It was the hours of early morning. The entirety of the Imperial City was completely silent after days of bustling activity. Only the lights of Luka's palace were lit up, the Empress undergoing preparations for the Ceremony to the Heavens.

"Good morning Luka!"

Miku knocked on Luka's bedroom door, before poking her head through the open doorway.

Within a week, it became regular routine for Miku to greet her fiancé in the morning when she passed by Luka's palace. Oftentimes, Miku would take a detour on her way to the main court, her entourage and a couple of the palace's servants trailing behind her as she did so. It was obvious that the young monarch favoured Luka – which was exactly the point Miku wanted to convey to Gackupo and the rest of them. Kaito approved the action, of course. Today was no different, even though Miku woke up extremely early for it. Kaito insisted on coming with her, while Lily took over the job of protecting her monarch. Rin and Len were still fast asleep in bed.

"Good morning Miku," That was accompanied by a smile from Luka, who was seated at her dressing table. Three maids fluttered about her, tending to her long pink hair, straightening her deep blue ceremonial robes, and adjusting the crown that sat on her head, making sure Luka looked perfect from every angle.

Gumi, the leader of this small troupe, clapped her hands in satisfaction. Gumi said something loudly in Luka's native language, which Miku took as telling them to leave, as the maids hurried out of the room after that.

Miku entered the room, resisting the urge to twirl around like a child. Instead Miku stretched her arms out, showing off the traditional robes of Luka's culture she wore today. They were thicker than Miku's usual wear, the intricate floral patterns curling and spanning over the entire outfit. It matched that of Luka's, a similar motif decorating Luka's own robes.

"Does this suit me?"

Luka scrutinized Miku's form. The beautiful woman was ethereal even in the soft light of the lanterns, so much so that Miku could feel a blush coming on her features. Miku hoped the rouge on her cheeks hid it well.

"It is very flattering. The tailors did a good job with the cut and the patterns were done nicely, given the limited frame of time they had. It is slightly skewed though, may I adjust it for you?"

"Of course. I trust you."

A small smile appeared on Luka's features. Luka bent down slightly, compensating for the slight height difference between them and getting a better angle. Her dark blue eyes focused on whatever she found inadequate. Miku's heart hammered in her chest. Luka's fingers deftly gripped the cloth, pulled it straight.

"There we go. You look perfect."

Luka looked pleased, another gentle tug of a smile on her lips. Miku looked down at herself. Though she couldn't really see the difference, Miku believed what Luka said.

Several bell rings started echoing through the entire Imperial City. Luka closed her eyes, counting silently. Miku tilted her head in confusion, following the rings herself. There was nothing special about that today. It was the usual way to tell time in the Empire, the number of rings corresponding with what time it was. It made no sense for Luka to look this serious about it. Once the noise subsided, Luka's eyes opened again, her mouth set in a determined, hard line.

"You should go, Miku. The ceremony will begin soon."

Miku frowned, "That doesn't start for another hour. Is it alright if I stay here?"

To her surprise, Luka started blushing, her cheeks flaring up with a shade of red.

"There is nothing here, Miku. I have not even removed all of my father's belongings yet, let alone place my own personal interests here."

Luka gestured to the relatively barren bedroom. In the Imperial City, each person of the royal family had their own palace. The more important they were, the more grandiose their living quarters. Luka, as the reigning Empress, took over late Emperor Yuuma's palace. Everything was still golden, studded with jewels and ridiculously shiny. But that was limited to the bed, a dresser and a dressing table. There was nothing else in the room. In Luka's old quarters, Luka had poems and paintings pinned up, shelves of books, instruments sitting in different corners of the room. This bedroom looked barely lived in, even though Luka should have already been there for over half a year.

"I don't mind that but that isn't the matter, is it?"

Miku, though perhaps far too young to take up the throne, was startlingly shrewd in her observations. Luka was nervous for the upcoming ceremony sure, but the blush and the rather flimsy excuse to get her to leave was odd.

Luka's blush did not die down in the slightest. Miku had to admit, Luka looked rather endearing like that.

"It already is unorthodox for you to be able to enter my bedroom, Miku."

Miku blinked a few times, "Excuse me?"

