Prompt by IdrewAcow: Miku and Luka are the last surviving leaders of their respective nations. They are desperate for peace, and agree that a marriage contract is the best way to go. But with all their royal relatives dead in the wars, they only have one possible solution.

Miku had a headache. Her eyes stung and her throat was sore. Soon after the doctors announced the death of her father, a messenger came with news of the Empire, with wants to make peace. Miku barely had the time to wonder at the sheer irony of the situation, before joining her temporary team of officials and advisors on a discussion that lasted for hours. The journey was immediate. Nonstop backward and forward between messengers while Miku responded to the ever-changing maps, retrieving some divisions while sending out others. A full month of planning on horseback was not the desirable nor traditional way of handling matters. Then again, such a sudden and mutual decision to end the war was not a desirable nor traditional way.

Hurried and disjointed was the meeting of two nations. It seemed as if the Empire was in as much of a disarray as Miku's kingdom was. An hours-long debate resulted in a hastily drafted treaty only meeting the bare bones of their shared needs. An agreement was better than nothing, nonetheless.

By the time everything was done with, Miku's mind was foggy and most of what they discussed remained blank in Miku's head. Miku was tired of unending notations, raising her voice to be heard, and the mind-numbing legalities her advisors had to help her through. What was overwhelmingly clear for Miku however, was the fact she was to marry the Empress that her kingdom had been warring with for the past century. It did not help in the slightest that Miku had absolutely no idea who the woman was. None of her political studies had notified her that such a figure existed in the Empire, nor did the spies report anything of value. The Empress that ascended the throne must have been a last-minute decision by her court.

Miku rubbed her eyes. Apart from the brief naps she had taken, it had been what, 36 hours since she last properly slept and rested? She was not yet spared from the urgent discussions her advisors made in her kingdom, talking well into the night. Only after the last details were ironed out did Miku dismiss them. On the whole, this had been one of Miku's less than satisfactory weeks.

The summer afternoons were sweltering. It was nigh impossible to get back in the day without some poor soul or animal getting heatstroke. Miku's people opted to travel by night and rest in the day. Miku laid in her bed, staring up at the wooden ceiling in silence. Even in her sheer sleepwear, the heat was unbearable. Even with the best efforts of her servants, Miku found herself soaked in sweat. It was no use, sleep wouldn't come. Miku sighed. Might as well make the best of her afternoons by working through the mountainous work. Poor, unfortunate Kaito was roused to join her, at the insistence of one of her officials.

Miku heavily disliked paperwork. From funeral preparations to her inheriting the throne, to revising details of the treaty, it never ended. It was marginally better with Kaito's presence. Miku grabbed the next scroll in the lineup without looking up. The parchment crinkled in her hand. Miku frowned. That did not feel like one of her papers.

Miku rolled out the white, creamy pages. Her eyes darted to the signature. Her? Miku traced her finger along the wide strokes of the ink, long-dried on the smooth scroll. The only trace of the woman she would be wed to. Words were a good judge of character, not just what they had written down but how it was written. The Empress' broad dashes with her pen indicated a bold person. There wasn't a splotch of ink out of place, nor did it seep into the back of the scroll. Very meticulous and forward indeed, my Empress. And yet…something didn't look quite right with her words.

"The Empress' calligraphy is excellent. She seems to have a decent grasp of our language too, Kaito."

"My liege?" Her royal advisor bowed. The faithful man stood by her parents' side and now hers – Kaito knew her reasons before she even spoke, "Is something the matter?"

Miku frowned at the bright red seal of her enemy – now future spouse, "If she had such a skill, why did she barely say a word during our meeting?"

Kaito coughed delicately, drawing the attention of the young monarch.

"Am I missing something?"

Kaito was always so careful with his words. Being subtle enough not to offend people and simultaneously conveying information was a delicate balance that few could master.

"My liege, there hasn't been an Empress in the history of our rivaling empire."

Oh. Miku understood. The Empress was nothing more than a puppet figure. That was why she had not been allowed to speak. How…pitiful. The Empress was quite a striking woman, if Miku remembered their fleeting encounter properly. She was very clearly well-educated from her letter. Miku pursed her lips. It was quite regrettable.

"The Empress truly is the last of her race then?"

Kaito shook his head, "My liege, she is the only one eligible of her race."

Miku raised an eyebrow, "Explain."

"As my liege knows, their late Emperor Yuuma had a fair amount of concubines, roughly fifty, if I remember correctly. That is few compared with his predecessors. He had a great many children. The males were raised under his strict guidance, ruling separate parts of the empire once they become of age. Most died in battle. The females were wed to rulers of neighbouring countries, which helped them gain widespread support in our war against them. Although the Empress' sisters are alive, they are regarded as people of their neighbouring countries and nothing more. Their rights to the throne are revoked."

