"Akko, I'm going to propose to you." Diana smiled as she watched her friend giggle.

"Diana, I think the purpose of a proposal is to make it a surprise."

"It will."

"But you just told me you will propose to me. How will it be a surprise then?"

"Cause you will never know when I will propose. It could be tomorrow or next week. Could be the next month. It could even be in next year or even in five years. You just will never know when I pop the question and that will be the surprise."

Akko chuckled before kissing Diana on the cheek.

"Then I will patiently wait for that day."

"And you will be surprised by it. I promise you that."

"What are you talking about Diana? What do you mean?"

Akko panicked as she backed up into the wall. Diana stood over her, sword drawn.

"My time is up. It's time for me to do what I was paid for."

"Paid?"

"Atsuko, I was paid to watch over you till it was you had your daughter."

Akko panicked. She didn't have the child yet so what was Diana talking about? The sword tip pressed into Akko's chin, forcing her head to tilt up to look at Diana.

"Now it's time I paid the blood debt you owe me."

"Diana please." Akko begged. "Please don't do this. I love you."

Diana smiled before tossing the sword away. Akko breathed a sigh of relief before feeling Diana wrapped her hands around Akko's neck. Akko's eyes widen as she felt lightheaded. She fell to the floor as Diana continued to choke the life out of her. She attempted to scream out as she clawed at Diana's hands.

"Akko, I hate you. Akko, I hate you. Akko. Akko."

Akko! Akko!

Akko jolted out of bed as she felt someone shaking her shoulder.

"Akko, are you okay?"

Akko heard Diana's voice come through her meddled brain. She glanced at the assassin. There was no blade in her hand.

"You looked like you had a bad dream."

"Oh Diana, it was a nightmare." Instead of hands around her neck, Diana wrapped her arms around shoulders and pulled her close.

"Would you like to talk about it?"

"I dreamt that you were killing me because you were paid to after I give birth."

"I killed you? No. I would never do such a thing. I love you. Are you still worried about what happens once you have the baby?"

"Maybe I am subconsciously. I just can't stop thinking about what Andrew would do if I have a girl."

"I'll fake your death if I have to. Then we will run away together."

Akko bit the bottom of her lip. She didn't why she was suddenly feeling apprehensive about what Diana was telling her.

Was it fear or just the remains of the nightmare?

Diana must of sensed the mood because she wrapped her arms around Akko tight.

"Don't fear anything Akko. We have time. I will have something by then."

Diana placed a small kiss on the side of her head before pulling the covers around them.

Akko didn't sleep well the rest of the week. Diana tried everything she could to help her out. Akko's emotions were also out of control. She was beginning to think that Diana was hiding something with how panicky and jumpy Diana had been in the last week.

"Love, I brought you some soothing tea." Diana appeared behind her and handed her a cup of tea.

Akko stared at the tea. For moment, she imagined that it had poison in it. "Love, it just has jasmine in it. Nothing more. What is wrong with you? You have been acting strange the last couple of days. Is it the ball coming up?"

Akko had forgotten that the ball was coming up. She had been so tired and absorbed in her own thoughts to remember, despite Andrew's constant blabbering about it. She rubbed her eyes with the palms of her hands.

"I'm sorry. I forgot about the ball."

"It's fine love. It's perfectly fine love. You have a growing human inside you. You are under stress. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Just having you around is helping me."

"I am here for you always."

Diana kissed her neck, moving her hair back. Akko shivered a bit.

"Momma. Mommy. I'm back."

Diana turned her head and smiled at Meiko. Akko remembered the old Diana. The one who didn't smiled at Meiko. The old Diana, who wouldn't pick up her daughter and swing her around the room. The old Diana who wouldn't let Meiko call her momma. The old Diana who said that she was planning on leaving the moment the baby was born and vowed to kill her.

"Welcome home my little dragon. How was your lessons today?"

"I learned a lot with Chariot. Even Chariot said I am smart."

"You are a smart girl. Why don't we go to the library and read for a bit."

"Yes please. Will you read to me? I like your voices."

"Of course my little one."

Akko smiled at her family.

She heard a drawer open. She had no idea why she had awoken up but she felt the bed shift from two weights getting up.

"Okami, down. Lay back down boy." She heard Diana whisper out.

Akko sneaked a peek at Diana. Diana had lit a candle and was staring at something. She caught a glint of silver out of the corner of her eye. Akko thought it was a dagger for a moment.

"I hope she likes it. Constanze worked hard on it."

Akko wondered what she was talking about. It was then Akko noticed the ring in the palm of Diana's hand. Her eyes widen. Diana shuffled a bit in bed. Akko quickly closed her eyes. She felt Diana press a kiss to her forehead.

"I love you Akko. I hope you know that."

Oh Diana, I love you too.

Akko fell asleep, smiling.

It was the day of the Winter ball and Akko was dreading it. She did not want to spend the night with Andrew or hear Chloe complain about everything that wasn't perfect. Her hands smoothed down the front of her dress to cover her small bump.

"How are you feeling?" Diana gently laid her hands on her shoulders. She pressed her nose into the curve of Akko's neck.

"Physically or emotionally?"

"Both."

"I feel fine physically. I don't think I will be able to dance much though."

"Emotionally?"

Akko paused. Diana wrapped her arms around her waist and held her close.

"I don't want to do this. I just want to stay in our room and cuddle."

Diana ran her hands all along her hips and stomach. She began to pepper kisses along her neck and shoulder.

"We can always spirit ourselves away from the party at any time."

"I would like that."

Diana took her hands and twirled her around.

"My only request is that I get one dance with you."

"I can promise more then one dance with you, my love."

"Then I will make it a night to remember."

Akko laughed at Diana's grin. She leaned up and kissed those lips she loved so much.

"No fair. I want a dance with momma."

They laughed in unison at Meiko's pout face. Diana was quick to scoop the girl up and twirl her around.

"Of course you will get a dance with your momma. I could never forgot about my daughter."

Akko smiled at Diana's comment. She felt her heart flutter at the idea that they were going to be a family. A knock on the door interpreted their happy moment. The door opened for a guard to step through.

"Your highness, his majesty would like to speak to you. Alone."

Akko just silently left with the guard. Each step towards Andrew caused her heart to beat faster.

What would he want?

The guard opened the door for Akko. She stepped in and saw Andrew sitting at his desk. She looked around the room for any signs of Chloe. She noticed she wasn't in the room. Andrew waved the guard off.

"Leave us be."

"Yes sir."

The guard bowed and was quick to leave the room. Akko chewed the inside of her cheek as the silence ticked away with each minute Andrew didn't speak.

"Atsuko, do you know why I called you here?"

"No. I don't have the faintest idea. Why did you call me here? I don't see Chloe so it must be something you don't want her to hear."

"It concerns you." Akko felt panic encase her heart. "My father is happy for the second child. He says that he is confident that it will be a boy."

"Is he a fortune teller?" Andrew glared at her.

"No. He is confident it is the Hanbridge blood. But that is not what I want to say."

"Then what is it?" Akko was beginning to hate being in the room.

"I want you to run away when you have the child. Regardless of whether it is a boy or girl."

"What? What do you mean, I should run away?"

"My father is planning something terrible and I fear for your life now unless I can stop him."

"What is he planning?"

"An all out war. He is selfishly going after kingdoms that don't deserve this and I plan on stopping him."

Akko couldn't believe her ears. Why was Andrew planning on letting her live now?

"Why the sudden change of heart?"

"I never wanted this marriage. I wanted to marry Chloe but father. Father was persistent in his declaration that I marry you. How can I love someone when my heart belongs to another? Atsuko, I never wanted this. I never wanted any of this to happen. I tried to love you but I just couldn't. I just couldn't love you like how you wanted. Then I got the stupid plan to get rid of you so I could be free to marry Chloe."

"Why did you hire Diana?"

"She was an easy scapegoat. Someone who could deal with my internal problems. It wasn't the best solution but I was desperate. She was someone who take my problems away in an instant. I just had to wait out the nine months to see what would happen with you and the baby. I never suspected she was the same Diana from your childhood."

Akko felt her mouth drop. Andrew knew? How long did he know? Akko sat down in the chair across from Andrew.

"How did you know Diana was my childhood friend?"

"The hair was a dead giveaway. I'm thankful my father hasn't seen her yet. He always cursed the Cavendish name. He said that they were she-devils and ruined a perfectly good marriage."

Akko squeezed the armor the chair.

"I don't believe it ruined a good marriage when there wasn't even a good marriage to began with. I'm sorry Atsuko. I have a confession to make." Akko held her breath in. "I hired Diana to kill you. She is an assassin from the Luna Nova guild. She is meant to kill you if you give birth to a girl."

"Why tell me this now?"

"I feel like I am following in my father's footsteps. I had the realization that I will become no better then him if I continue down this path and especially after hearing him want to start taking over kingdoms for their land and money. My father had many people assassinated. I rather not kill people. Not anymore."

Andrew got up and walked over to Akko's side. He got down on his knees and gripped her hand.

"Atsuko, I wish we could of made this work. I really wish we could of then you would be safe. I'm sorry. Listen, you say the word and I will have Diana disappear forever. She will not harm you when the time comes. You are free to do what you want depending on what happens with the child. You can leave me no matter what. I won't stop you. Just say the word and Diana will be gone."

Akko didn't understand why he was having a change of heart but she didn't want Diana to go away. She loved Diana and couldn't imagine a world without her in it.

"No. I don't want any harm to come to her. She will stay for the duration of my pregnancy. She was hired to protect me." Andrew looked at her confused.

"But she may kill you."

"I have faith she will never harm me."

"Fine. Diana will stay then. I will continue to pay her to protect you as well. I hope you are right but you have always had a good sense of character."

"When does your father plan on conquering kingdoms?" She was quick to change the topic. She didn't want him to know that she and Diana were lovers.

"When the ice melts on the river. That is when he plans to attack. I want to avoid that."

"What is the first kingdom he plans to attack?"

"The Blackwell's then he plans on moving forward to another kingdoms like Frank's. He won't stop till those lands are under his reign. He has gone mad. I won't bore you with the details. I don't know much myself either but I plan on stopping him."

"Andrew, I…."

"Atsuko please. I don't want your apology cause I don't deserve it. I've been terrible to you. I took on another lover when I was married."

So have I.

"Maybe it is time I change my life around. It's time I take the kingdom back from my father."

"Even when you may have to kill him?"

"Yes. If it means to save this kingdom from ruin."

Andrew paused before leaning down to attempt to kiss her. She placed her palm against his lips. He looked shocked to see her stopping him.

"You have a lover who you care for. I forgive you even you did make my life hell for awhile. I will be fine."

He took her hand and kissed the back of it.

"I do wish things could of been different but it seems we were never meant to be. I will see you at the ball. Good bye."

Akko sadly looked at him before getting up and leaving.

She got back to her room to see Diana and Meiko sitting in the bed reading. She smiled at the scene. She may have never been able to have a relationship with Andrew but she finally had a someone. One who loved her back.

"How did the meeting go?" Diana closed the book and set it down.

"Well. For once." Akko sat down next to them. She scratched Okami's head

"Then I don't need to go beat him up."

"No."

Diana looked at her as if she wanted to hear more about the conversation that she had. Akko figured she would eventually tell her. After the ball.

"It's almost time for the ball so let's get this little one ready."

Akko attempted to avoid the topic. As Meiko was placed down to go get ready, Diana grabbed Akko's arm.

"What did Andrew say?"

"It's noting important. He just wanted to talk about the ball."

"Akko, you have always been a terrible liar. I see it in your face. There is more to it then you are letting on."

"Diana, can we talk about this after the ball?" She held back. She was nervous about what to tell Diana.

Diana dropped her hand and nodded. She walked away and started to get ready. Akko prayed that this wouldn't be a repeat of the last ball. She began to get ready slowly.

Akko smoothed down the front of her dress a bit. She was waiting by Andrew's side till they made the announcement for the king and queen. She glanced at him.

"Is your father here?"

"Thank heavens no. He is at the cottage."

"Where is Chloe?"

"At her home. I didn't want to invite her to this ball."

"How did you hear about your father's plan?"

"He told me himself. Said we needed more land. More land means more money to tax. Our father doesn't realize that our people are suffering."

"You finally see that now." She whispered. Andrew heard it.

"I know. I always knew. I was just playing stupid. Father was the true ruler. Everything goes through him. I think it's time that I finally step up. Even if it means that I must kill him."

Akko remained silent.

"I think I may have one more use for Diana. I plan on hiring her for one more job."

"Hiring her for what?"

"To kill my father."

Akko stood shunned. Andrew took her hand and guided her out onto the staircase and helped her down. Akko was still shunned. The whole dance was a blur. Everything felt muffled and people blended together as she danced. Akko looked out to the crowd. The only person who was clear as day was Diana. Her Diana.

The dance ended and Andrew stopped in front of everyone.

"I would like to make a toast." He held her hand. "To everyone here. May our kingdoms forever be bound together and may they all prosper. May our friendship continue into the new year and even beyond."

Akko bowed along with her husband. She wondered if this ball wasn't Andrew's way of getting the kingdoms together and persuade them to join his side in his battle to take over the kingdom.

"Now, enjoy the ball."

He pulled her close to him as everyone descended onto the dance floor.

"Go to your assassin." Andrew whispered to her. Akko paused and looked at him. "If she makes you happy then go. I won't get in the way. I've caused you enough pain. Go to her. Be with her."

"Thank you Andrew."

She kissed his cheek and left his side to find Diana. She felt someone tap her shoulder. She turned to see Frank, holding his hand out to her.

"May the queen's best friend have this dance?"

"How could I turn you down?"

"Why thank you milady." He lead her to dance floor. "Akko, I wanted to get you away alone for a minute. Just know that you are free to stay at my kingdom. I even have a little plot of land ready for you and the children."

"What do you mean?"

"Andrew got me alone and told me that his father is planning a full blow invasion. He explained to me what his father's plan is. I don't agree with Paul but I will side with Andrew on this. Especially if it means I will be able to protect you. He also said that he was planning on having you escape the kingdom before you give birth so you were safe away from the fighting."

"He told me as well."

"So you know? What will you do?"

"I'm not sure. I was waiting to see what child I will have before I do anything."

"I'm sure Diana will stay by your side. She loves you."

"I hope so."

Frank took her back to the crowd and handed her off to the last person she never suspected to be here.

"Father?!"

Kenji smiled softly at her.

"Hello my cherry blossom. Will you humor your old man with one dance?"

Akko was lead back into the dance floor with her father. She noticed her mother standing off to the side, talking to Diana and Meiko.

"What are you doing here?"

"I had to come. I wanted to see you and my granddaughter."

"I heard you finally saw Diana."

"Yes. It does my heart good to know that Diana is alive. She also mentioned your relationship."

"What do you think of it?"

"You are happy. That's all I have ever asked for."

"Father, I know you weren't at fault. Please don't blame yourself for the Cavendish murders."

"I still do believe I am somewhat at fault for it. Diana's entire family is done and I did nothing."

"You couldn't do anything. Paul had your hands tied."

"And now there is an option to right those wrongs."

Akko looked at her father. He looked younger then she had ever seen him look. He was smiling.

"I hear Paul is wanting to start a war. Maybe this is the chance to get revenge for my dearest friend's death."

"Was mother in love with Bernadette?"

"Yes. Very much in love. But I think your mother was excited that you could finally be with someone who you loved. She was the one who suggested the marriage but I knew it would be a good thing for you both. Then the assassination happened."

Akko settled into the dance with her father.

"Father, one more?"

"Are you up for it?"

"For you, yes."

"A quick dance then. I would like for you to at least have a dance with your Diana."

Her Diana. It made her heart jump. She allowed her father to take the lead in the final dance before handing her off to Diana. Soon, her world revolved around the blonde in front of her as they danced along the room together. Akko was at peace. She laid her head on Diana's shoulder.

The world was silent except for the crunching of the fresh snow under feet. Diana wrapped Akko up in her big fur coat. They had managed to sneak out of the ball when no one was looking. Meiko was with her grandparents so she would be safe. Akko looked up at the night sky. It was clear and she could make out all the constellations.

"Remember when we would sleep out onto your balcony and watch the night sky? We would make up stories with the stars." Diana whispered. It seemed she didn't even want to break the silence.

"I miss those nights."

"I would sneak out of the guild at nights and just watch the stars."

"I did the same thing the night I had heard you had supposedly died. I imagined you were looking at the same stars as me."

Diana paused as she watched the brightest star shine over them.

"Akko, you are the stars leading me to you. You are my sun that brightens my day. You are my world."

"I never lost faith in you being alive. You are my world."

"Close your eyes." Diana commanded her.

Akko did. For moment, she was nervous at what Diana was doing. She could hear Diana step away and the snow crunching.

"Okay, open your eyes."

Akko did. She gasped. Diana was on her knee, with a ring in her fingers.

"We may not exactly be able to officially get married but I want the idea that we are wives. I want to be able to say that you are mine. Akko, you have had my heart since we were kids."

"Diana, you have had mine since then."

"Will you be my wife?"

"Yes. Yes. Yes, I will."

Diana got up and kissed her lips. Akko glanced at the ring that had been given to her by Andrew. She took the ring off and allowed Diana to slip hers on. Andrew wouldn't say anything.

"Diana, it is beautiful." She marveled at the ring.

"I'm glad. I designed it myself. Had Constanze make it for me."

"You did say you would eventually surprise me with a marriage proposal."

"I did make good in that promise, didn't I?"

Akko cupped her cheeks and kissed her again.

"Let's get you back inside my queen."

The moment they arrived in their room, hands grasped clothing and tore them off. Akko's lips never left Diana's as they striped their clothing off. Akko moaned as her back hit the wall as Diana lifted her off the ground and nibbled on her neck and ear.

"I love you." Akko breathed out as Diana focused her attention to her entrance.

Careful ministrations caused Akko to cry out. She tightened her hold on Diana's neck as she came down from her high.

"Akko, I love you. I have always loved you."

"Diana, don't leave me."

"Never. You are stuck with me for life. You are now wearing my ring."

Akko chuckled as she kissed her now wife's lips again and again.

"Let's run away. Let's escape this castle and find a tiny village where we can raise Meiko and our baby."

"When you have your child. Then we will find a home for us to live in. I have a plan. But let us just enjoy our night together."

Diana took her hand and kissed the knuckles before traveling down the arm to Akko's neck and then her breast. Akko moaned again as Diana continued fingering her. She held her wife close to her body as she came down from her high. She was at peace at least. She had the one thing she always wanted in the world. Diana settled her hand on her stomach as they fell asleep.