The streets of Takanori had been so silent, and so eerie the last few months. It felt like a flood was about to overrun the riverbank of a peaceful forest. The population, who had mysteriously been armed, had already forced several nobles to their knees. Still, the Shuenaii family had not been a target for the rioting and anger of the citizens yet. It was most likely due to their size and importance, and the fact that the family had quite an important role to the Dynasty. The household stood tall and prideful still, even as the servants of the House were as wary as ever. Something was brewing in the streets.

Mikasa stared emptily into the mirror in front of her. Once again her hair had been neatly braided, and Naria Hayashi had found a pretty silk robe for her. She grazed her shoulder with a melancholic sigh following it. Her mother had barely allowed her to carry her swords since the encounters back at the Dorochai Pass, almost a year ago. The fort had fallen, sadly followed by others. No, her mother had decided that the Shuenaii family could not fight two wars at once – and right now, the family needed to be prepared for whatever their enemies within the city wanted. Mikasa’s big brother, Johven, had already expressed his opinion to the House. He did not doubt who had sparked the inevitable riots. No, he knew. Her mother had already spoken of preparing for a full-out civil war, and Liandra Shuenaii was not a woman to jump to conclusions. 

Naria had come for Mikasa and guided her along throughout the household. They passed a room filled with a couple of men, including her brother Johven. They muttered about yet another battle, but apparently it had come to a stalemate. The young Lady Mikasa folded her hands as they wandered on. A war fought with swords was no challenge, but a war fought with words and politics was something else to her. The two of them entered a large room, with a long table in the middle of it. Behind it, Liandra turned around.

“Miss Hayashi, if you would. I need to speak with my daughter on my own.” Mikasa’s mother nodded towards the young Naria as she held her posture high and proud. The young woman nodded and curtsied kindly before she left.

“Of course, Queen Liandra.” 

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