Luka lowered her head, seemingly resigned to Miku's lack of knowledge, "Miku, it is not our custom to leave any unmarried couple alone for the night, let alone let them enter private quarters, in this case bedrooms, together."

Honestly, the way Luka put it didn't make it much easier for Miku to understand. Miku resisted the urge to ask why, once she saw the blush already spread to Luka's ears. Luka wouldn't meet her gaze, her eyes now stubbornly fixated on the floor. The sudden awkward tension in the air filled the room.

Miku tried to backpedal, "I understand."

Luka composed herself enough to look Miku in the eye again, "You do not. I explained it poorly."

"People in the Empire worry that leaving any young couple alone will result in a child before marriage. Evidently, this does not matter for us, as we cannot conceive a child. Thus, we are allowed to communicate in private, though perhaps not to the liking of most officials."

Miku spluttered. That was what Luka meant? Of course they wouldn't do that! They were…going to be a married couple yes but…god. Miku's own face burned now from the implications.

"I do not want Gackupo to come fetch you and find you in my bedroom of all places. I know it's a ridiculous request of mine…"

"It is completely fine and reasonable Luka. I really do understand this time round."

The Empire's people had to have a good impression of Luka at the very least, even if her officials didn't respect her behind the scenes. Any rumours were entirely more dangerous than Miku would like to admit. Luka gave her a grateful smile.

"Will you be fine, Luka?"

Though Miku didn't know the specifics, the way Luka was practically pulled left and right by preparations of the ceremony attested to how important this was to the Empire. The day before yesterday, Luka was hard at work writing congratulatory scripts. Yesterday, Luka was taken on a long routine checkup of all the preparations that lasted the full day. For the week Miku was there, the architects and builders worked through each night, repolishing the marble paths, repainting the beams. The kitchens were almost working full time, much to the delight of Rin and Len. All the servants and maids kept on rushing about on unknown tasks.

"If the upcoming year goes smoothly, it will be fine."

Miku said firmly, "I mean you personally, Luka."

Luka paused, "…I wish for this to be over soon."

"It is only one more day, isn't it?"

Luka smiled weakly, "It is only one day."

It was still dark when the ceremonial bell rang. Luka headed out, the lone figure leading the crowd of over a hundred people behind her. Miku could barely see her face, Luka mostly shrouded in shadows alone, slowly and steadily going forward. Kaito, Lily, Rin, Len all walked by Miku's side. Meiko and Gumi fell into step alongside Miku, a little way off from Luka. The entire process was serenaded only by the ringing of the ceremonial bell. Not even Rin or Len dared to make a peep, courtesy of the drilling Kaito gave them. Save for the shuffling footsteps and incessant bells, Miku could hear nothing else.

By the time the sun peaked above the horizon, Luka arrived at the Temple of Heaven. The sound of the bells stopped. Lanterns floated upward from the West end of the Imperial City, rising to the skies. Small glowing orbs dotted the rapidly lighting sky, the deep blue fading into a mixture of orange, yellow and pink. At sunrise, mist curled around buildings, blurring the edges of the Imperial City. The musicians started playing a sombre tune, the loud suona leading it all. The wind instrument blared, drowning out all else.

Within the temple, Luka knelt before an assortment of wooden tablets, each depicting gods from the skies. The Emperor's line was said to be children of the skies. It was their duty to pay their respects to them and to carry out the divine right of ruling the land. It was also a prayer for future success. If all went well, then it meant Luka was acknowledged by the gods themselves. Luka moved on to her ancestors. A large number of those looked freshly made, smoothed, with names Miku didn't even know etched in bright golden ink. Miku's heart sunk.

That's how many people Miku's kingdom killed. That's how many family members Luka lost. The war had to end.

Luka lit up the incense. A thin trail of white smoke spiraled up.

A woman stood right next to Miku. She was about Miku's height, dressed in similarly rich attire. Her features were defined, sharp, intimidating. The woman's jaw was clenched tight, her eyes fixed on a particular tablet. Luka faced that tablet directly, bowed deeply to it. Luka moved away to pay her respects to another person. The woman's face morphed into a blank slate, her cold appraising gaze following Luka. A crown sat on her head.

There were only two members of the Empire that wore any sort of crown. Miku's gut twisted in fury.

