The council was waiting as Kyou entered the main hall in a slow, steady gait. He had stubbornly refused Inka's help despite the searing pain on his back.
"Why not?" she had demanded.
"As the main pillar of this nation, it is my duty to remain strong in hard times. The slightest sign of my weakness could inspire panic or lose my subjects' trust in me."
Watching him, no one would have guessed that he was injured. Shards of sunlight cut across his commanding figure as he climbed the dais and sat on his throne. It was a radiant morning in contrast to the horrors of the previous night. The last time she was here, she hadn't realized the imperial palace was built upon a cliff, allowing a good amount of fresh air and sunlight to enliven the halls.
Her nose twitched as the salty sea breeze filtered by.
"I am aware that we have all experienced a discouraging ordeal in the past twelve hours, so let us dispense with the formality," Kyou began. "King Akio has declared war upon Xi and as you have witnessed, this is only the beginning. I know that the council has its concerns, and I am willing to address any questions that you have pertaining to recent events."
"Before we begin, are you badly hurt, Your Majesty?" Lord Gaku, the oldest council member noticed his rigid gait and the bandage peeking from under the Emperor's robe. "We are ashamed that you had to endanger your life to save us. The council is indebted to you, Your Majesty."
"I am fine," Kyou curtly dismissed his concern. "And I have not done anything, Lord Gaku. If you wish to express your gratitude, convey it to Commander Rei and the Ashina tribe. They were responsible for your rescue."
Lord Gaku turned white as a sheet. "The Ashina tribe? Pardon my insolence, Your Majesty but are you sure it is wise to associate with them given what happened with the rebel savage, Kusunagi?"
Inka's mouth tightened at the corners. If Kusunagi weren't dead, she'd kill him again. His actions had sullied the tribe's prestige and it hurt to think that her parents and ancestors' efforts had been ruined overnight. Was this how people would react to her tribe in future? With wary apprehension?
"Yes. The Ashina tribe is our latest ally," Kyou stated with a wintry softness that had Lord Gaku straightening to attention. He surreptitiously motioned for Inka to come forward. "This is Inka. She is the Princess of Ashina, and she will be representing her tribe in today's meeting." In other words, he was warning the council to treat her with the amount of respect reserved for every member in this hall.
Inka executed a deep bow at the waist. "It's an honour to be here, Your Majesty."
He acknowledged her words with a stiff nod. His coldness stung, even if she knew that he was only adhering to court propriety. The council was clueless about their relationship, and she preferred it that way. She had no right to complain. Although, it made her vividly aware of how different he acted in private, and deep down she was flattered to be his special someone.
"For the past week, I have been to Donggu and Nanyang with hopes of making peace with my brothers." Kyou's steady voice dragged her back to the present. "While King Shuhei is receptive, King Akio not only rejected my peace offering, but he has declared war against all three nations. His motive should be obvious to everyone present, since most of you have served my father — our previous Emperor. Akio believes that the throne is rightfully his, and he has no intention of failing."
This upsetting news had the council erupting with outrage and incredulity.
"Akio has successfully infiltrated the palace because there is a traitor in our midst. Last evening, our soldiers and staff were poisoned, and the royal army is now incapacitated. Beihai is completely defenseless. We are walking bullseyes. We must find the cure and reinstate our army before it's too late." Kyou's eyes flashed with the thirst for vengeance. "I want this spy weeded out and brought to me. There shall be no mercy for anyone who betrays this nation." He turned to Rei. "Commander, you are in charge of interrogating the enemy. Use any means necessary to make him cough out the cure and his identity."
"Understood, Your Majesty."
To advisor Jin, he questioned. "Where is General Nakoda?"
"He has yet to return from his mission, Your Majesty."
"And General Attaw?" Kyou's expression showed no signs that he had seen her days prior.
"We have been unable to contact the General. She has been missing for days."
"Missing?" His tone sharpened. "Investigate her whereabouts at once."
"Right away, Your Majesty," Jin complied.
"In light of what has happened, I suspect that Nanyang was testing our strength. Akio aims to intimidate and unsettle us with his blatant tactics but, he underestimates us. If there is one thing that I am confident of, it is Beihai's defensive stronghold. Thus, it's imperative that we recover our army."
"Your Majesty, even if the royal army recovers, we won't have enough men to fight a war." Lord Gaku voiced out his concern.
"Donggu and Shiryuu has offered their military support."
"Pardon my insolence, Your Majesty," another council member piped up. "Even if King Shuhei is willing to aid us in battle, their warriors live in the mountains and have insufficient training and battle experience. King Shuhei is not a distinguished warlord. On the other hand, King Kairyuu is ─," he hesitated, "─ unqualified and we have heard many unsavoury rumours about him. How can we put our faith in someone incapable of ruling accordingly?"
Kyou cut him a frigid stare. "I am going to overlook your insult, Lord Saiki. My brother has shown signs of improvement and maturity whereby I am anticipating Shiryuu's rebirth. I do not doubt my brothers' loyalty to me." Not anymore, he refrained from adding.
"Loyalty isn't enough to fight a war," Lord Saiki pressed. "As the Emperor, you are required to strengthen our nation's defense and there is no better way than marriage. The previous Emperor maintained good relations with other countries by marrying their daughters and siblings."
