AN: To the first guest review, I actually agree that being an Amazon would fit Haruki really well. However, the setting kind of gets rid of the possibility of involving people like Amazons much, and we did already choose a class for her that makes sense in our setting. Thanks for the suggestion, though. :3

Heine, thanks so much for all the praise, haha. We hope you enjoy the rest of this story as much as the first chapter! :3

There's a dumb bee joke in here or two. I think. Also, when Isuke speaks, pretend ~ are hearts since FF doesn't do hearts.

Thanks so much to all who reviewed and faved etc. so far, it means a lot.

Early morning sun beamed brightly and cheerily over an enormous stone castle, and into it's tall glass windows. The city itself was already up and busily buzzing (or bustling) about. Work inside the castle was only slightly slower, and that was mostly due to the Red Queen herself having a difficult time waking up fully this particular morning.

She sat, yawning and rubbing her eyes sleepily at the long, oval table full of high-ranking older men and women. It already felt like she'd been sitting there for hours. Haru just wanted to return to her soft, comfy bed. She couldn't get herself to care much that she was their Queen in her drowsiness. But she couldn't say that aloud, of course.

"Ehem. Right. I don't think we'll be getting much done today, perhaps we should end this council meeting for now."

The grey-haired man's proposal was answered by several agreeing voices and then by the scraping of chairs and the sound of footsteps leaving the Council Chambers.

"Haru."

Only one person called her so informally, and only when they were alone. It was funny, she never heard footsteps. She smiled and looked toward the voice.

"Tokaku. I missed you."

The Red Queen's Commander of the Queensguard and personal protector held a hand out for Haru and helped her from her chair.

The two of them headed out to break their fast. Haru liked to eat with her guardian in a more private area. Besides, she was sure Tokaku had something to say about the previous night. Nio, the Wandering Shaman famous for both her wisdom and her mischievous nature, had given them a surprise visit that night. She had counseled them to treat with Queen Sumireko, the Sovereign, for peace between their kingdoms. Though there had been no war between them, they hadn't been allies since both Queens had come to power. Haru, being soft hearted as she was, was more than happy to agree with the idea immediately.

The Red Queen decided on the balcony, brightly bathed in sunlight. She and her companion sat and breakfast was served promptly.

"Thank you. Please leave us for the time being."

Haru smiled at the servants and they complied with an "Of course, Your Majesty."

The Queen started daintily on her food and turned her attention to her guardian.

"So, Tokaku. What do you think of what our guest had to say last night?"

Tokaku met her Queen's eyes and grunted. "I don't trust her. It's likely she's plotting something."

The red-head frowned and poked at her food.

"But, Haru loves the idea of peace with everyone...especially our neighboring kingdom. Why should we not try?"

Tokaku sighed, her heart softened at the sight of Haru pouting.

"I did not say the idea was a bad one. I too wish for peace. But I am not naive, and people are generally not so cooperative. Besides, that Shaman does not feel trustworthy."

Haru couldn't suppress a smile at Tokaku's more kindly answer.

"You're probably right. Haru will think on this for a few days and nights. Then I will decide."

The pair finished breakfast, speaking of less weighty matters before returning to their duties. Tokaku stayed by Haru's side the majority of each day, so they weren't often separated by their work.

In the early afternoon, the two were on their way to have audience with the people. Anyone with the need to speak to the Queen about injustices or matters that could be fixed with her authority were allowed their turn before the Red Queen.

All of a sudden, a royal messenger approached and begged the Queen's attention.

"Your Majesty, Ser Chitaru Namatame has arrived and requests to speak with Ser Azuma in the gardens."

The Red Queen cheerily gave her consent, though she wasn't happy to see Tokaku leave her side. She would do her duties as Queen with or without her most cherished Queensguard.

Tokaku Azuma swiftly left her post after being given consent by her Queen. She made her way through the beautifully blooming flowers, hedges, and trees and approached the wild haired knight, Ser Namatame.

"Is something wrong, Chitaru?"

The Commander's eyes were sharp and full of concern.

The tall, chivalrous red-head turned to her shorter companion, expression completely composed.

"Tokaku. I trust you and our Queen are well."

She took a few steps closer, left hand resting casually on the pommel of her long, straight blade.

"I have word from the border. I happened to be in the area carrying out a few small errands, when the border guard asked for my help."