The Empress Dowager turned her head in Miku's direction. Miku debated the merits of staring back but a quick jab to her side by Kaito told Miku to focus on the ceremony. Miku felt the Empress Dowager's eyes on her. Miku stiffened, her own gaze on a far point somewhere else. Oddly enough, the Empress Dowager didn't feel malicious, she just looked at Miku with a cool, detached curiosity. But in a way, that was even worse than anger. Shouldn't she hate Miku? The Empress Dowager certainly despised Luka for simply living. Why wouldn't she be mad that Miku, the descendant of the person who killed her son, was here right now in the sacred temple, her son's tablet only a few feet away? A sense of unease rose up within Miku.

The Empress Dowager shifted her attention to Luka again. Miku breathed a sigh of relief.

Luka repeated the process of praying to her gods and ancestors several times. Miku noticed the tune changing but it didn't lose the reverence. Court-appointed dancers performed in between the prayers. An assortment of food was set on the altar, an offering to the spirits. The congratulatory scripts Luka worked on were engraved into wood, laid in front of the tablets.

It was a look into the Empire, a force to be reckoned with, that Miku only learnt from books prior. Before, Miku assumed it would be a great time to attack the Empire, them being entirely focused on the ceremony on hand. It would also deal damage to the soldiers' morale, prompting a temporary victory for Miku's kingdom.

Guilt rose up in Miku's chest. Interrupting this felt fundamentally wrong. It was a holy ceremony to them. It was their own way of remembering their ancestors – their family. Miku was disgusted she even thought of taking advantage of it.

The music halted. The ceremony was complete. The sun completely rose above the ground. The sky cleared, a gorgeous cyan. It…worked? The Empress Dowager was already gone, like she could not bear to stay any longer. Luka appeared back at Miku's side, still as beautiful as ever, her makeup still perfect, outfit still impeccable. But a closer look showed how fatigued the woman was, dark circles under her eyes from getting barely any sleep. Miku and Luka didn't exchange a word, not in front of Luka's officials.

Gackupo made his way over to them, giving his congratulations to Luka, who dismissed it quietly. Gackupo then asked for Miku's opinion on the ceremony, to which Kaito answered on her behalf. As Kaito distracted Gackupo with further enquires, Miku took that as his signal for her to leave. Luka understood this as well, as they both headed off together. Lily stayed behind with Kaito while the twins took over the job of protecting Miku. Gumi and Meiko took their places at Luka's sides.

Only when they were back in Luka's palace did Luka finally put off the fa?ade. The exhausted woman quietly asked Gumi to prepare her for bed. Gumi helped Luka change out of the ceremonial robes, ditch all the bobbles that pinned up Luka's hair and put on her sleepwear. Then Luka asked for Miku to come into her bedroom.

Whatever Miku expected, it certainly wasn't this. Whenever Miku came to visit, Luka was already dressed, ready to start the long day ahead. The curtains were half-drawn, only letting some light pass through. Luka was…relaxed. Luka was sitting on the edge of her bed. Luka wore thin dress robes. Luka's bare feet touched the wooden floor. The full length of Luka's hair fell to her waist. Luka patted the bed, inviting her to sit.

Miku swallowed, her throat dry. Miku obediently sat at her side, right next to Luka. Miku ran her fingers over the silk sheets. Luka's bed was laden with expensive golden sheets, dragon patterns painstakingly stitched onto it. That was the mark of the Empress, Luka now.

"The ceremony went well."

Luka nodded in agreement, "It did."

It was strangely silent. Luka fulfilled her job, keeping the image of the Empress intact.

"Congratulations."

"Thank you."

Luka closed her eyes, leaned back. Luka was so strikingly beautiful.

Miku gulped, grappling with the idea Lily proposed to her, the one Gumi kept pestering her on. There was no time like the present, right? Luka finally looked happy, at peace. Luka leaving would be the best thing for her. It had to be.

"When do you want to be married, Luka?"

Luka blinked, "I thought we agreed on courting each other formally first?"

Miku fidgeted. Learn from Kaito. Pick and choose your words carefully.

