Red River Fan Fiction ❯ A SHINTO PRIESTESS IN THE ANCIEN HITTITE EMPIRE ❯ V4 C3 The King of Water and the Priestess of the Rising Sun ( Chapter 16 )

A SHINTO PRIESTESS IN THE ANCIEN HITTITE EMPIRE

OR

WHERE THE RED FIRE AND RED RIVER MEET

 

 

Disclaimer: I own nothing except Miyuki Kanzaki.

 

 

Vol 4 Chap3:The King of Water and the Priestess from the Rising Sun.

 

 

Hattusa was shining under a nice weather. The streets were saturated by the population which celebrated the recent victory at the battle of Kizzuwadna. Parades flooded the streets with music and colours, people threw sweet flowers, in brief it was a good day, was it?

 

Ryui looked up the sky. “The sun shines in a beautiful blue sky today.”

 

Her twin, the curly honey-haired Shalla listened to the sounds of the Hittite capital. “The city of Hattusa revels in the victory over the Mitanni!”

 

The two youngest Hatti sisters seemed however not sharing the happiness of the city population. “But despite all that… Why?” They turned and waved to the entire palace of the Third Prince which seemed shrouded with gloom. “Why does a pall hang over this palace?”

 

The eldest sister, the long-haired black-eyed Hadi sweated. “What can we do?” She sighed as she remembered the emotional state of the three most important persons of the palace and in her life. “Look at the proprietor his highness Prince Kail…” The blond young man didn't even move out of his room. “And Prince Zannanza…” The half-brother of Kail was no better. “As well as Princess Miyuki…” The black-haired young girl was using her mediation skills to avoid interacting with everybody. “Everyone is in this state.”

 

Ryui leaned to her twin and whispered. “But…Princess Miyuki and Prince Zannanza didn't make love, did they? They only kiss, I think…”

 

Shalla nodded. “But no love-making. At least, that's what they said…but they were alone together for days. No wonder Prince Kail is suspicious.”

 

Hadi's eyes narrowed and she smacked her sisters on the head. “Stop that wicked whispering and get to work, you minxes!”

 

The twins gulped. “Y-Yes, Hadi…”

 

The eldest Hatti shook her head and sighed. Her sisters were simply repeating what many already whispered. “We have enough to worry about in this palace.”

 

Ilvani appeared from nowhere, just like every time. “Hadi's right. I'm more concerned about Prince Zannanza's life than Prince Kail's love life. The palace panel of judges is a rather big problem.”

 

Hadi blinked. It had been a little unsettling at first, but she was now unfazed by this uncanny ability. “Ilvani…”

 

Shalla raised an eyebrow. “The palace panel judges? What do you think will happen?”

 

Ilvani `s face betrayed a little his worry. “Have you forgotten? Zannanza abducted his brother's concubine. And Kail is accused of negligence for not stopping him. Their victory over the Mitanni has no bearing on these judgements.”

 

Hadi's eyes widened. She hadn't realized that the situation was so serious. “Oh.”

 

Ryui shook her head. “But the kidnapping was part of Queen Nakia's plot to destroy the princes!”

 

Ilvani nodded. “Of course. Which is why I believe she will try to persuade his majesty to punish them harshly.” He sighed. “No doubt Nakia will initiate a debate on the matter.”

 

“Excuse me, Prince Kail!” Kikkuri entered the palace, startling the Hatti sisters and Ilvani. “The Emperor's messenger is here.” The brown-haired servant seemed very worried. “His majesty summons Prince Kail, Prince Zannanza and Princess Miyuki to his palace at once.”

 

Zannanza flinched, Kail winced and Miyuki emerged abruptly from her meditation. The young Miko bit her lower lip, dread seizing her heart. `The Imperial palace?' She frowned as the vision of a smirking Nakia entered her mind. `What is this damned Queen planning?' Curiously, she felt more worried for the two Princes than for herself. `Both of them are not prepared to confront her at the moment…' True, her meditation had enable her to, at least, rebuilt her emotional shields, but Kail and Zannanza…

 

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At the Imperial palace, Kail, Zannanza, Miyuki and Ilvani were introduced into the throne room. Along with the Emperor and Nakia, rows of richly-clad persons were seated in the aisles.

 

The emerald-eyed Japanese blinked as she recognized many from the Imperial feast before her kidnapping. `Why are all the ministers here?' The faint smile on the lips of Nakia didn't inspire her any confidence.

