That evening, the air in their room was charged with an unspoken tension. Shikihime, perched gently on Shikuro's lap, leaned in close, her voice a soft whisper in his ear. "Shikuro, do you believe that our alliance will truly benefit everyone involved?" she asked, her tone hinting at deeper concerns.

  Shikuro, caught off-guard by the sudden gravity of the conversation, searched Shikihime’s eyes for answers before responding thoughtfully, "It's a given, isn't it? Why do you ask? Are you having doubts now?"

  Shikihime, her expression somber, shook her head gently. "I fear that with the current turmoil in the realm, they might demand my return. And if that happens, our marriage... it might be annulled," she confessed, her voice tinged with a mix of fear and resignation.

  The gravity of Shikihime's words hit Shikuro like a wave, leaving him momentarily speechless. The thought of losing what they had begun to build together was unthinkable. "You mean they might recall you to the Dynasty and dissolve our alliance?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking louder might make it true.

  Shikihime nodded solemnly, her gaze locked with his. Shikuro’s mind raced, processing the implications. A surge of unexpected emotion welled up within him. He looked deeply into Shikihime's eyes, the realization dawning upon him. "Shikihime, forgive my bluntness, but I want this – us – to continue. We must do everything in our power to preserve it."

  Shikihime's gaze intensified, searching his face for sincerity. "Shikuro, you once said you would follow your king's orders without question. Does this situation truly matter so much to you?" she probed, seeking to understand the depth of his conviction.

  Shikuro inhaled deeply, his resolve strengthening. "That was then. Things are different now," he said, his voice firm. Shikihime, intrigued by this shift, leaned in closer. "Different how? What's changed for you?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

  Shikuro hesitated, grappling with his own emotions. Admitting the truth, even to himself, was daunting. He was fearful of revealing the depth of his feelings, apprehensive about the vulnerability it exposed. Yet, as he gazed into Shikihime's eyes, he realized the truth was inevitable. He had grown to love this enigmatic, teasing woman who had captivated his heart. Her presence had become essential to him, her company a source of joy and respect. In Shikihime, he had found not just an ally, but a partner in the truest sense.

  In the quiet of their room, the air between Shikuro and Shikihime was thick with unspoken words and hidden emotions. Shikuro wrestled with his inner turmoil, his fear of rejection casting a shadow over his thoughts. Shikihime, sensing his internal struggle, sought to reassure him. "Shikuro, we've been through so much, and I genuinely care for you. I believe the alliance is crucial, but there are forces at play, trying to prevent its success. That's my conviction."

  Shikuro, however, was searching for something more profound, something beyond the political machinations and strategic alliances. Gathering all his courage, he dared to voice his deepest feelings. "Is the alliance all that matters to you, Shikihime?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly with vulnerability.

  Shikihime's response was hesitant at first, her eyes locking with his in a moment of raw honesty. "Shikuro, the alliance is vital, but it's not the only thing that matters to me," she admitted, her voice carrying a weight of sincerity. "You've become an essential part of my life, someone I deeply care about, beyond just duty and obligation."

  Shikuro, emboldened by her words, laid bare his heart. "Shikihime, I have to confess that my feelings for you have grown beyond mere fondness. I care about you deeply, more than I ever imagined possible. My loyalty to you surpasses even my duty to the king," he declared, his eyes searching hers for a sign of reciprocity.

  Shikihime, taken aback by the depth of his confession, found herself at a crossroads of emotion and duty. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke again, her voice laced with a blend of affection and resolve. "Shikuro, I... I too hold you in high regard, more than just a political ally. You hold a special place in my heart. However, my commitment to our countries and the alliance remains unwavering. Despite my growing affection for you, I cannot abandon my responsibilities. But know this," she added, her voice softening, "I am willing to invest in our relationship, to grow our bond beyond duty, to explore this journey with you, for as long as fate allows us."

  In the dimly lit chamber, a sense of urgency and solemnity filled the air. Shikuro's words hung heavy, echoing the depth of his resolve. "So all I have to do is ensure the alliance pact remains intact and the alliance is established, correct?" His voice was steady, underscored by a newfound determination.

  Shikihime, her expression tinged with a melancholy smile, nodded. "Of course," she replied softly, "but it's not as simple as it sounds." Her eyes, however, betrayed a glimmer of hope. "Yet, that is something I dearly wish for. The alliance and... you."

  Shikuro's demeanor shifted, reflecting a resolute conviction. "Then it's fairly straightforward. Let's get married now." His statement, delivered with a solemnity that was uncharacteristic of him, took Shikihime by surprise.