Miku's lip twisted in distain. This all felt so…barbaric in a sense. Emperor Yuuma's children were only children by name, assets by nature. Miku's mind flickered back to the current Empress, only recalling her striking beauty in her inherited pink hair, deep blue eyes and fair skin. What a waste.

"I gather, she is the only one unmarried at this time?"

"Precisely, my liege."

Miku sipped her tea, working out the political matters in her mind. Then of course, the Empress' royal advisor Kamui Gackupo was the one wielding power. Their demands made sense now. Keeping the current status quo of the officials, separately ruling their respective territories for the time being…and the fact that the Empress would be keeping her title, yet she would be sent to Miku's palace to live for the rest of her life.

Miku handed the thick scroll over to Kaito, "Read it. See what you make of it."

There was a flicker in the calm mask known as Kaito's face. It must have surprised him greatly too, given that Kaito's expressions varied as much as a frozen lake.

Miku said, "The Empress wishes to meet privately, away from her entourage. She states she is not far from neutral ground and is assumed to be revisiting her homeland in preparation for leaving for good. She asks to receive a reply by tomorrow."

Kaito murmured, "That is unwise…"

Whether he meant the Empress' actions or if Miku chose to meet her, it was uncertain. Miku shrugged lightheartedly, "As of what you told me before, I see no reason not to indulge her. The Empress has precious few resources to herself. I might as well see what my future spouse has to actually say."

Kaito's eyes, lowered all the time during their conversation, sharply jolted up at that, "My liege is planning on truly accepting her hand in marriage?"

Marriage, a relatively sacred affair, was certainly no laughing matter in Miku's kingdom. Miku resorted to using this sacred act to bind the two countries in goodwill. While Miku certainly had not expected their rivaling empire to do the same, nor marry a woman, Miku would uphold their marriage as best she could.

"The Empress will be my spouse in name. Even if I have no intention of treating her with love, I am willing to consider her thoughts in this matter like she is a human being."

"Understood, my liege."

Miku tilted her head back so she rested on the hardback chair a little more comfortably, "Kaito, you, Rin, Len and Lily will be at my side at all times. Draft a small team of twenty of my most trusted guards to follow me. Tell no one aside from them. Make sure no one disturbs me until supper."

"Is that all, my liege?"

Miku nodded, "You are dismissed, Kaito."

"Thank you, my liege."

Miku eyed the Empress' scroll as she rolled open her own. This encounter would be interesting for sure.

They decided to meet in the same place where the peace treaty was drafted. There were always a few unspoken rules that both ends upheld, such as never killing messengers – even if a threat was the only message they brought – mindless slaughtering was frowned upon, and the area of neutral ground was to be untouched. An old castle, built three centuries ago, was the designated meeting spot. Even through the on-and-off skirmishes between their borders, even if the deals fell through, the place still stood, a symbol of peace, no matter how short-lived.

Miku arrived earlier than her counterpart. Lily meticulously stationed her sparse guards around the area, making sure Miku would escape if need be. Miku lounged in the throne room, Rin and Len flanking her sides, Kaito and Lily sitting with her. Without the hustle and bustle of both sides, Miku could admire the hollow silence and beauty of the castle. Markings of old littered the largely abandoned place, a relic of history still standing.

A hot wind swept through the room. Lily tugged at her collar.

Lily grumbled, "Don't tell me that kid's late."

Kaito said, "I think the Empress would greatly prefer not to be referred to as 'that kid'. She is the ruler of her country and we have to acknowledge that."

Rin and Len were standing on their tiptoes, peering over Miku's shoulder to the open windows to catch a glimpse of the Empress.

Kaito shook his head, "And you two! Please hold your positions. We cannot afford to lose favour with the Empress."

But of course, that last command went unnoticed by the bright-eyed, excitable twins. Almost at the same time, those twins pointed at an ornate carriage rattling down the hills.

"I saw her first!"

"Yeah right, I pointed her out!"

The short, bickering twins decked out in heavy armor were quite possibly the opposite of intimidating and professional. Rin and Len barely reached Miku's shoulders in height. With the baby fat in their cheeks and completely disarming sweet smiles, it was hard to believe they were the best duo the kingdom had to offer - even if they went rogue a couple of times.

Lily grabbed them both by their collars, hauling them up with one hand each. They piped down instantly.

"Quit it, you two."

Then she promptly dropped them back down. Miku hid a smirk. Lily was the only one who could get them in line. Rin and Len's older cousin, Lily, was the one that brought them into the royal guard. Lily was superior in terms of skill and she tutored them in warfare, though that would mostly be unneeded in the near future.