The pair began walking slowly through the gardens as they spoke. Generally, the gardens were isolated and well away from unwelcome ears. They were also quite pleasant, so it seemed the obvious choice for such conversation.

"They held a spy captive."

Tokaku met the tall girl's strides with her own and crossed her arms across her chest.

"A spy?"

A few giggling serving girls passed by a few hedges away, and one of them waved at the two knights. When they returned the gesture, the girls immediately giggled and hid their faces.

Chitaru returned her attention to the Queensguard.

"A spy, or perhaps a messenger, though it was obvious this wasn't one of the Sovereign's. He came from elsewhere, though that remains a mystery."

"Did any interrogation take place?"

Tokaku strained to hide her anger and rubbed the back of her head, this land had seen enough hostility from other countries. They didn't need any more.

The wild haired knight smiled sympathetically at Tokaku, but kept her composure.

"Yes. That is how we confirmed what I already told you. The only other thing he had was a message. He asked that it be delivered to you, Tokaku."

Ser Azuma twitched. "What is this message?"

"He said, 'It's time to wake up, and get your internal wilderness out of bed.' He would say no more than that."

She stopped and turned to the shorter knight.

Tokaku had halted, eyes burning a hole into the ground ahead of them. Those were the words of an old teacher.

"Is something wrong?"

"That...is something the man who trained me long ago once said to me. Just...be on your guard."

Chitaru gave her an odd look, but didn't push. Instead she changed the subject.

"I was told the Wandering Shaman delivered a message to our Queen?"

"Yes. That suspicious woman came to us last night and urged us to make peace with Queen Sumireko."

Tokaku spat her reply much angrier than she had meant to at the Shaman's mention. Her hands tightened into fists. Perhaps all the stress was catching up to her.

Chitaru's eyes widened slightly at her hostility.

"That is strange. But I am sure Queen Haru agreed wholeheartedly."

She chuckled at the thought of Haru's soft heartedness.

Azuma smirked.

"Yes. She truly desires peace between us. She always has."

"I understand your suspicion, though. That shaman is very strange, and the timing is just..."

The tall knight appeared deep in thought.

Tokaku nodded her head in agreement.

"Yes. The timing is far too perfect for my taste."

The two of them had stopped in a balcony deeper in the gardens.

Chitaru snapped out of her brooding and smiled.

"Well, regardless of all that, we have some work to do. Shall we go to the training yards?"

"Yes, let's."

Tokaku led the way, desperately wanting to let off some steam and make sure their military was not slacking off.

"Sagae! Get in rank!"

Haruki jumped slightly at her commanding officer's barking shouts and quickly got in her place among the other soldiers.

Having a sick mother and nine younger siblings at home gave the girl no choice but to try her best to provide for them. The military gave free housing, food and provisions for those who joined as well as their families, thanks to Queen Haru's decree.

So of course, those facts combined with her above-average physical skill practically made her choice for her.

Today, they were at the palace to be tested by Ser Azuma and Ser Namatame themselves. The Red Queen's armies did not slack off in the least. If one were to be found less than useful, they were promptly excused from the military.

Though she was nervous to be facing one of the two strongest and most skilled knights in the kingdom, Haruki was surprisingly excited. She'd wanted to gauge her fighting skill for a long time, and now was her chance.

Her squad filed into the enormous training yards. The knights stood before them, each with their own space and holding blunted training swords. Ser Azuma held a katana, and Ser Namatame an estoc. They wore light plate armor befitting the occasion and their rank. Racks of melee weapons sat a few yards out of the way.

Their commanding officer separated them evenly into two groups, one in front of each knight.

"Alright soldiers. Today your abilities are to be tested."

Ser Namatame announced the few rules, and told them to choose any weapon from the racks.

Haruki donned her steel half-helm and picked up a training longsword. She wore the same leather and steel plate armor the rest of her squad wore, as it was standard issue to those of her rank; entry-level soldiers. Men and women at arms. Long, wavy red hair hung down her back, and her intense golden eyes were very much alert and aware. Though the longsword was a versatile weapon, Haruki couldn't help but feel that she would do better with her fists.

All of the men and women in her squad took their turns before her. Haruki could tell the pair of knights adjusted their own strength to be only slightly higher than that of their opponent. They had to be very strong and boast insane levels of self-control. Her grip on the blunted longsword tightened.

Haruki's turn soon came up. She was to face Ser Azuma. The short-haired knight nodded to her, then readied herself. Haruki took the cue and shifted into a fighting stance.