  At first, she thought it a jest, her smile broadening. "I never imagined you to be such a jester, Shikuro," she said, laughter in her voice. But as she observed Shikuro's unchanging expression, the seriousness in his eyes, she realized he was earnest. "You're serious, aren't you?" she asked, a hint of disbelief in her voice.

  Shikuro nodded firmly. "Absolutely. Because I remember one crucial thing..." He paused, letting the significance of his words sink in. "Do you recall how the alliance's commencement was defined?"

  Shikihime's mind raced through the details of the alliance contract, and then it dawned on her. "Our marriage..." she whispered, realization washing over her. "It was defined by our union, irrespective of time and place."

  Shikuro's smile was one of agreement and understanding. Seeing Shikihime's uncertainty, he gently touched her cheek, his voice soft yet unwavering. "Shikihime, let's marry. Right now. With everything going according to our enemies' plans, let's defy expectations. Let's get married, brave the Land of Noone, return home, and overcome this together. Will you join me in this adventure?"

  Shikihime hesitated, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. She stood, pacing the room, wrestling with her feelings and the magnitude of the decision before her. She had grown to cherish Shikuro's presence, his touch, the sense of security and comfort he provided. Was this love? Perhaps not in the traditional sense she had envisioned, but there was a deep connection, a bond that had strengthened over time.

  As she deliberated, her fingers brushed against a badge her father had given her, grounding her thoughts. She realized that her feelings for Shikuro might differ from his, but that did not diminish their validity. She could embrace this path, face the challenges ahead, and find happiness by his side. With a deep breath, she made her decision.

  Turning to face Shikuro, her eyes met his, conveying a mix of determination and affection. "Yes, Shikuro. I will join you on this adventure," she declared, her voice steady and resolute. "Together, we'll face whatever comes our way."

  As Shikihime's words hung in the air, a playful glint sparkled in her eyes. "According to Yoru, there's a temple nearby. How about we sneak out now, bribe the monk, and get married? Sound like a plan right?" Her suggestion was impulsive, adventurous, and it caught Shikuro completely off guard.

  For a moment, Shikuro stood there, processing her words. He had indeed proposed marriage, but the reality of acting on it so swiftly hadn't fully dawned on him. Sensing his hesitation, Shikihime teased him with a sly smile, "Or were those words just a way to sway my heart in your political intrigues?"

  Shikuro quickly closed the distance between them, taking her hands in his. His voice was firm, filled with resolve. "No... they were not empty words, they were my true feelings, a sinc..." But he stopped mid-sentence as Shikihime burst into laughter, her joy echoing through the room. "I would never consider that you took this seriously. You are just the best material for teasing, my dear," she said, still chuckling. But then her expression softened, her eyes locking onto his. "But I am serious about getting married now. Let's go."

  Shikuro, still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions, managed to find his voice. "Shikihime... shouldn't we dress up and ask the others?" His concern was genuine; he wanted this moment to be perfect for her.

  Shikihime, however, quickly dismissed his worries with a wave of her hand. "Geez, you sometimes act like a woman, worrying about clothes? We're in enemy territory, on the brink of war, and you're concerned about clothes?" Her tone was light but firm.

  Shikuro couldn't help but frown, his mind still grappling with the idea. "I just wanted this to be special for you," he murmured.

  Shikihime's gaze softened, and she stepped closer to him. "And what could be more special for a royal princess and an archduke than to get married by an enemy monk, in the clothes of commoners, and in the middle of the night without a single guest? Can you promise me a more special marriage?"

  Shikuro, momentarily lost for words at her compelling argument, sighed deeply. "Alright, let's go," he agreed, moving towards the door.

  But Shikihime quickly stopped him. "What are you doing?" they both asked simultaneously. Shikihime looked at him in disbelief. "If you open that door, they'll know we're up to something. We have to sneak out through the window!"

  Shikuro's face was a picture of confusion and realization. He finally nodded in agreement, albeit reluctantly. Shikihime, bubbling with excitement, deftly opened the window and slipped out with the grace of a cat. She landed skillfully on the ground below, executing a perfect roll to cushion her landing.

  Eager to match her skill, Shikuro followed suit. He leaped from the window, aiming for an equally graceful landing. However, the reality was far less elegant. Pain shot through his body as he landed awkwardly on his feet, his attempt at a roll turning into a clumsy tumble. He ended up smacking his head against the building, a trickle of blood now visible on his forehead.

  Shikihime, suppressing a giggle, shook her head in disbelief. She quickly went over to help him up, her eyes filled with a mix of amusement and concern. "Oh Shikuro," she sighed, half-laughing, half-worried, as she inspected his injury. "You're not exactly the stealthy type, are you?" But her eyes twinkled with affection, her heart swelling with an unexpected, yet profound, love for this man – her soon-to-be husband, her partner in this unforeseen adventure.