Miku followed the ornate carriage the twins pointed out, the frown returning. Even if the Empress said she didn't require an entourage, this seemed ridiculous. A single member of nobility would have no less than a maid, a manservant and a personal guard. The carriage was clearly intended for recreational purposes, with its light build and gilded edges. It would seat one person at most.

The carriage stopped at the castle entrance. It smoothly pulled up, so that there was no discernable quick jerk of the reigns, nor was there any whinny of the steed.

Lily whistled in appreciation, "Wow, the coachman is good."

Far below them, the coachman, dressed in flaming red attire, held open the carriage doors. The Empress took the offered hand of her coachman and they headed into the castle.

Miku's company waited in polite silence for the Empress. A single knock at the door was heard, and the door was pushed open by the 'coachman'. Lily's jaw dropped, opening and closing at the woman who bowed politely to Miku. The woman had short brown locks, a hardened expression and bright amber eyes that burned like fire. Miku resisted the primal instinct to flinch when the woman's eyes locked onto her.

The Empress had her long pink hair pinned up, donning a thinner dress than the attire Miku saw her in last. The simple, delicately patterned white dress the Empress had on today suited her much better than the thick royal garments. The Empress curtsied. Miku swiftly stood up and returned the gesture. Miku's company followed without missing a beat. Miku didn't forget Lily's expression, though her attention was captured by the Empress for the time being.

Miku whispered to Lily as she sat down, "You know that woman?"

Lily nodded, "Meiko, old foe of mine. I'd seen and met her on the battlefield a couple of times. All you need to know is she's really good."

The Empress and Meiko sat down. Miku opened talks first, "Empress, you have come alone except for your single guard?"

Kaito opened his mouth to translate, as was custom if there was only one translator. The Empress shook her head at him.

"There is no need for that. I am largely able to understand your language, my queen."

Miku marveled at the near perfect pronunciation, and the rather deep, slightly husky voice the Empress had. Miku vaguely remembered the only time she heard the Empress' voice was when she introduced herself. Miku and Kaito exchanged a look.

Miku spoke, "Very well, please continue."

The Empress' piercing blue eyes met Miku's teal, "I have come alone except for my personal guard Meiko. I trust her with my life."

Lily swore underneath her breath, "Cocky bastard."

Meiko's sharp eyes fixated on Lily's, an amused smirk on her lips. Evidently, she either recognized the phrase or Lily, or both.

Kaito coughed to silence Lily.

"Why have you asked for my acquaintance, Empress?"

The woman's gaze never left Miku. The Empress contemplated the question, before quietly speaking, "I wish to work out the details of our marriage in person. I hope that our future will be relatively calm."

That was not quite what Miku expected from her. If the Empress was like any of her predecessors, she would be more aggressive and possibly be planning a coup against her advisor. Such a pity.

Miku nodded, "What is it you wish to know about me?"

"What would you prefer to be referred to, and in consequence, how would you like to refer to me?"

Miku gave pause, "You will be my wife. And I will be yours."

The Empress nodded slowly, "You dislike titles?"

Miku thought back to the time when both her parents were alive. The occasional sweet nothings her mother would whisper to her father. How her father would murmur her mother's name in the haze of his last days as he struggled with the infection from the battlefield. The heat went to Miku's cheeks as she realized what a question she would be asking.

"Yes, my family never referred to each other with their titles in private. I would like for you to do the same. And, may I get to know your name? I wish to call you by it."

The Empress bit her lip, "Excuse me for a moment."

The Empress and Meiko conversed in soft whispers. Meiko spoke more animatedly, her eyes blazing as she urged the Empress.

The Empress faced her again, her voice low, almost in a whisper, "My name is Megurine Luka."

"You have a beautiful name, Luka. My name is Hatsune Miku."

Luka laced her fingers together, her eyes lowered. Meiko gave her a gentle nudge, whispering again in her ears. Luka sat up and clarified, though her body was shaking slightly, "Is this what you consider as private company?"

"Yes, they are my most trusted people. Will your personal guard be included in the number of personnel at my palace?"

"I only require two people. My handmaid Gumi and my guard Meiko will join me. I require no others."

Miku frowned, "Are you certain that is enough? You are very welcome to bring more of your servants."

Luka's voice took on a clipped tone, "I am sure."

Luka switched the subject, evidently unwilling to discuss it further, "Shall we court each other?"

Miku thought for a moment, "You wish for our subjects to gain acceptance of our relationship before proceeding with marriage?"

"If that is possible, yes. I would understand if you prefer to spend as little time with me as possible so I would not press this decision."

Miku shrugged, "I shall court you then, considering you will be leaving for my palace. I might even enjoy it if it gets me out of the castle more often."

"When do you expect to receive your next suitor?"