Luka placed a hand on her shoulder. Luka touched Miku of her own accord. The steady weight of Luka's warm hand was comforting. Miku looked back up. Luka's ocean blue eyes showed no anger. She was simply asking.

"It's far too dangerous for you here. There are too many people that mean you harm. Please leave as soon as possible. I want to see you safe."

That definitely was not the most eloquent way to put things. Luka's hand remained on her shoulder. But her brows were pinched, lost in thought. After a long pause, Luka finally answered.

"I understand your concerns about me. But what about the peace, Miku? Has your people accepted me? What little authority I have over my people is unstable at best. I am worried, Miku. Many will not accept me because I am a woman, more rebel because I am marrying a woman, even more still oppose the marriage because it is you. I will be fine for the months to come. Peace is the point of our marriage, no?"

"I can't just leave you here! I can't let you face this alone! Luka…"

Luka touched her hand, "It will be for a year at best. Once the year proves to be uneventful, my people will trust me. I will come to you then."

Miku gripped her hand. Luka squeezed back.

Luka yawned, politely covering her face with her free hand. Luka blinked sleepily. Why in the hell did Miku's heart flutter?

"I need to rest soon Miku. You should too. The banquet tonight will be taxing."

"Your mother will be there."

Luka bowed her head, "Yes, the Empress Dowager will attend. It is supposed to be a family gathering."

Luka left it at that, her eyes downcast. There was a stab of pain in Miku's chest. It was her family's fault that Luka was alone.

"I'm so sorry."

"It is not your fault. Do not worry, Miku."

Miku admitted, "I'm still a part of my family. I thought about it, Luka. I thought of tactics to defeat your Empire. I never even wondered if it was wrong. I…only thought the more of you died, the better."

"That is in the past, Miku. I am not surprised – no I expected this. My brother would have me sit in his lessons. I know what heirs are supposed to be taught. My brother even went as far to join the battlefield. Once again, Miku, it is not your fault."

Luka held her hand. The underlying guilt which had been crushing Miku's shoulders since that morning eased its weight. Miku threaded their fingers together.

Luka's posture was slumping, leaning further in towards Miku.

"I'll leave you in peace now, alright Luka?"

Luka mumbled an answer. Luka laid back, burying her face into her pillow. Luka's idle hand pulled the blankets over herself wantonly. The other still held Miku's hand, though her grip was far weaker now. Miku's heart hammered in her chest. Slowly, unwillingly, Miku released the comforting warmth of her hand. Glancing over the haphazard way the blankets covered Luka, Miku couldn't help smiling. A favour for a favour then. Miku tucked Luka in and left the room in silence.

Miku closed the door behind her. Gumi waited outside, practically tackling Miku for answers.

"How is she?"

Heat crept up Miku's cheeks as she thought of Luka.

"Luka thought the ceremony went well. She's sleeping now."

"Thank the gods."

Gumi sighed in relief. Gumi eyed the servants about her, took Miku to a quiet corner of the room.

"Have you convinced her yet?"

Miku kept her voice low as Luka's servants continued to bustle about the palace, "We talked about it. She won't go, not yet. She's worried war would break out again."

Gumi swore. The bells chimed, signalling that it was noon. Gumi swore again.

"I'll think of something else. Luka can't stay here."

Rin and Len finally came to flank Miku's sides, rushing to stand next to her, as was supposed to be the practice wherever Miku went.

"I told you I saw Miku come this way!"

"You were the one that wanted to rest! We wouldn't have lost her if it wasn't for you!"

Miku felt a headache coming on as they bickered on both sides of her.

"Rin, Len, I'm fine. I was here with Gumi the whole time."

Rin and Len both yelled, "Stay out of this! It's our job!"

Miku winced, sure that her eardrums burst. At least the twins had a joint goal now.

A menacing shadow fell over the duo. Rin and Len shut up, grabbed their weapons and whirled around. Metal clattered to the floor. Miku's eyes widened. Miku twisted around. Gumi giggled. Meiko already apprehended Rin and Len, a sword at Rin's throat and a hand gripping the front of Len's shirt. Len was writhing in her grasp. Rin backed up.

Meiko said slowly in Miku's native language, the pronunciation rough, "No arguing."

Meiko let Len go, sheathed her sword. Rin and Len stared at each other, in disbelief that they lost so easily.