 

Kail was grim. “I see. The Queen has convened the council of ministers.”

 

Miyuki's eyes widened in sudden comprehension. “The council? Damn!”

 

Ilvani pressed thinly his lips. “Yes. You have rightly guessed. As I taught to you, the Hittite state has three decision-making bodies: His majesty, the Tabarna; her majesty, the Tavannana and the council of ministers.” Even in this situation he felt an absurd feeling of pride that his teachings were properly used by the eager young girl. “They use the Hittite code consisting of 200 chapters of laws. Under the code, our Emperor, unlike the rulers of Egypt and Babylonia, cannot make important decisions solely on his own authority.”

 

The teenager narrowed her eyes. `And so, the Emperor is bound to obey the code. That sounded like a good system when I learnt about it, but I wonder how it will work in this case.'

 

Suppililiumas, the King of Water, raised his scepter. “Kail Mursili and Zannanza Hattusili. First, I wish to congratulate you on your heroic victory in the battle of Kizzuwadna.” His gaze turned grim. “However, that success does not erase the charges against you. My sons are meant to be examples to the people, yet you have violated our laws.” Kail's eyes narrowed and Miyuki began to sweat. She was at the centre of all this events. “Not only did you cause turmoil in a royal palace, but throughout the city.” A little smirk floated on the visage of Queen Nakia. The ministers were all listening. “Especially you Zannanza. Kidnapping is a serious offence.”

 

The Fourth Prince said nothing and lowered his head.

 

His brother attempted to deflect some of the accusations. “Please wait, your majesty. It wasn't kidnapping…”

 

“Silence!” Nakia cut into the attempt. “You won't wheedle your way out of this, Prince Kail.” Sure of her, the Queen continued. “Guards at the city gates and in Kanesh have testified that they saw Prince Zannanza take the girl against her will!”

 

Miyuki was apparently calm, but inside she was boiling with rage. `Damn you! No, I can't let this happening!' Her emerald eyes seemed to glow with repressed power in her half-lidded gaze. `If only we had proof that Queen Nakia's magic was behind it.' For once, she wished her status as a priestess was recognized in the Hittite Empire: Her testimony would have weight under the circumstances. `But her magic water evaporated, so we have no evidence against her.'

 

The Emperor pondered a little. “The Hittite code requires that an ordinary citizen be fined one year's income for kidnapping. But as you are princes, I fine you 200 times that amount. You must pay 80 silver mana.”

 

“That is not enough!” Nakia was, once again, seizing the offensive and was standing up to impose her presence. “I demand that the princes be stripped of their royal rank!”

 

Miyuki gulped and leaned to Ilvani. “Stripped of their rank? Is she doing what I think she is doing?”

 

The Imperial clerk nodded. “Yes. They would become common subjects.” His gaze narrowed. “The Queen wants to deprive Prince Kail of his right of succession.”

 

At the heart of her soul, a Red Flame gained in strength as the black-haired teenager considered the Queen. `That sly witch!'

 

Nakia continued her harangue. “As his majesty said before, Princes should be examples!” She whirled to the ministers. “Therefore, I demand that the council of ministers consider my proposal.”

 

`Surely the ministers won't approve it.' Miyuki turned to the grim-faced Kail. `They must know how important Prince Kail is to the Empire.'

 

A minister rose from his seat. “I support the Queen's proposal.” And another. “So do I.” And another. “And I.”

 

Under the dismayed gaze of the group, most of the ministers have risen in support of the proposal. The Japanese priestess was petrified. `Stupid! Stupid! The Queen must have done something to make them support her! She wouldn't have done all this if she wasn't sure of her chances!'

 

Suppililiumas was also dismayed by what he was seeing. Nakia smiled. “The council of ministers supports my proposal.” She turned to her husband, now sure of her victory. “Your majesty, please ratify it.”

 

Kail and Zannanza were thunder-stricken. `The council has sided with the Queen. Even the Emperor can't overturn their decision.'

 

Even the ever cool Ilvani was affected. “This is absurd!”

 

Miyuki tightened her fist. “Oh…” `DAMN IT! A solution! There must be a solution!'

