterasu, but I will not force anyone into a religion that is not their own. The people deserve the right to choose their own faith."

"Queen Akane would have a fit if she heard you just now," Kaoru said, frankly.

"Exactly! That is why Kanami and I did not dare to tell anyone else about tonight. There are factions against Kanami and me; that is guaranteed. And despite being our temporary allies, Queen Akane and the Mokusa Republic are surely one of them. They will be poised to bring us down if we disapprove of them and shove another in our place. I'm sure Queen Akane will definitely have a replacement, if not herself, on who should sit upon the throne, should she learn where Kanami and I stand."

Growing more concerned for her wife, Kanami squeezed Hiyori's hand a little as though to offer comfort and calm her down. Yet, Hiyori's words rang true. Kanami learned enough about court politics now to be aware that she and Hiyori were already vulnerable because of their secret beliefs—and their love. How could they keep these things hidden in palaces where nothing stayed concealed for long and in which the very walls had ears? Whatever dangers lay ahead, Kanami was determined that Hiyori would not be the one who'd suffer.

"It's okay, Hiyori-chan. As I've promised many times before, I will protect you."

The vampire lovingly bestowed a gentle kiss upon Hiyori's forehead, as though to seal her vow. Hiyori blushed, the red colour of her cheeks striking against her pale skin. It would take her a while to get used to such physical affection in public. From the corner of her eye, she could see their four friends nudging elbows with teasing smiles. It was Rui that killed the mood by reminding them that they could not stay in the mansion chapel all night.

"The hour grows late. You both had best quickly return to the castle now while it is still dark. May Amaterasu keep you both."

Never one to keep a vulgar joke to herself, Kaoru grabbed Kanami's ear and pulled her down to whisper, "Enjoy your wedding night with Cutting-Board and don't be too freakish in the sheets." It was rather unlucky that this time, Hiyori was the one who overheard her.

Five seconds later, Kaoru staggered out of the chapel with a new bump on her head.

Though she and Hiyori made love a number of times already, this night felt more special than all the rest. This time, they were more than lovers, they were united in holy matrimony. Kanami was still unnerved at how Yume's bed-chamber was next to her own. No doubt that was why the princess found out about her and Hiyori's affairs so easily. Kanami refused to let that poisonous snake ruin her wedding night, and so insisted that they go to Hiyori's room from now on instead, not giving away any hint about the real reason why. Hiyori accepted without question.

It struck Kanami that this was how it was going to be from now on. Hiding from Yume and any other person who posed as a threat. But Yume was the real spider in the corner that Kanami had to keep her eye on for now. But everything should be fine now, right? She and Hiyori were married now, and nobody could tear them apart. Not even Yume.

And once she helped Hiyori claim the iron throne every royal sat upon, no power could stop them from officially proclaiming their love and union. They would be unstoppable. And most importantly, she would never be that pink-haired bitch's bride!

But what if their secret marriage was discovered before they won the Cousins' War? Their enemies could pronounce it unlawful and therefore, invalid.

'Calm down. Nothing good will come out of assuming the worst,' Kanami told herself.

"Kanami? What's wrong?"

The vampire turned her head to see that her wife was looking at her with concern. It was then she realized that she had been frowning, her face as pinched as a nutcracker.

"Nothing. Just thinking."

"About what?"

Already since the beginning of their marriage, Kanami was being deceitful, and she felt ashamed of it. Weren't a loving couple supposed to trust each other? But she had good intentions. She could not bear to hurt Hiyori with the dark truth. First, there was her shady alliance, and then Yume's sexual advances and threats, and now...

Fabricating yet another falsehood, Kanami said, "I was just thinking about the task Queen Yuzuki gave us. An idea started forming in my mind earlier today."

"Oh?" Hiyori lay down on her side, nestling closer to her wife's body.

"This morning, when we were in the library with Queen Yuzuki, I came across an old book of the Kamakura Empire's history. The information it holds goes way back before when even the Royal House of Aradama reigned. Before the empire became an absolute monarchy, it was something called a democracy."

"Who was the ruler?"