Meiko added, "Distract."

"How'd you do that?" the twins shrieked.

"Teach us! Teach us! Teach us!"

Meiko blinked as twin yellow blurs clung onto her arms. Meiko looked to Gumi for help, completely at a loss. Gumi snickered.

Somehow, Rin and Len got Meiko to give them lessons for the majority of the day. Upon her arrival, Lily obviously stewed at one side. Gumi, apparently fascinated with the sulking Lily, chatted with her in between her duties. Kaito heavily disapproved of all three of Miku's guards being entangled with Meiko. However, the twins weren't prone to listening. Lily, despite her sulking, remained fixated on the session and made loud snide remarks about how she would change every move that Meiko did. Thank god Meiko did not entirely understand Miku's language.

Entirely giving up on getting them to leave, Kaito decided to hold Miku's lessons here instead. They were in the courtyard, having a full view of anyone who happened to pass by. Lily's yelling, Rin and Len's shrieking and the fact that Miku and Kaito were seated far away from the doorways were enough to hide any important conversations they needed to have.

"How are things going, Kaito?"

"Celebrations are rife within the Empire at this moment. Things have been allowed to settle down during the six months my liege and I were not present for. However, there is dissent within the more rural areas of the Empire. It has not formed into anything substantial. Gackupo performed satisfactorily on all other fronts."

Miku relaxed. Though she still didn't like Gackupo having so much control over everything, it seemed that allowing both of their countries to heal from the wars was the best choice. Merging both their countries hastily would only cause chaos. Luka was right.

"I assume the court was not held today because of the celebrations?"

"Exactly, my liege," Kaito smiled, "There is sufficient time to prepare for the banquet tonight."

Kaito gave Miku another impromptu lesson on Empire etiquette. Miku was to attend the family banquet that night, as Luka's fiancé and the Empire's esteemed guest. Luckily for Miku, Kaito would have a place as her translator and help her through it.

Royal family banquets were few and far between in the Empire. Reserved only for days of great celebration, there was no higher honour than being invited to one. Not even their escorts would accompany them inside, left to stand guard outside the palace. At the banquet, there were only three people. They were sat close to each other, leaving a large ring of space around the table. That was obviously for the rest of Luka's family. Guilt momentarily choked up Miku again, yet Luka's words earlier that day helped Miku focus back on the task at hand. The banquet was full of fine cuisine, all sorts of dishes filling up the table.

The Empress Dowager spoke first as she elegantly picked out her desired dishes. Her voice was silky and smooth. Miku looked to Kaito.

"Miku is your name, isn't it?"

"Yes," Miku paused, "I am honoured to be your future daughter-in-law."

"The Empire has a long and noble history. I assure you the Empire is undeniably worthy of your time."

It took a few seconds for Miku to completely understand her words. The Empire married for power. Luka was their means to an end. The Empress Dowager was only securing her support for the Empire. Miku kept a smile on her face, though she was already starting to lose her appetite from disgust. She hated the woman already.

"Forgive me, I meant that I am honoured to marry Luka."

Kaito glared at her. Miku looked him in the eye, her expression unchanging, urging him to make the translation. Kaito gave in, deciding it wasn't far too insulting. Luka caught Miku's eye, her cheeks turning red with the blatant words spoken to her mother, no less.

The Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow upon hearing that.

"Her presence is beneficial?"

Miku kept her tone neutral, "Yes."

"How so, if you may forgive my questioning? Her presence may be beneficial to a man but for you…what need do you have for her?"

The Empress Dowager looked amused. The Empress Dowager swirled her cup of wine idly, awaiting Miku's answer. Luka kept her head lowered, not interrupting as she ate silently.

"Luka is a wonderful person. I do enjoy her company. I would like to spend my life with her."

The Empress Dowager eyed Luka, "Why don't you say anything, Empress?"

Luka swallowed, "The Queen holds a very high opinion of me. For that, I am grateful."

Miku gritted her teeth. Seeing Luka reduced to this was absolutely infuriating.

"Luka makes for a good Empress. She performed the ceremony perfectly today, did she not?"