 

Suppililiumas knew he didn't have any choices. “I shall now pronounce judgement. Prince Kail Mursili and Prince Zannanza Hattusili shall be deprived of…”

 

The emerald-eyed girl snarled internally. `If only the Circle was here, I really need the tactical skills of Komera right now. Uh? Tactical…? THAT'S IT!' “Wait, your majesty!” Miyuki had the tiniest of the beginning of an idea and she firmly went forward, not even considering what might happen to her. “The kidnapping was just a tactical ploy of Prince Kail's!”

 

The third Prince blinked to his pseudo-concubine. “Miyuki?!”

 

Nakia snorted. “Be silent, girl!”

 

Suppililiumas imperiously cut off the Queen. “Wait! I would hear what she has to say.”

 

Miyuki gulped. “Oh?” `IT WORKED!' “Um, very well, your majesty…” The young girl straightened and took a deep breath. “I mean Prince Kail staged the whole thing to fool the Mitanni!”

 

The King of Water blinked. “What?” Nakia began to sweat as her priestly powers picked on the extension of the thrice-damned invisible crimson aura of the little pest. She had always used her own blue aura to give more impact to her statements, and now, this peasant was doing the same, but to counteract her.

 

“Having learned that the Mitanni were going to attack Kizzuwadna, Prince Kail sent Prince Zannanza and me there to prepare the city to repel the invaders.” The Miko was instinctively using all the impact that a priest could deliver in a speech, imitating, without her conscious knowledge, her father. “And to fool any enemy spies, he made it look like I was kidnapped. We couldn't have sent Prince Kail since he was too visible. Prince Zannanza was so required to prepare the troops in advance and I accompanied him to give morale support as the avatar of Ishtar.” Even her voice was taking on the harmonics that her father used during the Shinto rituals. “It's true! Nothing scandalous happened.” She glanced to Kail as the next words were directed more to him. “Prince Zannanza and I did nothing to be ashamed of, except fought to protect the Empire.”

 

The Emperor was duly impressed. “Is this true?”

 

Nakia snorted. “What a preposterous lie!”

 

Ilvani used the opening given by the young girl and built on it. “Could we have repelled the Prince of Darkness without preparing? He had twice the forces we had. Our victory is proof that what she says is true.”

 

The Queen internally swore. “Then tell me why didn't you tell us the Mitanni were going to attack?”

 

Kail held a little smile. “They say you have to fool your own people if you wish to fool your enemy.” He looked straight into the violet eyes of his step-mother. “And one never knows whom one can trust…in war.” The violet gaze almost glowed under the hidden rage of the Queen as she perfectly understood the innuendo.

 

The ministers began to chuckle among themselves, hiding their uneasiness behind false smiles and laughs. “Excellent work, Prince Kail. Most audacious.”

 

“We knew from the start things would not be as it seemed…”

 

Suppililiumas sighed in relief. “Very well. A brilliant plan, my sons. You will both be decorated for this.” He smiled to the sweating young girl. “I will also reward you for your participation in this…audacious plan.” He nodded. “I already know what to gift you with.” He waved to the group. “Go with my blessing.”

 

`Thank heaven.' The teenager felt exhausted emotionally but managed to stay on her feet. Sliding down on the ground in relief would have destroyed all her efforts. `I made that whole story up, but it worked. Thank the gods.' As the ministers and her group began to exit the throne room, she gazed upon Suppililiumas and blinked.

 

The aged Emperor was looking straight at her. She froze as the wise gaze pierced through her emerald eyes to the heart of her soul. For an infinitesimal instant, the young girl and the old Priest-King were alone in the crowd. As the hammering of her heart was the only sound, a silent conversation seemed to pass between the two.

 

The emerald eyes widened. `YOU KNEW!?'

 

The white-haired man nodded imperceptibly. `Of course! I am the Emperor. By the will of Teshub, there is little I don't know.'

 

`But…! If you knew about the duplicity of your wife, why…?!'

 

The Imperial gaze became grim. `Because she is the Tavannana. I cannot bring her down myself without destroying my empire.' Regrets shone in the aged eyes. `I have to trust in my sons, and in the will of the gods.' A gentle smile ghosted on his lips. `Now, go, young girl! Your Prince is awaiting you.'

 

The King of Water gazed on the departing frail silhouette and on her, almost quivering with rage, spouse. `My dear Nakia, you have summoned your worst enemy with your own power.' His eyes narrowed. `The fate of the Hittite Empire is now resting also on the shoulders of an unwillingly incarnated goddess.'