Ser Azuma shot forward, swinging her sword in a diagonal arc. This move was meant to test the soldier's reflexes. Sagae moved extremely quickly, parrying Tokaku's blunt katana with her training sword and swiftly stepping in for a vertical slice.

Tokaku flowed with the strike and angled her body so the blade missed her by inches. She kept the pressure on by stepping forward with a horizontal slash to the ribs. Haruki stepped back as their blades locked and slid from one another. She took the offense and began a fast chain of hard slashes and stabs. Unfortunately for her, Azuma dodged or parried each attack that came at her. Now she knew this girl's ability was higher than all the others she had just fought. She stepped to the outside of one of Haruki's thrust's and swung her sword at her neck, knowing she would duck. As soon as she did this, Tokaku's knee was there to meet her.

Despite falling into the blue-haired knight's trap, Haruki was quick enough to bring her free arm up to cushion the blow of Tokaku's knee. She ignored the pain and just as quickly as she'd blocked she had her arm wrapped around the knight's leg, ready to trip her up. Unfortunately for her, the shorter girl lifted her leg up and out of the grip, using her agile body to keep her balance. As her leg went backwards to settle on the ground behind her, her blade shot up towards Haruki's side in a smooth, flowing movement. Shocked as she was at how ridiculously flexible the knight was, Haruki brought her sword against Tokaku's in a sort of slashing parry and took a jump backwards defensively.

Tokaku's flow was not interrupted, she shot forward at a ridiculous speed as she stabbed at Haruki's chest. The soldier gritted her teeth and slashed again at Tokaku's blade. Quickly, she gripped her sword with both hands and started a chain of furious slashes that she didn't really intend to stop. "I'm quick enough," she thought.

Once she saw how over committed she was to her attack, Azuma knew the girl would mess up at some point. Though her attacks were relentless, powerful, and quick, they were easy enough to see. She found an opening the moment Haruki cut at her head. Tokaku ducked and slashed Haruki's undefended midsection.

The blunted katana struck her expertly across the armored middle of her torso. Haruki smiled tiredly and backed off a few steps. The soldier took a few breaths before asking:

"So how'd I do? Other than get my belly sliced open."

Tokaku smoothly sheathed her sword.

"You need to be promoted. Very much so. Your skill and power is deserving of a higher rank."

"Most definitely. I don't understand how you were kept at such a low rank." Chitaru chimed in. She'd finished with her group and was able to watch most of the fight.

Tokaku nodded in agreement. "It is a waste."

The officer in charge of the squad cringed.

Azuma retrieved her sword, and unsheathed it. "Let's change that. Kneel, Haruki Sagae."

Haruki froze, then pointed dumbly at herself.

The Commander calmly nodded her head.

"Holy shit."

Haruki grinned and walked as calmly up to Ser Azuma as she could manage in her excitement. Once a few steps away, she knelt.

"I, Tokaku Azuma, Commander of the Queensguard, knight you, Haruki Sagae. Serve our Queen well."

As Haruki stood, her old squad mates gave her an enthusiastic round of applause. She blushed at the praise, and the unexpected jump in promotion. Never did she think she'd be a knight or be able to join the ranks of the elite.

Ser Namatame clapped her on the shoulder.

"Well done, and congratulations Ser Sagae. Come with us and we'll get you what your rank requires."

Tokaku nodded in agreement and the three of them walked off to take care of Haruki Sagae's rank requirements, including the duties she would be required to complete.

Being allowed to choose new armor and weapons for herself, Haruki chose light, leather armor much like her old set, but of a much higher quality and far more badass.

The only special thing she asked for were some custom made gauntlets. They were to be made of thick steel, with sharp, studded knuckles and fitted perfectly to her arms. It would be difficult for an enemy to disarm her of those.

Tokaku abruptly excused herself when they were nearly finished, she needed to return to her Queen's side.

An elaborate carriage pulled up and halted just outside a large castle. Smaller than that of the Queen's, of course, but large enough to be owned by some of the most powerful nobles in the kingdom.

The driver attempted to speak.

"Here we are, M'Lad-"

"Isuke knows, you can keep your mouth shut~"

He was tossed a small bag of coins, and the pink-haired noblewoman stepped gracefully out of the carriage. She hummed happily as she approached the entrance to her home, and was soon greeted by a group of servants. One of her attendants reminded her that her mother would be wanting to speak with her during dinner.

