By sunrise, the king summoned his generals and ministers to prepare for the upcoming war against the Great Western Empire. He gathered them in the throne room.
Takahiro, the Crown Prince of Futsu Kingdom, tried to enter the throne room but the guards blocked his way.
"What's the meaning of this?" The bespectacled prince asked.
"Forgive me your highness, but the king has ordered us that no one else will enter the throne room during the battle conference" one of the guards answered the prince.
"But I am the crown prince of this kingdom, I should be in there!" Takahiro exclaimed.
The guards bowed and shook their heads, "Forgive us your highness but the king's orders are absolute…"
Takahiro clenched his fists and let out a heavy sigh, "I understand…"he mumbled and walked away.
'Why would father forbid me to participate in war? Am I not that reliable for such responsibility? I love this country as much as he does…' Takahiro asked himself his questions. He evaluated himself as he walked through the halls of the Main Palace.
"Takahiro-oujisama…" a maid walked towards him.
"What is it?"
The maid gave respect to him and bowed, "Her Majesty has called for your presence in the young prince's quarters"
'Mother called for me?'
"I'll come to her quarters now. Thank you, you may go…" Takahiro smiled and headed to Misaki's chamber.
'This may be a good time to ask mother why father seems to distance me from war matters' The prince nodded to himself as he knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" A gentle voice asked.
"It is I, Prince Takahiro, may I come in?"
The door opened and a sweet scent filled the air. The bespectacled prince saw his mother sitting on the bed, petting his younger brother's head. The Queen always looked elegant. Her chocolate colored-hair in an updo hairstyle and her emerald eyes sparkled with joy as she cuddled her youngest son.
"Niichan! Niichan!" The younger prince cheerfully called as he ran towards his brother.
"Good morning Misaki" Takahiro greeted his brother.
"Good morning Niichan! You know Kaachan went here with my breakfast! Then she told me stories and she said I will go to Iro Kingdom* tomorrow!" Misaki smiled and jumped up and down in glee.
Takahiro was taken aback by this statement. Why would their mother send his younger brother to another kingdom?
"Really? Isn't that good?" Takahiro forced a smile.
"Yeah, it's great! Shinobu is coming with me there! I can't wait to see Kyou-niichan there! I'll have another drawing from him! Right, Kaachan?" the younger prince turned to his mother.
"Yes, my dear Misaki…" Hanako smiled at her son. She stood up and petted Misaki's head.
Takahiro's brows knitted. 'Why does it look like she's saying goodbye to Misaki forever?"
"Mother…" Takahiro started. "Can I please have a word with you in private?" he asked.
Hanako looked at him in query and nodded, "Please escort Misaki outside… I think he needs some playtime before setting out on a long trip…" she gestured to her ladies-in-waiting.
"Niichan, won't you come and play with me?" Misaki asked his brother.
"Sorry Misaki, I've got something to discuss with Kaachan… I'll go to the courtyard once it's done okay?" Takahiro smiled and ruffled Misaki's hair.
Misaki pouted, "Okay… I'll be waiting there okay?"
The ladies-in-waiting left with the young prince, leaving the crown prince and the queen in private. Takahiro sat on a chair nearby and joined his hands together, "Mother… May I ask you something?"
"What is it my child?" the queen forcefully smiled.
"Why has father banded me from participating in war?" Takahiro asked with a serious and disappointed tone.
The Queen's eyes widened then a frown grazed her lips and she remained silent. Takahiro bit his lips, "Mother, please…"
"We don't want you to get involve with the war because it's too dangerous…"
"But I am the crown prince of this kingdom. I have every right and duty to participate in the upcoming war to protect our kingdom. You know that I love this country as much as father has…" Takahiro answered with his voice rising in frustration.
"Takahiro…" The Queen uttered in surprise. It was the first time that his son raised his voice before her.
The crown prince stopped himself and sighed, "Forgive me mother… I have raised my voice on you…" he slumped back to his chair and adjusted his glasses.
The Queen smiled softly and approached her son. She caressed his head gently, "It's alright my son… I understand how you feel about this but I must go with your father's decision on this matter. We cannot risk the heir to the throne in this war. If you die in this battle, who will be there for the kingdom? Who will continue your father's dream and most importantly…" she paused and lifted her son's chin, "Who will take care of your brother?" she asked sadly.
The Queen walked towards the veranda, "Takahiro, my dear son, you have a very profound responsibility. That's why we decided that you should be safe with all cause and moreover…" she looked back to her son, "You must protect Misaki at all cause… You know what could happen to the entire continent if he gets into danger…"
Takahiro stood up and bowed, "I understand now… That's why you'll send Misaki to Iro Kingdom"
The Queen smiled sadly, "Yes… It hurts me so much to be apart from my sons… But as your mother, Queen or not, I will do everything for my children…"
Queen Hanako held her son, "After this war, if your father and I will be no longer here… Be strong alright?" she whispered as tears brim her eyes.
Takahiro's eyes widened then tears formed on his eyes, "I understand mother… I promise I will be strong for the kingdom and for Misaki" he answered.
His mother parted, "Kneel and I will bless you with my power…"
Takahiro nodded and knelt before his mother. The Queen raised her right hand over Takahiro's head. A faint light illuminated from her hand, "I bless you with my power and spirit... My beloved son, Takahiro… Rise up, may god bless you…" she spoke.
Takahiro stood up and smiled, "Thank you mother,"
"It's been a long time since I used my powers but I believe that you will be blessed…" the Queen smiled and left the room.
After that meeting, Prince Takahiro was sent to the Far East quarters of the country for his safety. Prince Misaki as well as the other noble children was sent to Iro kingdom for their safety.
The Fustu Kingdom waged war against the Great Western Empire. In battle, the Great Western Empire out-numbered the Futsu Kingdom. However, due to tactical skills, Futsu Kingdom had the upper hand. In the heat of battle, the Great Western Empire used their modern weapons in war. Many have died in the side of the Futsu Kingdom. But that didn't last for long, with the help of the Circle of Mages, the whole army of the enemy empire was wiped out. However, it caused the Futsu Kingdom their Strongest mage, Ootori Shizuka in the Western Border and King Masahiro in the Nothern border.
Due to the damages that were heavily inflicted to the Great Western Empire, they were forced to sign a treaty of peace with the Futsu Kingdom. Thus, it ended the Great war between two countries.
I'm sorry for the late update! _ I'm a college student...
Anyway, the good stuff is in the next chapter...
Thanks to Usa-Usa Yoikawa, Junjou-Angel and 14shadowrose for reviewing! TT^TT I love you guys!
Well then until the next chapter! Please review...
Hint: Akihiko appears on the next chappy XD