 

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As the relieved group descended the main stairs of the palace, Zannanza turned to the still deep in thoughts Miko. “Thank you, Miyuki. You saved me again.”

 

The Japanese blinked as she was jerked back in the reality. The odd silent conversation with the Emperor would have to be pondered on later. “Not at all, Prince Zannanza. I'm just glad everyone was so eager to believe my story.” She snorted. She had seen the way the ministers had reacted: No doubt, they were feeling foolish to have allowed themselves to be manipulated by Nakia. “That damned Queen! She uses every opportunity to destroy us.”

 

The fourth Prince smiled as a flower landed on the thick mane of jet-black hair. He reached to pick it up. Miyuki smiled. “Oh…thank you.”

 

The two friends suddenly realized that they had an audience. The Third Prince passed them without a word or regard.

 

The young girl felt uneasy. “Prince Kail…” `Does he still think there's something between Prince Zannanza and me?' the very thought pierced her heart. She rushed to the pursuit of Kail under the dismayed gaze of Zannanza. “Wait! Prince Kail!”

 

The couple entered the main bedroom of the palace. Miyuki was almost pleading to the blond young man. “Prince Kail… Please, listen to me!” Why the amber-eyed man didn't even look at her? “There's nothing between Prince Zannanza and me, except friendship. I swear it on my honour!”

 

“I said I believed you, didn't I?” Kail was still turning his back to the dismayed young girl. “Thank you for your assistance, but I'm tired, so I think I'll take an early rest.”

 

The Japanese felt betrayed. Although she knew that she couldn't be too close to him, she considered their relationship too important to be marred by suspicions. She caught a pillow and threw it with anger.

 

The impact surprised the amber-eyed Prince. “Miyuki?!”

 

She felt foolish, but she was too hurt to care. “Don't be a brat! If you're upset, let's talk about it!” Multiple objects were thrown to the beleaguered third Prince. “And if you really believe me, why won't you look me in the eye?”

 

Kail was feeling the impacts, he forgot her uncanny strength. “Stop throwing things at me, you spitfire! I'm not worried about what happened between you and Zannanza!”

 

The young girl snarled and searched for something else to throw. Kail rushed to her, caught her wrists and slammed her down on the bed. “I told you to stop that!”

 

Miyuki struggled under him. Why was she always feeling impotent in the arms of the young man? She knew her unarmed skills could break his grasp. “Let me go!”

 

Two pairs of eyes blinked as they remarked the intimate position. The teenager felt her heart racing as Kail closed his eyes and leaned to her.

 

She gasped as he suddenly turned away his head and released her. She considered his back. “Prince Kail?”

 

Kail managed to speak neutrally without looking at her. “Go to bed.”

 

This time, the young girl reddened under her anger. “You're right, I am a spitfire.”

 

Kail blinked. “What?” He turned around in time to receive in the face a handful of flowers. “Pfft!”

 

Miyuki turned around to hide her tears. “You're not short of girlfriends!” `He should feel thankful that I didn't throw the vase also.' She slammed the door behind her. “Why don't you go to sleep with one of the other princesses?! You jerk!”

 

“Miyuki?!” Despite her speed he had seen her tears and heard her hurtful tone.

 

Fuming like a volcano, the Japanese gained the bedroom of the Hatti sisters. “Hadi, Ryui, Shalla…” She entered under the bewildered gaze of the three girls. “I'm sleeping in here with you from now on!”

 

Hadi looked dismayed to her Princess. “Princess Miyuki?”

 

As she fell on a hastily prepared mat, she thought about the earlier scene. `You idiot, Prince Kail!' Tears continue to leak from her eyes. `I told you the truth. I swear on my HONOUR! If you still doubt me, what can I do?' She bit her lower lip to the blood. She felt so hurt. `Stupid! Stupid…! I felt so stupid…'

 

In his bedroom, Kail felt equally dismayed. He hadn't wanted to hurt the heart of the young girl, but… `What can I do? Miyuki will eventually go back to her own land.' Like her, he knew the weight of their respective duties. He was a Hittite Prince and she was a Priestess, defender of her country. `If we get closer, I won't be able to let her go.' The logic of the words didn't appease the impact on his heart.

 

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The morning sun found the animated markets in the streets of Hattusa. Merchants were promoting their goods, women were buying and children ran and laughed.

 

A matron blinked and gazed bewildered to her habitual cereal-provider. “What did you say? Three shekels for a basket? It was only one shekel last week!”