Severe silence descended upon the room and Inka felt her lungs squeeze at the thought of Kyou marrying another. She studied his darkened features. If Lord Saiki valued his life, she hoped he wouldn't push the issue.
"The Princess of Ryoga is a suitable candidate to expand our imperial aegis. Her father, King Qizan is currently finding her a husband. This is a great opportunity for Beihai, Your Majesty." Another councilman urged, this one appeared to be the youngest.
Without giving away his inner turmoil of disgust, Kyou answered stiffly. "I shall take it to consideration. Thank you, Lord Haruo."
Pain tightened Inka's chest. Would he really marry another for the sake of Beihai? Now that the seed had been planted, she couldn't ignore the weight of its meaning. For the next hour, she couldn't focus on what the men were discussing, her mind filled with dread.
She was interrupted when a messenger arrived with a missive from King Shuhei addressed to her. Curiously, she opened the letter and read the contents before quietly excusing herself.
Her hasty departure hadn't gone unnoticed. With growing annoyance, Kyou proclaimed soundly. "We shall put all talks of my political marriage on hold." He rose from the throne. "At present, we will liaise with King Shuhei and King Kairyuu to discuss our next course of action. If you have any more concerns, you may consult with advisor Jin. That is all for today."
After dismissing everyone, Kyou went in search of Inka, finding her with two of her womenfolk. The young women's faces lit up in recognition. "Your Majesty!"
He acknowledged them with a nod.
"Then we will leave when you are ready." The taller woman said and left.
"What was that about?" Kyou asked, his gaze dropping to the missive in her hand. "And who is that from?"
She handed it to him. "I am needed in Shiryuu. But first I must rejoin my tribe in Donggu."
A frown pleated his forehead as he read his brother's handwriting. "What is so urgent that you must leave so soon?"
"I made a promise to support Ryuu when he needs my help. He has gone back to do the right thing and I wish to stand by his side in this time of need. After all, he is still my King and —," she hesitated, lashes sweeping low, "This is my way of fighting for you. The council is right to call Shiryuu's competency into question given their state of disorder. If this is a problem I can solve on your behalf, then I would do it in a heartbeat."
Kyou sensed there was more to her reasoning because she was avoiding his gaze. Inka was a bad liar, and her emotions were too transparent — which he appreciated. Being surrounded by liars and cold-hearted schemers made him extremely wary and unpleasant. He folded his arms. "You know I won't let you leave just like that."
"You don't own me, Kyou. I have the right to make my own decisions."
He frowned at her sharpness. "What's wrong?"
"I just…," she huffed frustratedly, biting her lip. "That councilman was right. I couldn't ignore the truth of his words. You need a strong ally who can continuously support this Kingdom." Finally, she looked him squarely in the eye. "Through marriage."
He decided to humour her. "What makes you think that my current allies aren't enough?"
"Because a group of women won't make a difference on a battlefield. Our numbers are too insignificant. Donggu and Shiryuu's potential are currently undecided. We don't have time to train and strengthen the men. Beihai's militia should be a force to be reckoned with."
"You are a force to be reckoned with," he countered smoothly, catching her off guard. Gripping her chin, he compelled her to look at him. "I NEVER agreed to marry the Princess."
"You cannot dismiss it entirely, especially if it's the best option for Beihai," she argued in despair.
He astounded her with a bark of laughter, his shoulders convulsing.
"I don't understand what is so funny," she remarked tartly.
"You look adorable when you're jealous," he said, caressing her cheek.
She smacked his hand away. "You are not taking me seriously."
Kyou dipped his head next to her ear. "It seriously makes me want to strip you and ravish you."
Her face coloured and she pushed him away. "I am serious, Kyou."
"I am not fooling around, Inka." His smile was replaced by an intensity that had her lungs seizing up. Promising dark eyes melted into hers. "No one is going to force me to marry a woman I don't love, especially not some foreign Princess. There is always an alternative solution to every problem. We just need to find a way around it. Besides, I have the utmost faith in you and my brothers."
Her mind raced but, no words escaped her. Two emotions warred within her — despair for the future, and elation that he wasn't going to marry the Princess. At least she knew where she stood with him, yet she felt no relief. Her practical side kept her romantic idealism at bay. "I am still going to Shiryuu and you cannot stop me."
"Alright. I shall accompany you," he acquiesced. "I intended to have a little chat with Kairyuu anyhow."
"Are you sure you can leave?"
"Akio won't attack yet," he stated confidently. "He is deciding on his next move, and we need to do the same. If I don't garner enough support from my brothers, I might have to marry the Princess of Ryoga." He noticed her lips thinning and he bit his cheeks to keep from smiling. "And that is the last thing we both want."
Strangely, his words mollified the burning unease in her chest. Her shoulders relaxed. "Alright. I believe in you."
"Good little witch," he teased, wrapping an arm around her. "Now walk me back to my chamber. It would be damned embarrassing if I passed out right here."
Inka's smile bore a hint of female mockery. Served him right for teasing her. She noticed he wasn't standing as upright, and his imperious aura had dissipated into faint bruises beneath his eyes. "Next time you won't think twice to heed my words."
Laughter stirred his throat. "Unless it ends up with you on your back and screaming my name, that my little witch is never going to happen."