"Nobody. The people had the choice to decide legislation, meaning that everyone in each of the five kingdoms elected their own representatives to be their voice in the centralized government. A written constitution, known as the Kamakurian Great Charter, documented the liberties held by the people and declared that even the nobility is subject to the rule of law. But when Izanagi the Conqueror and his sister-wife Izanami came to the Kamakura Empire, they tore up the Kamakurian Great Charter and declared themselves the first king and queen, founding the ruling dynasty of the Royal House of Aradama. So, you see, we could tell Queen Yuzuki that we wish to establish a democracy. If our ancestors made it work, we possibly could too."

Though it certainly sounded like an improvement to Yukari's administration, Hiyori sat up, frowning. "But what about the monarch? There needs to be one."

Now it was Kanami's turn to frown. Was there really a necessity for a ruler? Just look at all the people who wielded power! The House of Aradama and even the House of Origami, which at first had good intentions, slowly became corrupt as generations passed. Without careful discipline and caution, the kings and queens of the Kamakura Empire let themselves forget about their initial benevolent goals and fell to dishonesty and unrighteousness. But, Kanami loved Hiyori too much to deny her anything.

"The monarch can be a symbol and still remain the de facto head of state," Kanami said. "But he or she must share the power with the government formed by the people. We can call it..." she struggled to come up with a name, "...a constitutional monarchy, and we can use the fundamental principles of the Kamakurian Great Charter as a reference."

Hiyori still looked dubious wondering if such a plan would actually work. After all, such a government, as a democracy, was quick to fall to Izanagi the Conqueror. But at least, Kanami's idea was a start, though it would need some improvements. Still, this just proved how much she needed Kanami. Her beloved wife and protector, although impulsive, did indeed have a "tactical mind" as Yuzuki once said, and was more mature than she looked. Relaxing into her wife's embrace and closing her eyes, Hiyori's lips pulled upwards into a blissful smile, keeping hold of Kanami's hand. She drifted off to sleep with ease, but her wife remained wide awake all night.

Now in the unsettling silence, the vampire stared into the darkness of the bed-chamber, her hand still holding Hiyori's. She knew fear again...

To block the sight of the familiar ghost standing over their bed, Kanami squeezed her eyes shut and buried her face into Hiyori's long locks. She could not bear looking at those haunting bloody tears again.

Would this tormenting damnation ever leave her?

"Not long to wait now, Your Ladyship," the midwife said. "You may look daily for a healthy child."

But the child did not now seem in any hurry. Out of the greater love she had for her cousin, Yuzuki conveniently forgot about her initial annoyance at Kagari's extended stay. For several months during her cousin's pregnancy, the snow queen fussed over Kagari like a mother hen which just about pushed every single one of the Hiiragi sorceress's buttons. She screamed, threatened, and raged—but Yuzuki was firm and completely unmoved. It was more like having to take care of a hissing cat.

Yuzuki had written a letter to Juujou Souta, explaining the circumstances and stating that she would ensure his wife was well and comfortable. Kagari did not know whether to be relieved or annoyed that Souta replied that he wished the birth to carry out smoothly, but out of fear of the North, would not make the journey to see her. She absolutely hated being pregnant. The sleepless nights, the aches, the constant mood swings, and food cravings... After the first month, already everybody in the castle had experienced the Hiiragi sorceress's increasing temper tantrums. Kagari was too tired to do anything now, but glare at the midwife as she readjusted her linen chemise.

"Alright, now get out. I want some peace and quiet."

Not needing to be told twice, the midwife curtseyed and fled from the room, glad to be out of the lion's den. Kagari was left now staring daggers at a certain young woman sitting next to her bed.

"I don't want you here either. By Amaterasu's name, haven't you harassed me enough with your smothering affection?"

"I know you don't really mean that," Yuzuki replied.

"Yes, I do!"

"No, you don't. Now, shut up and get some sleep," the snow queen ordered. "I'm staying by your side whether you like it or not."

"What part of me wanting privacy do you not understand?" Kagari snapped.

"Would you rather have a maid sleep on the pallet bed next to you instead?"

"How I wish I was strong enough to rocket you sky-high..." the Hiiragi sorceress muttered, sinking deeper into the pillows.