 

The older woman sighed. “I'm sorry. Barley is scarce these days.”

 

The matron shook her head. “Give us a break! We're good customers!”

 

The rest of the customers were nodding, dismayed by the prices. “She's right.”

 

The merchant could only shrug helplessly. “I'm sorry. The caravans from Assyria haven't come for some time. Barley is scarce in all of Hattusa.”

 

Vegetables began to rain as the people got angry. “You greedy woman!”

 

The woman dived under her goods. “The shortage isn't MY fault!”

 

At the Imperial palace, a half-panicked servant reported to the Emperor. “YOUR MAJESTY!” He knelt before the throne. Prince Kail was at the side of his father. “The people are rioting over the price of barley!”

 

Suppililiumas frowned. “What? Don't we have sufficient barley in the granaries?”

 

In the back of the room, Miyuki listened with attention. “Well, no caravans have come from Mesopotamia for a month.”

 

Kail blinked. “What do you mean?” He frowned as he remembered something. “Did we not receive letters from the merchants informing us of their departure?”

 

“We did and we also know that they passed the places where they usually stop. But we've had no word of them since they entered eastern Anatolia.”

 

Kail's eyes narrowed. “Are you saying the grain caravans have disappeared?”

 

The Japanese teenager frowned. `Disappeared?' It was very serious. The Hittite Empire was a heavily agricultural kingdom. This shortage of barley spelt troubles.

 

“You must send soldiers to eastern Anatolia at once!” The Queen Nakia was almost screaming at the top of her lungs. “That area is near the Mitanni border! If the caravans disappeared there, it's obvious that…” She snapped in two her sacred staff. “The Mitanni have stolen our grain!”

 

“Yes, your majesty. No doubt the Mitanni are preventing the caravan goods from reaching us, but eastern Anatolia is a vast region.” The servant managed to not flinch as the two pieces of the staff hit him. “We have sent men to locate the Mitanni forces.”

 

Nakia raged. “That will take too long! Go find those missing caravans immediately!”

 

Zannanza blinked to the antics of the Queen. “The Queen seems agitated.” He turned to Ilvani. “She's always screaming, but her hysteria seems to have reaches a new pitch today.”

 

The Imperial clerk shrugged. “Women often do become fiercer during one time of the month, don't they?” He suddenly shivered as a cold sensation descended along his spine. He whirled around and noticed that the Hatti sisters and Princess Miyuki were looking at him with half-hooded eyes. He actually gulped.

 

“This is no laughing matter. She gets fiercest when it comes to things affecting the royal succession.” Kail looked grim. “Those lost caravans must have some connection to that.”

 

Ilvani acknowledged the point showed by his lord. “Prince Kail.”

 

Kail began to exit with his trusted advisors. “We must be vigilant. I'll have the matter investigated.” He turned to his brother. “Zannanza, I want you to…” He suddenly stopped as he remarked the presence of Miyuki.

 

The Miko turned away and ignore him. She was clad in a white virginal tunic but was holding the gift of the Emperor. It was a staff: A wooden blue-coloured staff topped by a golden winged woman and rings of bronze. When she had been presented the staff, Miyuki had known that she was being recognized officially by the Crown as a priestess. The blue staff was the traditional Sacred Staff of a priestess of Ishtar. Harbouring it in the presence of the Queen was a way to rake at her nerves. However, she also knew that it implied new responsibilities and she had used the pretext to learn her new duties to stay away from Kail.

 

Kail internally sighed and turned away. “…Zannanza, make sure our troops are ready to meet the Mitanni at a moment's notice.”

 

The Fourth Prince was dismayed by the way the couple was behaving. “Yes, my brother.”

 

Ilvani walked in the back of the group and whispered to the Hatti sisters. “Haven't Prince Kail and Princess Miyuki made up yet?”

 

The three honey-haired girls sighed. “Things have gotten worse.”

 

But the Japanese wasn't feeling very happy about the situation. `I admit I started the fight, but…' She knew intellectually that she was behaving like a little girl. `He shouldn't have given me the silent treatment.' He had hurt her, so she had hurt him in return. `Why can't he just get over it?' She hugged herself, her staff lightly jingling. `Why can't I just get over it…?'

 

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Shalla came back to her sisters with the latest news. “I think that Prince Kail won't be coming home again tonight.”

 

Hadi nodded. “He is so busy with the council of war. And the Queen is plotting something, too.”