Kaito openly scowled at Miku. Miku knew it was a sentence she was probably not supposed to say. Miku knew she was probably going to provoke the Empress Dowager's ire or walk directly into whatever verbal trap she might set. But she wouldn't let Luka be demeaned any further.

The Empress Dowager finally laughed at the notion upon hearing the translation, showing the barest hint of emotion. But her expressions quickly shifted back to the neutral blank slate it was. The Empress Dowager sipped her wine again.

"Miku, take this from an old, wise woman and maybe a parental figure somewhere down the line. There is a reason why all our Emperors have been men. Though she is entitled to all the power in the Empire, she is led by Kamui Gackupo. Perhaps this does not apply to you, Miku, but we are not meant to rule a country."

Miku found it hard to keep her chopsticks moving, to show this did not disturb her to no end. Like hell would she want someone like the Empress Dowager in her life, a mother no less.

"She did not even complete the burial proceedings for her own father, the past Emperor. Though I suppose, there might be some merit to it."

"I stopped the process of live burials because it is unnecessarily cruel, Empress Dowager. I do not wish to sentence the concubines to certain death because they provided no living heirs."

Luka's voice was quiet but determined, reminiscent of her tone earlier in the day when she asked Miku to wait for a year. Luka did that for her father's concubines? Miku barely concealed her surprise and pride.

After the translation, Kaito kept his eyes on Luka, like he was seeing her in a newfound light.

The Empress Dowager's voice was still as smooth as honey, coating and sweetening the venom she hid in every word.

"I did not say the idea is entirely without merit, you misunderstand me. I am entirely grateful for the company it has given me. I would hate to see longtime friends of mine disappear without a trace."

Miku didn't know why but the way the Empress Dowager phrased the last sentence made a shiver go down her spine. Miku racked her brain to remember what else Kaito mentioned about the Empire's concubine system. Wasn't it a highly competitive environment? And it was obvious the Empress Dowager clawed her way to the top, could she actually be on good terms with any of them?

"It was the one actual order of your accord and you still did not complete it by your own authority. Should you not at least actively pass the order, as is your role. Isn't that right, Miku?"

Luka didn't contradict her. The words got stuck in Miku's throat. How could she phrase this? The Empress Dowager wasn't objectively wrong, especially if that was the sequence of events that took place. But this was Luka…

"That is your duty to your people. That is your divine right to rule. Yet, well…need I say more, Empress?"

Luka kept her head down, silently acknowledging it. Miku never got the chance to explain. Would Luka think that she agreed? Miku really wanted to take a page out of Lily's book and punch the Empress Dowager in the face, consequences be damned.

The Empress Dowager picked up a small bite of fish with her chopsticks, her lip curling in satisfaction, disinterested with continuing the conversation, "Miku, my dear, have you had this yet? It is simply divine."

Miku thanked her but didn't take it, the equivalent of a dismissal.

"I really do urge you to try it. Don't mistake this for the common carp, though they are from the same family. This is specially bred within the palace walls, not like the common riffraff found in every river, beneath even the common citizen's taste."

Kaito's eyes darted to Luka. Luka avoided Kaito's questioning gaze. Miku wondered about the exchange.

"Did you know, Miku, that we are incomplete as a family tonight? I am not referring to our late Emperor. Crown Prince Luki, my son, was the twin of the current Empress. He was the hope of the Empire, born to rule, adored by our people. He would have loved you, another leader like himself."

The unspoken words hung in the air. He was in every way Luka's superior.

Miku wanted to scream in frustration.

The Empress Dowager sighed and shook her head, smiling, "But that is of no matter now. I am sure Miku will help return us to the power and glory we once held."

Kaito finished the translation, looking over Luka with concern. Luka's lips were pursed, her eyes fixed on the table. Luka entirely stopped eating. Miku's gut sank with a familiar guilt. Miku almost agreed with that bitch. And Miku didn't even mean to! Luka was doing a wonderful job as she was! Miku truly believed she would make a wonderful Empress! How did it come about like that?

Miku said politely, "I thank you for your faith in me. It is late. May Kaito and I escort Luka to her quarters?"

The Empress Dowager smiled, cold and full of mirth, "Of course. Oh, and Miku, there is one thing you might want to learn from Luka, do speak with more tact in the future. People can easily pick up your intentions."