"Of course. Isuke will speak with mama once I've bathed and changed."

The servants accepted without a word, each having the knowledge that their Mistress had a terrible temper when someone got in her way.

While one of her attendants drew a nice, hot bath for her, Isuke went to her chambers to clean up her instruments. Though all the servants of her House knew exactly what the Inukai family did, Isuke liked her privacy. Closing and latching the door to her room, she stripped her lower half to her undergarments. Several normally hidden straps on her legs exposed themselves, vicious, daily-sharpened knives in protective sheaths slightly bloodied from her earlier work. She stripped them off and unsheathed the knives, placing them on a desk full of steel-cleaning implements, humming all the while.

Nothing but the knives, their sheaths and a bit of the straps had gotten any traces of blood on them, but she stripped her expensive corset and the rest of her upper-half once again down to the undergarments and threw the clothing carelessly on her enormous bed. Immediately, she sat herself at the desk to clean her weapons. Mama taught her to always take the best care of her tools, and mama knew best when it came to these things.

"M'Lady, the bath is ready."

"Isuke will be right there~"

The servant bowed and quickly retreated from Isuke's space.

Once the pinkette had finished cleaning her knives, she immediately got herself up and strode to her bath, hoping it hadn't cooled much.

"It's good to see you back, Isuke."

Eisuke Inukai greeted his daughter with a warm smile. He sat at the head of a conveniently small table. The Inukai family was only three, after all, and they didn't often entertain guests. The surface of the table was covered in neatly presented food, just a bit more than enough to feed the pair. Eisuke was not one for wasting food just to feel wealthy.

"Hello mama. I'm glad you missed Isuke~"

The Lady kissed her mama's cheek and took her seat at his side. The pair started on their meals.

"This last job went well, I trust? The servants tell me you hadn't a drop of blood showing on yourself."

He smiled proudly, and Isuke returned the expression.

"Yes, mama. He was stupid, so it was boring but he was not difficult to dispose of. Isuke took the first chance she got~"

Eisuke ruffled his daughter's hair gently.

"Good. That training you've been doing at the colosseum has been paying off. Keep doing so well and you'll be fit to take my place in no time at all."

Isuke pouted.

"I'm not a child anymore, mama. And anyway, it's not like Isuke enjoys training at a place you're forced to kill in."

Her visits to the colusseum in the neighboring country had been Eisuke's idea, as he had no time to train her himself once she had grown. She got to experience actual fights in which she had to kill her opponent, and there was no penalty for such, so it was the perfect opportunity. Still, Isuke wasn't an assassin because she enjoyed killing, rather that she loved her family and all the money that came from such business.

"Anyway, where's papa?"

Eisuke glanced up from his plate.

"Papa had some business to conduct with Rolando Caroselli, that famous merchant on the west side of the city."

Isuke raised a brow.

"The fat one?"

Her mama gave her an amused smile.

"Yes, the fat one."

"But mama, I worry about papa. He's not like us, you know. What if something happened to him one of these times?"

Eisuke gracefully wiped his hands on a decorative cloth napkin. He was finished eating, and would soon go to his chambers to rest, Isuke knew.

"Nothing will happen to papa. And if something does, mama will take care of it."

He stood and kissed the top of his daughter's head.

"Mama is tired. Good night, Isuke."

Lord Iesada Inukai sat tiredly on the soft, cushioned seats of his personal business carriage. The Rolando fellow enjoyed a good, long conversation. One in which he spoke far too much. Lord Inukai pinched the bridge of his nose in an attempt to ease his dull headache. At least he was on his way home. He looked forward to seeing his husband and daughter again after this day long trip.

The night was soft and nearly without breeze. There was hardly a noise in the streets, except for near the odd passing pub or brothel.

Halfway through the quiet, uneventful ride home, the carriage halted unexpectedly. Iesada leaned his head out the window.

"Is there a probl-"

"Shut up, you shit. You'll be giving us everything you have. Now get out of that golden case."

A harsh voice roughly spat at him.

There were at least five dark silhouettes surrounding the carriage.

And the only reason Lord Inukai hadn't brought a guard was because bandits had been extremely unusual under the rule of Queen Haru, especially in the city streets.

One had already closed in on him.

"You fuckin' deaf? Out!"

Gods, I'm exhausted. R&R, guys!