 

Ryui frowned to her older sister. “What do you mean by that?”

 

Miyuki was returning from a séance of archery when she stumbled on the conversation. She began to listen to Hadi. “Remember how she demanded that the caravans be found? She's still ranting about it.” Miyuki actually smirked at that. If only stress could provoke an early demise for the arrogant Queen… “I think they were bringing her something from Babylonia.” The Japanese blinked. `From Babylonia?' She mainly remembered the Babylonian pantheon and none of the civilisation. “She fears something she sent for may be lost.”

 

Miyuki entered the patio and the conversation. “Hadi…do you think so?”

 

The twins blinked. “Princess Miyuki!”

 

Hadi turned to her Princess. “Yes, Kikkuri said as much to me.”

 

The Japanese teenager frowned. “Then Prince Kail has a lot to worry about. I hope he doesn't get sick from overwork.” She sighed. “Maybe it's time I stopped sulking.” She nodded to herself. “I need to be responsible and stop behaving like a spoiled…” She smirked. “… princess.”

 

The three sisters looked to each others with knowing smiles. Hadi grinned to the young girl. “Princess Miyuki, why don't we take some food to him?”

 

Miyuki blinked. She hadn't remarked that she was thinking aloud. “What?”

 

Hadi continued to grin. “Don't you want to know what he's learned about the Queen?”

 

The Miko blushed and sighed in defeat.

 

A little while later, the still grinning Hatti sisters were escorting the flustered young girl. Ryui was humming. “I'm sure Prince Kail will be very happy to see us.”

 

Miyuki palmed her face. “You don't have to twist it more. I also want to know what Nakia's up to.”

 

Shalla beamed. “We know. Taking food to him gives you an excuse, right?” The Japanese grumbled as she followed her handmaids.

 

At a secondary gate of the Imperial palace, the three sisters came back to Miyuki. “Prince Kail is still in his war council.”

 

`Why me, gods? Why me?' “I told you that I was not here for that only.”

 

“Yes, yes…” As the Hatti sisters waved away her arguments, Miyuki stopped suddenly as she perceived a familiar aura nearby. She whirled around to see two silhouettes entering the main basement of the palace. Her eyes narrowed. `That was the Queen and her servant, Uruhi!' This blue aura was unmistakable. `Where are they going in the middle of the council?' There was only one way to know for sure.

 

“Princess Miyuki.” Hadi turned around to continue with the plan to bring back together the couple. “Why don't we wait for the Prince…” She stopped as no one was where the young girl had been. The three sisters blinked simultaneously. “Princess Miyuki?!”

 

In the basement, the blond Queen addressed her trusted servant. “No one will disturb us here. Have you discovered where the `item' is, Uruhi?”

 

The black-cloaked man bowed. “I have.”

 

Behind a wall, Miyuki nodded to herself. `Just as I thought…' she felt fortunate that the Queen was so arrogant that she didn't care to feel for nearby auras. `They're talking about whatever it is she ordered from Babylonia.'

 

Uruhi continued his report. “According to the survivors of the caravan, they were attacked by Mitanni soldiers and…”

 

Nakia tightened her fist. “Then the Mitanni DO have it?”

 

“Probably so.”

 

Miyuki raised an eyebrow. `I wonder what IT is?' She considered the question. `It might help Prince Kail if I found that out.'

 

“So Uruhi…”

 

“Yes…”

 

The young girl internally swore as even her heightened awareness had difficulty to perceive the conversation. `Damn! I can't hear what they're saying. I have to get closer.' She began to move to froze in fright as she stepped on a twig. The relative loud crack seemed to echo in the basement.

 

Nakia whirled to the source of the sound. “WHO IS THERE?!”

 

Miyuki cringed. `Damn it! They don't clean it up down there?! What the hell is a twig doing in a basement?!'

 

“Whoever is spying on us must die!” Nakia wasn't up to take any risk. “Uruhi!”

 

Miyuki was fast, but she knew she had to hide somewhere. There were some doors in the corridor she was. `Where should I go?' Without really time to think about it, she entered the first room to freeze in dismay. She was in a small room used to store cereals, but… `There's nowhere to hide!'

 

Behind her, the voice of Uruhi sounded. “He's in the storeroom.” A naked sword in hand, the servant entered, preceding the Queen. “You can't escape!”

