{MIHO'S POV}
Every muscle in my body is tense as I await Marquis Haruka's verdict. What will he say? What will he do?

The would-be-attacker was an unexpected pitfall. My body moved without thinking to dispatch the threat, but now Marquis Haruka stares at me like I'm a stranger. His face is almost as stiff as mine.

Finally, he bows. "You look well, Princess."

My throat constricts and I can only nod. Marquis Haruka turns to Aoi-kun, having made a decision.

"Aoi-sama, you seek an alliance. Clarines' backing in this war. I was sent to assess the situation, and I've seen the state of West Zoral. I've also seen how loyal your followers are. I'm willing to negotiate terms with you but I have one requirement." He points at me. "Miho-sama returns to Clarines with me."

There's an explosion of outrage from the soldiers surrounding us. Aoi-kun opens his mouth to protest, but Marquis Haruka raises his hand and Aoi-kun waivers, allowing him to speak once more.

"Would Miho-sama rather stay here or return to her home, where she belongs?" Marquis Haruka asks.

The answer is obvious, but Aoi-kun won't answer for me. I can practically read his mind. Aoi-kun knows I miss my family. Doubt is creeping into his mind; I'm supposed to be in Clarines, safe and sound, instead of risking my life every day by throwing myself into the midst of a civil war. Aoi-kun remembers that we're only connected by sheer coincidence.

Marquis Haruka sees Aoi-kun's conflicted expression and knows he's struck a chord.

"Why don't we allow Miho-sama to decide?" He looks at me. "Princess, I'll visit you later."

It dawns on me that Marquis Haruka is trying to be considerate. He thinks I'm still mute, unable to talk to someone unless they're related to me.

I feel a ball of white hot rage unfurl in my stomach. The heat spreads to every bone of my body, removing the imaginary blockade in my airway. The words flow as naturally as water.

"I'll answer you now."

Marquis Haruka takes a step back and I feel a swell of pride. Never before have I seen him been so caught off-guard during negotiations.

He can usually keep a straight face even in the most unexpected scenarios, but he can't hide the surprise and disbelief on his face now.

Neither could any of the entourage that accompanies Marquis Haruka. None of them have heard me speak before, definitely not with such clarity.

Even though I appear detached, I feel burning anger and determination. "I'll... make Aoi-kun emperor... no matter what... with or without your... help!"

I turn around and storm off, flipping my copious hair for added dramatic flare. I duck into a nearby tent and eavesdrop on what Aoi-kun has to say.

"If it was anyone other than Miho, I might be less adamant. But Miho says she wants to stay, so I have no intention of handing her over." He confidently declines Marquis Haruka's offer.

Hearing the loosely-veiled anger in Aoi-kun's voice, I feel warm inside for a different reason.

Marquis Haruka keeps his word to visit me later, making another wasted effort to convince me to return to Clarines with him.

"You are truly beloved here." Marquis Haruka says, waving his hand at the tent. Multiple Zoral guards stand around the outside of it, as if to ensure that he won't try to kidnap me. We can see their shuffling feet. They're also eavesdropping.

Not knowing where he's going with this, I respond cautiously. "Yes?"

"Earlier, the people here didn't trust me, but their gazes weren't particularly unfriendly. Now everyone glares at me with open hostility. It seems you're highly regarded by the people of Zoral."

"Different treatment... from Clarines." I mutter and Marquis Haruka looks away. He can't deny it. "Can't... imagine I'm... very popular?"

Marquis Haruka won't meet my gaze. His silence is answer enough. They probably think I'm a foolish, dead princess. The resurgence of trauma is like a dull, rusty knife sawing off my limbs.

"Do you know who you and that boy remind me of?" Marquis Haruka asks suddenly.

I shake my head, mystified by the abrupt turn in direction of the conversation.

"Prince Zen and Princess Shirayuki." Marquis Haruka laughs. "I tried to split them up too, at first. But they stubbornly refused to let go of each other. And now you've gone and made such a bold resolution while that boy refuses to let go of you."

I blink, stunned. My parents are the best people I know. Any comparison to them is a compliment. I've always thought I wasn't anything like them.

"There's nothing I can say that will convince you, Miho-sama?" Marquis Haruka asks one last time.

I shake my head again, setting my jaw resolutely.

"Even if I tell you how frantically Prince Zen still searches? Princess Shirayuki is sick with worry."

I look away and purse my lips, glad I can't cry. Marquis Haruka won't guilt trip me into anything.

He sighs. "Princess, do you ever intend to return?"

"After the... war." I reply immediately. "But Aoi-kun winning... comes first."

"All the more reason to speed the process along. I will talk to the king. However, Clarines is facing some minor difficulties along the Cojacan border."

That's surprising. Cojaca is a small northeastern neighbor of Clarines. Nothing was amiss with them when I left. I admit, it's frustrating that I don't know what my family is up to and if they're safe.

Marquis Haruka clears his throat. "I doubt the king can send any troops when we're already dealing with a security threat closer to home."

I look down. "Understood."

"No citizen of Clarines will die in Zoral." Marquis Haruka eyes me meaningfully. He sighs. "If all goes well, we'll be able to send food and supplies."

"That's more... than enough." I perk up, before turning to one of the eavesdroppers. I can his shadow outside the tent. "Right... Aoi-kun?"

Aoi-kun yelps unceremoniously and there's a lot of scuffling as he scrambles around. Marquis Haruka is unsurprised. Aoi-kun isn't the most stealthy spy.

"Good is food!" Aoi-kun blurts, appearing in view and scratching the back of his head sheepishly. Then his forehead crinkles. "Well, I mean, food is good. We appreciate your willingness to negotiate."

Aoi-kun reaches out to shake Marquis Haruka's hand, sealing the deal. The next day, West Zoral and Clarines sign an official agreement.

Word spreads through the empire like wildfire. As we'd hoped, other surrounding kingdoms follow Clarines' example. Kenji is infuriated. With new external backing, the front line is finally secure.

Now we can push forward. It's time to march on the capital city of Zoral, Citadel.

The finale of this bloody civil war draws closer.