Closing her eyes, she hoped Yuzuki could not see the blush on her cheeks. In truth, she did not hate her elder cousin as much as she wanted to. She had not been lying when she had said to Yuzuki that she was the only one she trusted now and had any affection for. They had always been close since childhood, and despite the hostile tension between them now, inwardly Kagari knew Yuzuki still cared for her. Kagari wished she'd stop. Things would be easier if Yuzuki saw her as a monster like everyone else. Yuzuki was all she had left...for now.

Stirring inside her was the child who would be a strong sorcerer or sorceress like her someday. A child who would grow to be just like her. A child who would secure the future of the Hiiragi bloodline...

When Kagari awoke the next morning, it was because she felt a slight cramp as if her monthly bleeding had come, and then another that was stronger than the first. There was a gush of water from her womb, and though Kagari hated showing any fear, she could not help herself from crying out in shock.

"Yuzuki!"

Her elder cousin, who had been sleeping next to her bed the entire night on a chair, jolted her head up at Kagari's cry. Quick and efficient, showing not a hint of the worry she felt for several months, Yuzuki summoned the midwife. Following behind her were a crew of nursemaids, ready and prepared with clean cloths, wash jugs, and basins.

"Your Ladyship's travail has begun, but as this is a first baby, it may take some time," the midwife said.

The pains were now coming regularly, and Kagari found that the only way to ease them was to walk up and down. As they grew sharper and closer together, it was better to lean forward with her hands pressed on the table. Before long, she did not know what to do with herself, the pangs were so strong, and they continued that way all day. Yuzuki, the midwife, and nursemaids stayed with her the entire time, keeping watch for anything else and helping her when needed.

And then everything slowed down, and Kagari was glad to the respite, although fearful about what it portended. The midwife assured her that it was not unusual. "The pains will pick up again later and will be stronger," she said, much to the Hiiragi sorceress's dismay. Was the agony she went through not the worst already?

In the middle of the night, the pains began again as she was told, and they grew more severe as the hours wore on. As each wave took her, she cried out for relief. Two nursemaids tied a birth girdle around her, a long scroll of parchment on which was written a prayer of supplication to their Holy Mother for a safe delivery.

"The blessed Amaterasu's intercessions are especially helpful for women in childbirth," a nursemaid said. But Amaterasu was evidently busy elsewhere, for it had no effect as Kagari felt no lessening of the torment.

The wee hours of the morning arrived, and sunlight glinted off the mountains of the North. And still, Kagari was no close to fully delivering her child. She was now in such distress that the midwife hurriedly made an infusion of poppy seeds, tansy, parsley, mint, cress, willow leaves, and birthwort, which brought on a blessed drowsiness so that she slept through the worst of the onslaughts.

At noon, however, she awoke to unimaginable agony and began screaming. In her drugged state, she had forgotten why the pains were coming and knew only that if she screamed loudly and long enough, someone would have to make them stop. As the drug wore off, she became aware of the women crowded around the bed and their anxious murmurs. Again, she screamed so that they would take notice. Uncontrollable flashes of lightning flickered about Kagari's body as her cries of agony became louder. The threatening magic made a couple of the nursemaids jump back in fear, as some sparks burst through the crystal walls. Only Yuzuki and the midwife remained calm, the former whose hand was turning blue from Kagari's athletic grip, and the latter who urged, "You must push, Your Ladyship! Push now! The child is ready to be born, but without your help, the child cannot be."

Kagari pushed, feebly at first, for she was overcome with exhaustion. "H-Help me!"

She couldn't die in childbirth! So many young women had their lives cut short because of it. She could not die now—she needed to get her revenge!

The midwife bade her press her chin down on her chest, and that helped. Miraculously, she found that when she pushed, the pain was less, and so she made one tremendous effort and strove with all her might.

"Well done, my lady, nearly there," the midwife said.

The nursemaids were crying out encouragement. And Yuzuki? Yuzuki said nothing, only holding her hand as tight as she was holding hers. In her elder cousin's grip was all the support she needed.

"One more push, Your Ladyship—now!"

With a final scream, the child was wrenched from Kagari, and she felt as if her body were being torn in two. Then the pains ceased. It was over. She lay there, drained, and covered in sweat, her breathing laboured and heavy.

"Blessed by Amaterasu, a fair young lady!" the midwife shouted.