 

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In the throne room, Suppililiumas was delivering the latest news. “Our scouts have reported.” He waved to the assembly of princes and ministers. “The Mitanni are using the fortress city of Malatia as their forward base.” The heavy sceptre hit the floor to emphasize his statement. “I have decided to send an army to Malatia!” He turned to the Third Prince. “Prince Kail Mursili, you shall lead that force.”

 

The young man nodded to his father. “Yes, your majesty!”

 

The King of Water turned to another amber-eyed young man. “Prince Zannanza Hattusili, you shall lead a second army.”

 

Zannanza bowed. “Yes, your majesty!”

 

The Emperor considered the other Princes. “Only Crown Prince Arnuwanda shall remain in Hattusa.” After nodding to his heir, he turned to his other sons. “The second Prince, Telepinu, and the fifth Prince Piashushuli shall stand ready to march at any time.”

 

Kail was a little perplexed. “Your majesty, this is a large force to attack only Malatia.”

 

Suppililiumas nodded. “Correct, Malatia is not our only target. Our objective is the destruction of the Mitanni Kingdom!”

 

The crowd murmured at this development. Many felt very surprised.

 

The Priest-King continued. “I tire of fighting the Mitanni. With our new weapons of iron, we can end these wasteful conflicts once for all.” His gaze turned grim. “I don't care how long it takes. You will not return to Hattusa until you have sent King Tushratta to the Underworld!”

 

Kail felt dismayed by that. `He doesn't care how long it takes?'

 

Suppililiumas then launched another bomb. “I will join you in the field later on.”

 

The crowd was rather shocked at that. “The Emperor is going to lead troops!”

 

Kail remained silent, lost in deep thoughts. As they exited the council, his servant Kikkuri felt very happy. “Prince Kail, congratulations for being given command of the army. And with Princess Miyuki on our side, we're sure to win the war.”

 

Kail didn't answer. This was exactly what was worrying him. It was then that the three Hatti sisters rushed to him. “Prince Kail, have you seen Princess Miyuki?”

 

Kail blinked. “Isn't she here in the palace, Hadi?” Since her handmaids were here…

 

Hadi sweated, worried about her charge. “Yes, but she has suddenly disappeared!”

 

Kail's eyes widened then narrowed. He reached for a little red pouch in his belt.

 

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Queen Nakia and Uruhi searched the storeroom for the intruder. Nakia blinked. “There's no one here.”

 

Uruhi was perplexed. “I'm sure I saw someone enter…” He looked around again. “But perhaps I imagined it.”

 

Nakia sighed. She had heard something, but… “Perhaps we're a bit overwrought.” She tightened her fists. “Oh, if only I had the Dragon's eye…” she shook her head. “I'd need worry about Kail no more. I must get my hands on it!” The evil pair exited the room.

 

Miyuki sighed silently in relief from her position in a shadowed corner above the room. The Queen and his servant had searched attentively in the room but not the ceiling. It was also her luck that she was clothed in a dark coloured tunic instead of her white or crème favourites. She lightly jumped down without a sound like Lina had showed to her. “The Dragon's eye?” She frowned. “I don't know what that is, but if the evil Queen wants it, I'd better tell Prince Kail.” She peeked around and breathed more easily when she saw that the evil pair was already away. Unfortunately she took a too deep breath. “Oh! This wheat dust…” Despite all her efforts, she sneezed.

 

This time, the Queen and his servant couldn't have imagined the sound. They rushed back. Nakia's eyes widened as she saw who it was. “YOU!”

 

“Oops!” `Ah! Shit!' The Miko turned around and began to run.

 

Nakia was catastrophed as she pursued the young girl. “She heard our conversation!”

 

Uruhi snarled and drew his sword. “You little imp!”

 

The Japanese was fast, but the corridors weren't meant for high speed and the pair was too near her: She couldn't lose them. Her eyes narrowed in determination as she whirled around. Nakia and Uruhi actually stopped when the young girl took an unarmed guard in a flourish of graceful movements.

 

Uruhi stepped in front of his Queen with his sword. “So, you surrender?”

 

Miyuki snorted. “Don't be stupid, Uruhi! I'm not afraid of you!”

 

His bronze sword rose in front of him. “I have a weapon.”

 

Nakia blinked as she perceived the invisible crimson aura focusing around the young girl like a predator ready to pounce. The emerald eyes almost glowed in the darkness of the corridor. “You want to bet? I have been on the battlefields of Arinna and Kizzuwadna. Do you really think that only one armed man is going to impress me?” She smirked. “Zuwa isn't with you anymore to be your muscles.”