  The chilly night air of Vrastislava brushed against their skin as they navigated the nearly deserted streets, hand in hand. For Shikihime, it wasn't a gesture of romance but a necessity; Shikuro, still reeling from his earlier fall, needed guidance through the dimly lit alleys and shadowed backstreets.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  Approaching the temple, Shikihime rapped on the door with a sense of urgency. Silence greeted them. Growing impatient, Shikuro delivered a solid kick to the door, causing it to fly open with a loud crash. "Yeah... definitely the stealthy material I am getting," Shikihime murmured under her breath, her words dripping with sarcasm.

  As they stepped into the temple's entrance, a voice slurred from the darkness, "Who's there?!" Emerging from the shadows, a monk lay sprawled on the floor, his face flushed red from intoxication. Shikihime grabbed a nearby candle, illuminating the monk's disheveled appearance as she approached.

  Shikuro, following close behind, sighed at the sight of the drunken holy man. Shikihime knelt beside the monk, her voice soft but firm, "We're a couple eager to get married tonight."

  The monk squinted at them, disbelief etched across his face. "Come back tomorrow. Can't you see we're closed?" he slurred.

  Unperturbed, Shikihime pressed on, her voice laced with urgency. "We can't wait. I need to ring his bells tonight," she quipped, earning a shocked look from Shikuro. "Just kidding," she quickly added, then turned her attention back to the monk. "If you marry us and provide a document with the proper seal, I'll give you two large golds. We're eloping, and once we're married, our parents will have no choice but to accept us."

  The monk's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "I'm drunk, not stupid. You can't afford that."

  Without missing a beat, Shikihime produced three large gold coins from her pocket. "Make it a small celebration afterward, and these are yours."

  Motivated by the promise of wealth, the monk attempted to rise, only to stumble and fall back to the ground, tripping over his robe. Shikuro watched the scene unfold with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. The Archduke of Frostgard, getting married in such an unorthodox way, was far from the grandeur he had once imagined for his wedding night.

  The temple hall, bathed in the soft glow of flickering candles, cast long shadows across the exquisite paintings and statues of gods adorning its walls. Shikuro, still reeling from his earlier mishap, couldn't fully appreciate the beauty surrounding him as Shikihime did. The hall, capable of accommodating nearly a thousand devotees, was steeped in an air of solemnity and grandeur.

  The monk, still struggling with his inebriation, stumbled back into the hall, clutching a box filled with essential items for the ceremony. As he neared the altar, he tripped, sending the contents of the box sprawling across the floor. The air was filled with his curses as papers from the tome fluttered down like leaves in autumn.

  Shikuro stood frozen, a look of disbelief on his face. Shikihime, ever practical, knelt to gather the scattered items, her movements graceful even in this chaotic moment. She glanced up at the monk and asked playfully, "And where's the alcohol for our celebration?"

  The monk, caught off guard, responded with a confused, "Alcohol?" Shikihime’s eyes twinkled mischievously. "Or do you not want the third large gold coin? Remember, it's only valid if you join our celebration afterward."

  Realising the seriousness of her offer, the monk hurried off with a promise of, "Be right back."

  As Shikihime continued to organise the scattered items, she pulled out an official-looking scroll and began filling it out with their real names. Shikuro, watching over her shoulder, questioned the wisdom of using their true identities, but Shikihime just shrugged nonchalantly.

  The monk returned, this time more carefully, carrying three bottles of wine and resuming his preparations. He glanced at the scroll, mumbling something about it already being filled out correctly, which earned a knowing smile from Shikihime and a stunned look from Shikuro.

  Shikihime gave the monk a thumbs-up for the wine, a gesture so informal and common that it took Shikuro by surprise. He sighed once more, realising the night was turning out to be anything but conventional.

  As the ceremony began, the monk, struggling with his intoxication and the dim lighting, fumbled with the tome, unable to read the traditional lines. With a hiccup, he decided to improvise, weaving a tale that had little to do with conventional marriage vows but much to do with humour and absurdity.

  "So, marriage, eh?" he slurred, swaying slightly. "It's like a great battle, but instead of swords and shields, you fight with words and... occasional silence. Yes, the deadliest weapon – silence! It speaks louder than the mightiest yells of warriors."

  He hiccupped again, then continued, "Marriage is a journey – you start off thinking you're sailing to paradise, but then realize you didn't pack enough food for the trip. And sometimes, the other person eats all the snacks!" He chuckled to himself, clearly amused by his own analogy.

  "And remember, in this sacred union, you'll learn that 'Yes, dear' is the answer to questions you didn't even know were asked. It's the secret mantra to a peaceful life. Keep that handy, young man," he winked at Shikuro.