Miku froze after hearing Kaito's translation.

"Thank you for your advice."

Miku and Kaito quickly led Luka away. Miku reached out and held Luka's hand, to which Luka clutched it tight. They regrouped with Meiko and Lily, who had been waiting outside. Meiko, upon seeing Luka's expression, immediately frowned. They hurried off. Though lanterns were hung in the palace, it didn't compensate completely for the darkness of the night. Their long sleeves hid their joined hands. The roads of the Imperial City bustled with servants and guards, who all made a wide berth once they realized who they were. They probably couldn't make out how close they were, much to Miku's relief. The less scandalous rumors, the better.

"May we take a detour to the kitchens?"

"Right, you didn't eat much, did you Luka? If you don't want much, Kaito can get a snack after we get back."

"It is not for me. I wish to visit my brother and provide an offering as I do so."

Kaito and Miku exchanged a look.

"Luka…"

"My liege is correct, that does not seem to be the best course of action. It is late and after the ill-advised comparison of Crown Prince Luki and yourself Empress, it may prove to be detrimental."

"Please. Today was supposed to be a celebration with our family."

Luka's voice was soft, her eyes lowered, almost like she was asking for permission again.

Miku's heart broke.

"Of course, Luka."

It turned out, all Luka needed for the simplest offering was a pitcher of wine. Meiko, upon understanding, also got tea and fruit just in case. They headed to the Temple of Heaven once again on foot. There were no ceremonial preparations this time round. All traces of that morning were gone, wiped and cleaned, as was the efficiency of the Empire. Stars studded the night sky. They walked in step together. Miku continued to hold Luka's hand. It was different from morning, drastically so. The sense of mystery, holiness was gone. It was only them. Trading rigid affairs for odd intimacy, Miku found she liked this better.

At the doors, Meiko handed the basket of offerings to Miku, then dragged Lily off to stand guard outside. Surprisingly, Lily complied.

Kaito asked, "Empress, would you prefer I wait outside?"

Luka wavered, "Kaito, I do not mind your presence."

"Would you prefer it?"

"But Miku…"

"Then it's quite alright, Empress. My liege would prefer it as well."

Not for the first time that day, Miku was extremely thankful for Kaito's presence and understanding. He knew what was going through Miku's head most of the time, did things in a much more subdued, tactful manner and as evidenced by tonight, was something Miku sorely needed.

Luka nodded.

Moonlight filtered through the windows, lighting up the insides of the temple. It seemed even more ethereal at night than day. With long shadows stretching down from the second floor onward, the temple felt empty and larger somehow. Miku could almost imagine that the spirits of past ancestors manifesting here.

Luka made her way to the wooden tablet that she bowed deeply to earlier in the day, her hand tugging on Miku's. Luka wouldn't let go, gripping Miku's hand so tight it almost hurt. Almost. Miku squeezed back.

"Is that your brother?"

"Yes. That is my twin brother. Megurine Luki."

"I'm sorry for your loss."

Luka swallowed, a lump in her throat. Luka took the pitcher, pouring a wide arc of wine onto the floor. The sweet smell of rice wine filled the temple. Luka filled a cup for herself and Miku each.

"I hope you enjoy it, brother. A toast for a hero."

Luka downed hers. Miku followed suit.

"Ah, brother, forgive me for speaking in this tongue. My fiancé is accompanying me tonight. Her name is Miku."

"Brother, it is as you feared, I ultimately will be wed to the kingdom we warred with for peace. However, it turned out better than we ever could have expected. Miku is kind-hearted, noble and brave. I really cannot ask for a better partner. I have complete faith in her. I hope you like her too, Luki."

Miku absolutely did not expect the praise, especially in the aftermath of a disastrous meeting. The Empress Dowager nearly had Luka in tears all over again. Miku did nothing, maybe hurting Luka herself. Yet Luka still trusted her.

"The Empire is doing well, do not worry. Gackupo is even more overbearing than when you were named Crown Prince."

"Our mother still misses you sorely Luki. She does have a less stressful life as the Empress Dowager. There is no need to please our father or handle palace matters anymore. I believe she will do better in the coming months."

Better? Miku highly doubted that. Luka didn't believe that, did she?

"Luki, there is no need to worry for any of us. Have a good afterlife, dear brother."

Luka's voice echoed in the small temple, her voice sounding further and further away with each reverb, until it reached the heavens. Luka was attempting to smile, to laugh as she talked. Miku frowned. Luka rarely did laugh openly, even if she was in a good mood. Miku ran her thumb over the back of Luka's hand. Luka jumped, then gave her a grateful smile.

"Brother, would you like to meet Miku now?" Luka let out a giggle, "She is undeniably your type, as you used to say."

Luka poured Miku a cup of wine. Miku made a toast.

Miku looked up at the wooden tablet. Luka spoke so easily to him – perhaps not openly – which attested to how close the siblings were. And he seemed to actually love and care for Luka in life, unlike the rest of her shitty family.

"I don't know if I would be your type but I hope Luka is mine."

Eloquent, Miku. Very eloquent.

"Luka is the best partner I can ask for. Luka speaks highly of you. I wish I got to meet you in life."

That sounded painfully dull and disingenuous. Miku fumbled with her words. An idea formed in her head.

"I really intend to marry Luka. There is a tradition in my kingdom to ask for the blessing of your partner's family. I ask for yours. I promise to treat Luka well for as long as I live. Please accept my proposal to her."

Miku bowed deeply to the tablet and rose. Miku took the pitcher of wine, poured it at her feet. It wasn't in a delicate arc as Luka's was but she hoped Luki wouldn't mind. Miku sat the basket of offerings down before the tablet, having no clue of how to set things up in a respectable manner in Luka's Empire. Luka laced the fingers of their joined hands together. Miku looked up to find her teary-eyed.

"Thank you, Miku. Thank you for everything."

All Luka's pent-up emotions came loose with that sentence. From the dinner to the visit to her brother to the downright sweet words Miku had for her, tears formed in her eyes, started to roll down her cheeks. Miku's eyes widened, fished a handkerchief out of her pocket. Miku reached out, wiping Luka's face with soft touches.

"Luka? Are you alright?"

"Yes, very much so," Luka's cheeks grew warm, hesitantly looking back down at her. Luka added in a low whispered voice, "Because of you, Miku."

In their close proximity, Miku heard it clearly. Miku's heart burst out of her chest.

Miku did the only thing she could. Miku hugged Luka. Luka latched onto her, snuggled into the nape of her neck. Miku could feel Luka's arms wound tight around her waist. Miku ran her free hand through Luka's hair. Luka sighed. The small puff of breath tickled Miku's skin. Miku squeezed her own eyes shut.

"I didn't do much, Luka. I really didn't."

The guilt from early evening returned, gnawing at her with a vengeance.

"I'm so sorry for whatever I said, didn't say, and everything I did wrong, Luka! I don't agree with what your mother said. You'll be a wonderful leader."

"I understood you just fine, Miku. You stood up for me and praised me in front of the Empress Dowager."

Miku heard the lilt in her voice. Miku was almost certain Luka was smiling. Miku couldn't help grinning like an idiot too.

"But truthfully, I do not know if she is entirely in the wrong. I am passive. I am easily influenced by Gackupo's decisions. I was never trained for this, let alone prepared for anything. I am not worthy of this position. My brother was always the better choice for Emperor."

Miku never proclaimed herself to be a genius but she had a rising suspicion that Luka's mother told her all this. Miku absolutely loathed her.

"Much of that is true but it is only natural. You grew up here and was suddenly thrust into this role! I have been training my whole life and I still need Kaito. It doesn't matter who should have taken the role. You are the Empress now. You're doing good already. You look out for the concubines, your people."

"Remember Luka? I have faith in you. That includes this."

"Thank you."

Luka held onto Miku for a long time.


Author's note: Luka's mom has A+ parenting/manipulation.

Thanks for the reviews last time! This one's a fair bit longer. Take it as a holiday gift. Quite a bit of research done for this chapter in particular, ceremonies and all that. I'm still not sure if I've entirely portrayed it well but I've done the best I can. Also, Luka's mother does contradict herself. Misogyny is at its most dangerous when women attack each other just for any scraps of power. Hope you enjoyed it!