 

Nakia and Uruhi were temporary stopped at this reminding that the young girl in front of her was, supposedly, a bloodied warrior. Then a hand grabbed the wrist of the young girl from behind her and pulled the startled Japanese. “OHH!”

 

Miyuki gasped as she recognized the young man which achieved to pull her behind him. “Prince Kail!”

 

Nakia was dismayed. “Kail!”

 

“Your majesty…” The blond young man smiled to his step-mother. The use of the Arrow talisman created by the young Japanese had rapidly enabled him to pinpoint her position. “Has my princess done something?”

 

The Queen tried to marshal her wits. “That's what I would ask YOU. Why was your concubine lurking in the storeroom?”

 

“An army marches on its stomach, you know?” The amber-eyed man continued to smile. “I told her to see how much grain we have.”

 

Guards from the palace arrived at that moment. “Something wrong, your majesty?” The Queen internally swore. There were too many witnesses now for anything.

 

Kail gazed calmly to the violet-eyed woman. “Please return to the palace, Queen Nakia. It's unseemly for a Queen and her henchman to chase girls about the palace with swords.”

 

Nakia almost snarled at that. “It's also unseemly for a concubine to wander these halls unattended! You'd be wise to keep her locked away in your palace!” She regally whirled around, conceding defeat.

 

Miyuki sighed in relief. She knew she could have taken down Uruhi, but she wasn't so sure about the Queen. “Oh, Prince…Prince Kail.” She leaned on his muscular back. He always made her feeling safe. She clenched her hands in his tunic.

 

Kail didn't answer but the warm body behind him didn't let him indifferent.

 

The Queen glanced back to the accursed couple. `Damn!' It seemed that everything was escaping her grasp those days. `Now Kail will know about the Dragon's eye.' Her eyes narrowed as she remembered the fiery aura around the girl. `There was no fear like before. She was ready to fight us.'

 

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“The Dragon's eye?!” Ilvani had screamed at this bit of revelation from Miyuki. “Did you say the Queen sent for it?”

 

Kikkuri shook his head. “I thought it was only a legend.”

 

The Japanese had known that it was bad news, but not like that. “What is it, anyway?”

 

Kail gave his toga to Kikkuri and answered. “It's a powerful talisman.” The third Prince felt worried that the Queen actively searched for such a legendary treasure. “It is said that the Dragon's eye can control people's wills. The possessor can control anyone.”

 

Miyuki blinked. “Control people's wills?” She crossed paths with such items during her tenure with the Circle. “I see.” She nodded. “I see indeed why the Queen wants it.”

 

Kail passed behind a curtain to change his clothes. “Yes, with it, Nakia could rule the entire empire. Still, I'm astonished that the Dragon's eye actually exists.”

 

The Miko pondered on that. “And the fact that they said that the Mitanni have stolen it?”

 

Zannanza raised an eyebrow. “The Mitanni? It would be catastrophic if the Mitanni had it.”

 

Ilvani sighed. “It seems that our expeditionary force has yet another task.”

 

Miyuki smirked a little. “You mean we're going after the Dragon's eye, too?” She nodded with determination. “That's for the best! We can't let the Queen or the Mitanni get to it!”

 

Hadi smiled. “And we cannot fail with the goddess of war on our side!”

 

Shalla grinned. “We'll start preparing for war at once.”

 

Behind the curtain, Kail winced. That's what he feared might happened. He nodded to himself: It was something that he must do, for her sake.

 

Having changed into a comfortable robe, he walked to the eager priestess. “For Miyuki to return to her country, she must go through Hattusa's springs, out of which she arrived, she cannot depart from any other location.”

 

Miyuki blinked at that. “Huh?” Why was he talking about that now? She had still at least nine to ten months before the window for her departure.

 

Kail looked grimly to his pseudo-concubine. “It's dangerous for her to remain far from Hattusa for long.”

 

The entire group was thunder-stricken. Why Kail was brushing this subject now?

 

The Miko tried to search for the fleeting gaze of the third Prince and frowned. `That's right. He's right, but…' “What should I do?”

 

Kail managed to continue. “I shall not take Miyuki to war with me.” The heart of the young girl stopped. “She will remain here in Hattusa.”

 

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