But no sooner had the delivery of her daughter been proclaimed, a sudden convulsion fell upon Kagari. What was happening? What was going on? Her child was born, so why should she be feeling the same agony again? Was she indeed going to die?

"Amaterasu Almighty..." the midwife breathed, before returning to her senses. "You have to push again, my lady."

"What?!" Kagari could not keep herself from shrieking out this time.

"Push!"

The order was so forceful and intense that Kagari obeyed. If she was in any other situation, she would have cut the tongue out of anyone who dared speak to her in such a tone. Almost delirious in her agony, she gasped, "My rosary...bring...it to me..." Please, oh please, let Amaterasu help her now! She almost snatched the holy beads from the hand of the maid who gave them to her, clutching them like a vice and whispering prayers under her breath. The last time she ever prayed so hard was when she begged her Holy Mother to turn back time and save Minato. That plea was never answered nor fulfilled; oh, by Amaterasu's name, may her anguished screams be heard now!

"I can see the head! Yes! Your Ladyship shall have twins," the midwife cried. "Now, bear down, Madam. The child shall be soon here."

Gathering her strength for one final push, Kagari felt the child slither out of her and begin to cry lustily. Oh Amaterasu, may she not have to bear a triplet! Thankfully, it did not seem that would be her divine goddess's will. Finally, it was at an end. She knew some women at court who had gone through this ten or twelve times, and was suddenly filled with disbelief at how they could ever wish to bear more after their first.

Kagari lay there exhausted, as two of the nursemaids cleaned and swaddled her new twin daughters, before taking them to be fed by a wet nurse. The other women helped give her a wash, dress her in a clean night rail, and comb her hair. She was still bleeding a lot below and suffering stomach cramps. But then, after a few moments, her babies were being brought back in and placed into her arms. Just looking at their little faces and tiny, star-like hands, Kagari felt an overpowering wave of love she had not felt in a long time. Nothing else mattered. They both had Souta's dark raven-coloured hair, and her own burgundy eyes and pointed chin. She had triumphed. The House of Hiiragi would live on for another generation and hopefully even more. Perhaps this time, unlike her ancestors, they would triumph against the Origamis and she'd live to be reinstated to her rightful throne with her daughters as her future heiresses.

Gazing down at her cousin's two daughters, Yuzuki broke into a smile so warm it could almost melt her frozen heart. "May Amaterasu bless you, little ones," she murmured, looking on them with love. "What are their names, Kagari?"

"I shall name the eldest, Hiyori, which means 'princess of peace' for that is exactly what I shall strive for her to be. And the youngest, I shall call, Karasu, for I sense she shall be like the cunning crow of the House of Hiiragi."

"Hiyori and Karasu..." Yuzuki repeated.

She gently removed Hiyori from Kagari's arms, cradling her and planting a kiss on her forehead. Fascinated by the small frozen snowflakes floating from Yuzuki's breath, tiny Hiyori let out a squeal of delight. An unknown maternal instinct Yuzuki never realized she had overwhelmed her at the sight of this innocent form of life. Having lost her husband, King Souraku Haruto, not too long ago, Yuzuki had given up the thought of ever having children. Though she was but only eighteen-years-old, she had no intention of marrying again. But having Hiyori laughing in her arms started to unfreeze the iciness of the snow queen's cold heart.

Strange it was for Kagari to choose such a name that meant "princess of peace". She would have expected her younger cousin to dub her eldest daughter something like "queen of victory" or something similar. Was this a sign of Kagari opening her heart once more?

She got her proof when her cousin said, "Yuzuki, I want you to be their godmother."

Kagari had spoken in her usual gruff tone, making it obvious that rejection wasn't an answer. Despite this, Yuzuki knew her well enough to see that underneath there was still a remnant of the younger cousin she loved when they were little. And in truth, she felt grateful and warm to be bestowed with such an honour.

Still, Yuzuki's learned and meticulous mind reminded her that this display of familial affection did not mean she could tear down her defensive barriers. Kagari may have been in a good mood for now, but that could not necessarily be said for the future. Yuzuki could sense the ambition in her cousin, just from the names she chose for her daughters. And with that drive for higher power was surely a thirst for revenge to supplant the Origamis with the Hiiragis on the iron throne. Family devotion would only go so far if she dared try to stop Kagari. Just through that, her younger cousin would immediately deem her an obstacle that had to be crushed quickly, godmother or not. Fueled by her pain, Kagari would stop at nothing.

Yuzuki honestly did not know whether to be grateful for freezing her own heart. Would she have gone down the same path, bent on getting revenge against Yukari, if she hadn't? Yes, it meant her being the "cold-hearted snow queen" and having everyone shrink away from her. She was rumoured to be dangerous by her own subjects, no longer capable of feeling pain in her heart.

But Kagari was even more dangerous because she still could...

A peal of silver bells rang out the momentous tidings across every chapel in Crystal City, celebrating the birth of Queen Yuzuki's two goddaughters. The snow queen had no heirs nor heiresses of her own, and with her younger sister, Duchess Tsubakuro Mitsuki still not pregnant, some of the villagers even squared their hopes on the newly-born Lady Juujou Hiyori possibly becoming their future queen. Bonfires were lit in the streets, banners and garlands hung from every window and door, and a few merchants even very generously provided hogsheads of free wine and beer for the people.

Kagari, feeling well enough to sit up in bed, took the opportunity to write letters announcing the birth of her daughters. Though Souta should have been the first person she wrote to, she addressed her first letter to the Gojous. The next was to Princess Akane, which at the bottom of the parchment, she smugly wrote that she did not mind if her younger stepsister informed Yukari. Let that bitch cower at the announcement! Kagari wished she could see Yukari's expression when she heard it.

The royal chapel of Crystal Castle may have been small, but there were still three hundred lucky people who were invited to Hiyori and Karasu's christening. Even Duke and Duchess Tsubakuro were present, neither of them seeming to mind the gossip of possibly being supplanted by one of Kagari's children. Late on a Sunday evening, shortly before midnight, they all squeezed into their seats at the pews, holding their breaths at the sight of the newborns. Wearing a black mantle edged with crow feathers, and her dark-green hair loose over her shoulders, Kagari savoured her moment of triumph as she walked down the nave with Karasu in her arms and two of her soldiers carrying her train. Four others held a canopy of state over her. Walking at her side was Yuzuki, carrying Hiyori.

Only three days old, both of the twin girls behaved very well, as if aware of the solemnity of the occasion. They were clothed in chrisoms, richly embroidered white robes. And as the priestess, Mother Kimura, baptized them in the silver-gilt font, with the choir singing psalms of praise, Yuzuki could feel her heart of ice melt even further.

"Amaterasu, of our Holy Mother's almighty and infinite grace, give and grant good life and long to the most high, right excellent and noble Lady Juujou Hiyori and Lady Juujou Karasu, most dear and entirely beloved goddaughters to our most sovereign and gracious lady, Queen Souraku Yuzuki!" Mother Kimura proclaimed.

Silver trumpets sounded in the distance at her cry, the loud chaos of them causing Hiyori to start becoming a little fretful. Her whimpers then turned to high-pitched screaming which continued on even after the christening was over. In Kagari's bed-chamber, rocking Hiyori in her arms back and forth a little to calm her down, Yuzuki let out a yelp when one of the baby's chubby hands yanked a fistful of her blue hair, making Kagari guffaw. Apparently not done with her antics, Hiyori's round burgundy eyes curiously eyed the silver tiara, before pulling Yuzuki's hair even more and snatching the circlet from the queen's head.

'Just like her mother in some infantile way...' Yuzuki thought, watching with a raised eyebrow as Hiyori started sucking on her crown.

It was then that a knock was heard upon the door and a maid peeked her head in. "Forgive me, Your Majesty, Your Ladyship. But Mother Kimura wishes to speak to you both."

The priestess seemed to be in a trance when she was given permission to enter. Her colourless white eyes just kept staring at the baby in Yuzuki's arms, as if the snow queen was holding a demon instead.

"What is it?" Yuzuki asked.

"I've had a vision during the christening," was the reply. Mother Kimura's voice was faint and far-off.

"What did you see?" Kagari demanded, hoping to hear about a securing future for her daughters.

Still stuck in a dazed state, the priestess seemed to speak in riddles as she declared, "Of the two sisters, so proud and stern, the younger shall perish and the elder shall learn, that if she fights for a bloody crown, the Kamakura Empire she shall bring down."