  The monk then paused, squinting at the couple as if trying to remember his next line. "Ah! Marriage is a bit like wine. It gets better with age. Or it turns to vinegar. Depends on how well you keep it. Just like your love, keep it in a cool, dark place... Wait, that doesn't it doesn't sound right."

  After wrapping up his rambling speech, the monk turned to Shikihime. "You, the girl whose name I forgot, will you marry this man and ring his bells tonight? I mean, sorry, will you marry this man and be faithful and support him for the rest of your life, until the gods call you back to their side? He seems like the type who gets lost in his own house."

  Shikihime, trying to contain her laughter, managed to say, "I do."

  Then, turning to Shikuro, the monk said, "You, who got a great woman but is unable to do anything alone, I mean, sorry..." He paused to throw up in the corner, further adding to the surreal atmosphere.

  As Shikuro stood frozen, Shikihime nudged him gently. "I do," he said, finally.

  The monk, regaining some composure, declared, "So, I now officially declare you wife and husband. May your offspring face better times than you." He stamped the document with the seal and handed it to Shikihime, who carefully pocketed it.

  Then, with a mischievous grin, the monk said, "Money, bitches!" Shikihime handed him the three large gold coins, jokingly adding, "Wine, bitch!"

  Shikuro, witnessing the absurdity of it all, sighed deeply. With his head still bleeding, the smell of vomit lingering in the air, and the monk's unconventional antics, he realised this was a wedding no one could have promised or allowed. Yet, it was uniquely theirs, a story they would remember for a lifetime.

  After their peculiar wedding ceremony, Shikihime and Shikuro continued their night with the monk, who eventually succumbed to the effects of the wine. His snores filled the temple hall, creating a comical soundtrack to their unusual wedding night. Shikihime couldn't help but laugh, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I bet he won't remember a thing in the morning," she said to Shikuro, who nodded, still in disbelief over the night's events.

  They made their way back to the inn, choosing to enter through the front door this time, still in high spirits from the wine. Upon entering their room, they were greeted by the stern faces of their companions, all looking at them with a mix of concern and curiosity. Shikihime, with a dismissive wave of her hand, assured them that she would explain everything in the morning and insisted that they wanted to rest.

  Shikuro, perhaps a bit bolder from the wine, echoed her sentiment with a firm tone, "You heard her. We'll talk tomorrow." The companions, though hesitant, eventually filed out of the room, with Yoru casting a particularly wary glance at Shikuro.

  Once alone, Shikuro, feeling the weight of the day, collapsed onto the bed, his body and mind utterly exhausted. But then, to his utter surprise, Shikihime approached him, her figure silhouetted in the dim light of the room. She was completely nude, her skin glowing softly in the candlelight. Shikuro's heart raced, and he felt as if he had been plunged into icy water – shocked, yet invigorated.

  Shikihime, with a mischievous glint in her eye, gently examined the wound on his head. "Looks like our wedding night will be as unique as our ceremony," she said softly, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "A little bloodshed for both of us."

  Shikuro, still reeling from the surprise, could only gaze at her in awe. Here was Shikihime, a woman of strength and complexity, revealing a vulnerability and intimacy he had never seen before. The realisation that she was now his wife, that they were bound together in this crazy, unpredictable journey, filled him with a sense of profound connection and responsibility.

  As Shikihime leaned in, her warmth enveloping him, Shikuro knew that this moment, unconventional as it was, marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. A chapter filled with unknowns and challenges, but also with the promise of shared laughter, shared burdens, and a deep, unwavering bond.

  Interlude: Ingrid Struggles

  Ingrid's office, usually a haven of order and calm, felt more like a storm centre that day. The documents piled on her desk seemed to mock her, their secrets just out of reach. Each one she perused deepened the furrow in her brow, a testament to the growing unease within her. As she gazed out the window, contemplating the unseasonable warmth, her thoughts wandered to Shikuro's prolonged absence and its mounting consequences. The local counts, growing impatient and bold, were pressing her for more answers, answers she didn't have.

  The sudden knock at her door jolted Ingrid from her reverie. "Enter," she called, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her mind.

  Kage entered, her presence as unreadable as ever. Ingrid couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy and annoyance at Kage's unfaltering composure, even in the most trying of circumstances. It was a skill Ingrid knew she lacked, and it irked her that Kage, so adept at her job, always seemed one step ahead.

  "What can I do for you, Kage?" Ingrid inquired, trying to mask her irritation with a veneer of professionalism.

  Kage, settling into the chair across from her, wasted no time. "Shikuro and Shikihime are alive," she stated matter-of-factly. "One of our operatives has confirmed it."

  Ingrid's heart leaped. She rose swiftly, a barrage of questions tumbling out. "Where are they? