Once the Ice Dragon delegation returned, the Phoenix camp exploded in a flurry of activity. The King and Emperor both coordinated their efforts to ensure that everything ran smoothly and that the Ice Dragons were comfortably settled in the shortest amount of time. King Nikiforov took great interest in how the Emperor's subjects related to him. Emperor Katsuki did not seem a fearsome ruler, and it did not appear that those who served him did so out of fear. He did not tout his position nor use it to intimidate those around him. Most astonishingly, he did not relate to his people with the air of superiority he often saw expressed in the rulers of Occidentis. Those monarchs would waste no time in letting those around them know that they were beneath them. The words 'know your place' practically oozed from their every pore.

By contrast, the man was actually quite soft-spoken, rarely raising his voice or shouting. He had this quiet authority about him, and it was clear that his subjects absolutely adored him. General Altin approached him and stood silently next to him for a few minutes before speaking.

"He is a fair and just ruler. I cannot yet speak for his battle skills or strategy, but it is clear that he has the absolute loyalty and admiration of those who serve him."

The King smiled at his General.

"You are as astute as always, Otabek. The Emperor has a calm and composed exterior, yet he wields the most intense and wildly uncontrollable element known to mankind. I have witnessed a small fraction of his power, I would not wish to be on the wrong end of his fury if it ever becomes fully unleashed."

"Sources tell me that you have forged an official alliance with their clan?"

The King looked at the General out of the corner of his eye, his lips forming a wry smile.

"I see that Squire Plisetsky seems physically unable to control his own mouth."

The General grunted in response, a gesture the King had learned a long time ago was the closest thing to a laugh the man ever got.

"He is still young and driven by anger. His lack of control is how we find ourselves in this particular situation. Give him time, once he is able to reign in those emotions of his, he will become a force to be reckoned with."

"His youth is no excuse. He is not that much younger than you Otabek, and yet you lead the King's army. Extreme emotions can result in rash decisions and dangerous impulsivity, certainly. But a lack of emotion can lead to apathy, and eventually end in a lack of connection with humanity. The trick is finding the balance between the two states."

Th General nodded curtly at the King, not missing the way the monarch's words seemed directed at him as much as the Squire.

The conversation was brought to an abrupt end once the Emperor approached, flanked by the shadow warrior woman. General Altin examined the woman with quiet curiosity. Her battle grab and weapons were complete novelties to him, and he itched to examine their quality and craftsmanship. Most curious of all was the woman's footwear. They did not appear to be any kind of shoes he had ever encountered. She wore shin guards, but her legs were not fully encased in armor like the greaves he himself wore. They spoke of a warrior who relied on quickness and stealth. He had heard that she was able to successfully sneak up on and capture Sara Crispino. He had been shocked to hear it, Sara was the best assassin in all of Occidentis, and not even her twin brother was able to match her talents. The Emperor paused to bow to the King and nod toward him.

"King Nikiforov, General Altin. I present you Minako Okukawa, Royal Shinobi. In Occidentis, you might know her as a 'ninja'."

Two sets of eyebrows disappeared into hairlines as the two Ice Dragons immediately recognized the word.

The Shinobi woman bowed deeply to the King and General both.

"It is a pleasure to make both of your acquaintance. You may call me Okukawa San, and yes...I am very real."

The King chuckled, a bit embarrassed to have his incredulity picked up on.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Okukawa San. Please forgive our reactions, back in Occidentis there is a lot of mystery and lore surrounding the 'ninja'. No one that has ever seen one has lived to speak of the ordeal."

Minako smiled.

"A true Shinobi leaves behind no witnesses."

The two Ice Dragons felt a shiver run down their spines. The woman's smile was genuinely friendly, but her stormy-gray eyes glinted with the promise of danger.

The Emperor meanwhile, was doing his best to keep from rolling his eyes. Minako had always had a flair for the dramatic and this was a rare opportunity for her to show off a bit. He was glad that he had approached the subject with her earlier. He'd asked her to draw the line at outright frightening them, he didn't want to start the alliance off on the wrong foot

"Ah, yes...Okukawa San is a consummate professional and Orientalis' best. Today, I offer her services to you as a guide. I propose that she work together with your General to familiarize him with the facilities and to map the new camp's configuration. General Altin can tell her about the ones from your camp and she can do the same about ours."

The King clapped his hands together, his mouth breaking out in a dazzling smile.

"Perfect! I approve. General Altin, please work together with Okukawa San."

The General brought his right hand to his heart and bowed to the King.

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

Okukawa San bowed to her Emperor and the two clan delegates departed for their task. The Emperor approached the King, falling into place comfortably at his side.

"May I suggest that the cooks from both our camps work together to prepare tonight's meal? We have a location set aside for a large bonfire and can have the serving tables moved outdoors. I think it would be nice to have everyone out under the stars to enjoy such a meal. It would also be a great chance for some cultural exchange and the best time to announce our alliance."

The King nodded appreciatively, pleasantly surprised that the Emperor had thought that far ahead and was actively trying to establish a unified front.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea, Emperor Katsuki! I shall have my cooks informed immediately."

The Emperor smiled, relieved that the King had accepted his suggestion so readily.

"You may tell your cooks that they are welcome to bring their ingredients and tools to our tent. It's quite spacious and will be able to accommodate everyone. If you wish, I can provide some men to assist with carrying everything over."

"Thank you dear Emperor, but that won't be necessary. Now that we're all set up, I have more the enough men to cover the task. I thank you for your gracious offer."

The Emperor's cheeks colored slightly at the term of endearment, but he managed to carry on as if it hadn't affected him.

"It is no bother, I am here to assist in any way possible. If you need anything, all you must do is ask."

"Well, there is the matter of our first war council. I would like to get started on this demon threat as soon as possible. I propose that we meet tonight before dinner, that way we can at least decide on the teams we will send, their members and formation. Then, we can begin the day tomorrow with an early morning practice. This will give the team commanders a chance to know their members, see what they can do and work out strategies."

The Emperor rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he mulled over the King's plan.

"Your plan appears to be quite sound. I agree to your proposal, we shall have the first war council between our clans at sunset. I invite you, your General and the Lancer that accompanied you to attend. I shall have present with me Minako Okukawa and Yuuko Nishigori. Does this arrangement suit you, King Nikiforov?"

The King nodded his approval.

"It does."

Before another word was exchanged, a young visitor was heard before he was seen.

"Emperor Katsuki Sama! King Sama!"

Minami was barreling toward them at full speed. The King leaned in close to whisper in the Emperor's ear.

"Is he always this...energetic?"

"Every. Single. Day."

The King covered his mouth as he tried to contain his mirth. As they pulled apart, Minami came to a full stop before them. He bowed to the Emperor before doing the same to the King.

"Minami is sorry to disturb you, Royal Samas, but there is good news for King Sama!"

The Emperor placed a hand on Minami's shoulder.

"What is it, Kenjiro?"

The young man was so excited that he could barely stand still as he spoke.

"Princess Sama has woken and received the recovery potion. She wishes to speak with King Sama."

The King's eyes lit up at the mention of the Princess and turned to the Emperor with the most beautiful smile of pure joy that he all but had to shield his eyes from its brilliance.

"This is fabulous news! Mila is awake! May I please see her, Emperor Katsuki?"

"You did not even need to ask, dear King. You may see your subjects whenever you see fit."

The King did not miss how the Emperor had used his own term of affection back at him, the act pleasing him far more than he thought it would. What is wrong with me? I am the the ruler of an entire continent and I can't stop fawning over a man I just me. I must be getting soft in my old age.

"Minami, please take the King to the recovery tent."

Minami bowed deeply to the Emperor and then motioned for the King to follow him.

…

King Nikiforov fought to keep his cool as he entered the tent and saw Mila sitting up, a piping hot teacup in her lap. She looked healthy and vibrant, cheeks pink with vigor and no dark circles under her eyes. Minami bowed deeply toward him before excusing himself to give them some privacy.

"Mila! You look wonderful! How do you feel?"

The Elven Princess smiled sheepishly at the King, lowering her eyes humbly as the he approached her bedside.

"I am well, thank you. It appears that I have caused a lot of trouble and worry for you and the Phoenix Clan, and for that I am sorry. I am especially sorry for how frightened it must all have made you, Viktor. Please forgive me, but it was all I could do to stop a war starting between our clans on the first encounter."

The King reached for her tea cup and placed it on a nearby table. He then leaned in and wrapped his arms around the young woman, bringing one hand up to cradle the back of her head. Mila gasped when she felt the hot drops falling on her bare shoulder and tried to pull away to check on him. When the King spoke, his voice was raw with emotion, and barely recognizable to her.

"Please Mila, just let me hold you like this for a while."

She nodded, wrapping her arms around him in return.

"Take as long as you need."

…

When the King was finally able to compose himself, he pulled away. He reached into his pocket and removed a handkerchief. He dabbed daintily at his eyes, careful not to make them any redder than they already were.

"I would tell you to never do anything like that to me again, but let's both be honest, you'd just deny me to my face."

Mila smiled sadly as she reached for the King's hand and held it.

"I would do it all over again if I had to, Viktor. I do not regret pushing myself beyond my limits for the sake of your future and happiness. It is the..."

"The promise you made my mother. I know, I know."

The King sighed and rubbed vigorously at his temples.

"I don't think my mother meant for you to throw your life away for me, Mila. Listen, I know that you're an independent and headstrong woman, and that I can't tell you what to do with your life. But Mila, please think long and hard before you even think of doing something like this again. I was nearly beside myself with grief when they told me you were dying. You're my best friend and most trusted advisor. But more importantly, you are like the sister I never had. You are family, Mila.

"Thank you Viktor, your words mean more to me than you'll ever know. I shall weigh this information heavily if a similar situation should ever arise."

"Thank you. That is all I really ask."

Mila yawned and stretched her arms over her head before reaching for her cup of tea.

"Have you had any of this tea yet? It's the most amazing stuff I've ever tasted! The people of Orientalis sure know how to brew a magical cup of tea."

"Yes, you're certainly right about that! I had some tea earlier with the lunch the Emperor had prepared for us."

Mila perked up at the mention of the Emperor.

"What's he like, the Emperor? I haven't met him yet, but apparently I owe him my life."

The King sighed as his eyes took on a dreamy look.

"He's an incredibly interesting man. Immensely powerful, but very kind and selfless. He offered to save you without a second thought. He didn't know who you were and it didn't seem to matter to him. All he knew was that you needed help and he was the only one could do it. So he did."

Mila smiled knowingly at the King.

"Well, someone in this room is already smitten with the Emperor!"

The King's face turned a bright shade of red and he sputtered incoherently for a few seconds before being able to speak.

"Th-that's impossible! I've only known the man for a day! I'm not smitten...I'm simply appreciative of his accolades as a ruler."

Mila shot him a look that left no doubts as to what she thought of his excuse.

"Bullshit. You're smitten. I can see it, clear as day, all over your face. Has the Ice King's frozen little heart finally found someone to melt it?"

The King covered his face with both hands and groaned.

"Miiiiiiiillla! You're so embarrassing! I barely know the man, I couldn't possibly know that yet!"

"A-ha! YET! Fine, if you don't want to admit that you're positively, absolutely smitten...then we'll go with 'highly curious about and interested'. I expect you to keep me updated on any developments."

"What? Mila, no! There won't be any developments! We've simply formed an alliance and we'll be working together to kill off the demons on the island."

Mila crossed her arms and lifted her chin up in defiance.

"Viktor Dimitrievich Nikiforov, you will keep me updated on these developments or I shall be forced to use the animals to spy on you. Would you rather just be upfront with me or spend every day looking at every bug and bird in suspicion?"

The King groaned even louder. He should have known better than to think he could slip something past eagle-eyed Mila.

"Ugh, fine! IF anything happens, you'll be the first to know."

Mila smiled triumphantly before she unfolded her arms.

"Great! I knew you'd eventually see things my way! Now, I want to know everything that's happened since you first met him."

The King was about to open his mouth in protest when he was saved by Minami's voice at the tent's entrance.

"King Sama! Sorry to disturb you, but Nishigori Yuuko San is awake and Emperor Katsuki Sama would like to convene with you and Squire Plisetsky San."

The King breathed out a sigh of relief, happy to have dodged the bullet for now.

"You heard the man, Mila. My presence is required elsewhere."

"You lucky little bastard. This isn't over, you know. I expect a full report as soon as you're available again. And don't try and put his off, either. I can always find out what you're up to!"

The King shook his head in dismay as he left the tent. Mila could be utterly terrifying when she set her mind to it.

…

Five people currently filled the Nishigori tent. Well, five people and one adorable fox kit. The space was a bit cramped but everyone managed to find enough space to stand comfortably. Squire Plisetsky was currently in the dogeza position at Takeshi Nishigori's feet.

"Mister Nishigori, I am deeply regretful for the disrespect I purple...purpot..."

The King stood nearby and coughed softly into his hand. "Perpetrated."

The Emperor smiled secretly at him, while doing his best to keep a straight face.

"I am deeply regretful for the disrespect I have perpetrated against your wife and the horrible turmoil I brought to your family. Please forgive my foolishness. I shall never disrespect your wife nor any other woman ever again."

Takeshi Nishigori nodded once and motioned for the young Squire to rise.

"I thank you, young Squire, for choosing to apologize to me in the way of my people. We have all been young and foolish on at least one occasion. I look forward to seeing you keep your word and how you show your remorse."

Next was Yuuko Nishigori, and the young Squire actually trembled as he performed the dogeza at her feet.

"Mis'ess Nishigori, I am so terribly sorry for the indignity I have put you through. I had no right to touch you without consent, and for that I am eternally sorry. I hope that you can find it in your generous heart to forgive me."

Yuuko stared at the young man before her for a long time before she spoke.

"I will decide on whether or not I forgive you after I see for myself what kind of man you really are."

She then turned to the King and bowed deeply toward him.

"King Nikiforov Sama, may I ask that you entrust the care and servitude of your subject to me until I can fully assess his worth as a human?"

The King gestured dismissively with his right hand, a large smile on his face.

"Sure! You may keep him for as long as you deem fit."

The Squire was suddenly on his feet, staring at the King in disbelief.

"Wait...what? I apologized, why...ow!"

The young Squire suddenly found himself elbowed sharply in the ribs by the King of the Ice Dragons.

"I have agreed to the arrangement. You shall, from this point on, follow every single instruction, demand, command and order from Yuuko Nishigori. You are to remain in this arrangement until the lady decides that she has sufficiently judged your worth. This is a direct order from me, as your King."

The young Squire could only stare at the King in disbelief. He wondered for a minute if the man had just lost his damn mind. He had done the dogeza thing, he had apologized to them both...why was it still not over?

The Hanyou Kitsune smiled and bowed deeply to the King.

"Thank you very much, Your Highness. You are very kind to grant my request so readily."

She then turned to Squire Plisetsky, a wicked smile playing upon her lips.

"Since we'll be going into battle soon, I'll need to prepare a rather large batch of potions and antidotes. I'm going to need help getting everything ready, so you're going to be my assistant. Meet me here tomorrow before sunrise. We start before dawn."

The young Squire's jaw nearly hit the ground. Before sunrise? He hadn't been awake before sunrise in...ever! He looked up to the heavens in dismay, feeling for the first time that the Gods must really hate him.