"My dear Hiyori shall defeat my greatest foe! Oh, it is indeed as I have hoped for! Finally, a Hiiragi on the Kamakura Throne someday in the future," Kagari exclaimed before her face darkened. "But Karasu...of what use would she be to the House of Hiiragi six-feet under the ground?"

Yuzuki was more concerned about the prophesied destiny of the elder daughter. Never mind about the destruction of the House of Origami...what about the rest of the empire? The snow queen stared at the baby she was holding. How could a child so small and innocent be fated to grow into a force of mass annihilation? Her attention was turned to Kagari at the sound of her cousin's voice.

Kagari was glaring at the baby in her arms. "It seems, little one, that I was never meant to love you. You cannot give me my best chance."

Turning to Mother Kimura and handing over Karasu, the Hiiragi sorceress ordered, "Take her away and do whatever you want with her. I will not have a baby destined to be a failure amongst the House of Hiiragi."

"Kagari! You can't!" Yuzuki cried, jumping to her feet. The sudden jolt made Hiyori start bawling again.

Kagari only ignored her elder cousin. "Give me Hiyori. She will become a great sorceress like me and will someday be queen."

"And if she doesn't want to when she grows up?"

"I will make her, whether she wants it or not. Her bright future has been foretold and so, it is she that I am happy to extend my maternal love."

Yuzuki did not know how she kept silent when she handed the crying Hiyori over. Love was not conditional upon people behaving as you wanted them to. Love was something you felt, instinctively, naturally, and often unbidden. She could not doubt that Kagari loved Hiyori. It was perhaps her only redeeming quality. But she loved her magical powers and the idea of having queenly authority more. And Yuzuki herself was now under no delusions that it would take precedence over her love for her too, should she defy her younger cousin in any way. She could only give a disappointed look to Kagari, before exiting the room followed by a rather flustered Mother Kimura, holding Karasu helplessly.

She had been so foolish. Kagari would never again open her heart. No...what Kagari felt was not love. Only obsession.

"Your Majesty? What should I do with the child?" Mother Kimura asked.

For a brief moment, Yuzuki considered taking Karasu as her own. But then there was Kagari. Her younger cousin would not be pleased if she found out. She could not endanger Karasu, just because she wanted to be a mother herself. And for the first time, since Yukari left off, Yuzuki felt pain. Why should she be feeling this way? She froze her heart! She should not be feeling love nor the emotional agony it could bring. Yet, staring down at Karasu's tiny face, made Yuzuki feel as though she was losing a daughter herself.

Kagari only wanted the best chance for herself. Now, Yuzuki had to give Karasu one. One that was not with her. What Karasu needed was a loving family. One without ambition and thirst for power; one that was capable of loving her wholeheartedly; one far away from Kagari.

Kissing Karasu's head, with tears in her eyes, Yuzuki said, "May Amaterasu bless you, dearest goddaughter."

Then composing herself, she ordered, "Send her far away from here. Someplace where nobody would know who she is. The last thing the poor girl needs is to discover what her mother is and did to her."

"I have a cousin who lives in a village in the Kingdom of Minoseki with her husband. They have been longing for a child of their own."

"That should do. I will pay for your safe passage, so you may hand the child over," Yuzuki replied, each word harder to get out than the one before. It was amazing how she was able to keep herself together. However, when the priestess left with the baby Karasu, the tears Yuzuki held in finally broke through the dam and she wept.

Wept for Karasu, whose mother abandoned her.

Wept for Hiyori, who would never know her sister.

And wept for herself, having lost her only chance of being a mother.

A/N: And there you have it! Kanami and Hiyori's wedding, and Karasu's backstory! Hope it was interesting to y'all. Feel free to share your thoughts in the reviews.

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

1) The Kamakurian Great Charter is based on the English Magna Carta.

2) Karasu was basically abandoned by Kagari at birth. She was given to a cousin of Mother Kimura who lived in the Kingdom of Minoseki. Yuzuki decided to give Karasu another chance by sending Karasu to a loving home in a village far away from Kagari's reach. After rebellious activity in the village, Queen Yukari had it burned down and Karasu fled to Fujiwara Castle. That is how she and Kanami became lovers.