This woman had the audacity to keep looking her in the eye after asking her that?! Luka's eyes never lost their intensity, the ice blue blazing like that of Meiko's.

"Pardon me?" Miku glared at her, "What do you mean by that?"

"Do you have a suitor that you are fond of or maybe even wish to raise a child with? You have the complete right to do so. I would just like to know of this beforehand," Luka said calmly, her face still an expressionless mask in front of Miku's anger.

Miku tried not to seethe openly, shooting back, "What are your own plans for your suitors, since you seem to believe I would betray the sanctity of marriage?"

It was Luka's turn to shrug in indifference, "I cannot have suitors, my queen. As I am the one marrying to you, I am yours only. That is my culture. Even if I have to bear a child under the pressure of my people, my potential suitor will be yours to decide."

Miku didn't think it was possible for her anger to dissipate so fast, replaced with overwhelming pity. Lily started at Luka's words. Kaito pinched Lily's wrist so all that came out was a grunt. The twins gasped very loudly. Kaito sighed lowly at their imprudence. Luka continued to meet Miku's eyes, unbothered at all by her revelation.

Miku's lips twisted, "Luka."

Luka flinched at the use of her name. Was it the unfamiliar tone that made her so, or was it because Miku was using it?

Miku's tone softened a bit more, "I have no intention of seeking a possible suitor. You will be my wife and I shall treat you with respect. If you wish to have a child, we may adopt together."

Luka said, "You have no need to appease me, my queen. I have decided on the marriage myself to end the war and you are welcome to treat or disregard me however you wish. Besides, my people will not acknowledge an adopted child as our successor. Our child must have royal blood in his or her veins."

"Megurine Luka, you are my wife, not my property! I will not have you refer to yourself as such!"

Kaito kicked Miku under the table. Miku winced. Right, it was highly impolite to refer to someone with use of their full name, especially the Empress of their neighbouring country.

Luka bowed her head, "Understood, my queen."

Miku's heart sunk. That was not at all how she wanted this to go. Miku's voice was small, "And please, call me Miku."

"…Miku."

An uncomfortable silence settled over both parties.

Luka broke it, pressing on with her questions, "What rites of marriage shall I have to undergo?"

Miku's mood darkened, "It'll most likely be a mixture of both. We'll get to that bridge when we cross it."

"Shall we share a bed together?"

Did Luka really not see Miku was tired of continuing their talks?

Miku's face reddened, "Can we skip the intimate questions?"

"I only wish to make the experience more bearable for you."

Miku wanted to reach over, grip Luka's shoulders and shake her until she understood. A flash of blue eyes and the slow shake of Kaito's head warned Miku not to. Miku's shoulders slumped.

"Luka, I think this is enough for today. I shall see you soon."

For a split second, Luka's brow creased. Then it was back to the mask of indifference.

"Of course, Miku. I will take my leave now, I am eternally grateful for your patience with me."

As Meiko trailed behind Luka, she gave Miku a swift nod and a smile. Miku felt even worse than before.

Miku held her head in her hands, "That was far worse than I could have anticipated."

Kaito pat Miku's shoulders gently, "It is in our favour, my liege. There is nothing to worry about. If the Empress is displeased in any way, it is still very clearly none of my liege's fault."

Lily couldn't hide her distain, "Where the hell is her spine? Meiko would make a better leader than her! She sounds like a slave – and we've abolished that school of thought fifty years ago!"

Kaito harshly reprimanded her, "The Empress still holds her status, Lily. We shall not speak of someone in such vile terms in their absence. Also Lily, I'd advise you to treat the Empress with a little more sympathy. The Empire raised her in such a way. People hardly want to be treated little more than objects."

Lily answered sullenly, "Yes, Kaito."

"And Rin and Len. Do not, I repeat, do not hold such expressions when you inevitably meet the Empress again. It is highly disrespectful."

Kaito sighed heavily, "And all of you will not speak of this encounter with the Empress' people."

"Why?"

"It is clear that none of her subjects apart from her personal guard know of her detour. She tried her best to show us her goodwill, quite possibly risking the last of her freedom. As I have told my liege, the Empress is just a puppet. It is just who she is."

Miku heavily disagreed with her advisor for the first time in her life.

Author's note: Well, new contribution to the Summer Smash. Definitely unable to finish on time. I used this as a task in worldbuilding, referring to my very limited knowledge in Chinese History, which I have not touched for three years. (If anyone is wondering, yes, ancient Chinese emperors had fifty concubines. There's a popular saying of them having three thousand) I need more practice lol. It was interesting to craft this to say the least. Also, cranking the misogyny level up to eleven was a different experience to write. I haven't written all that much but it is likely this will be last time Luka will ever be this subservient in my stories.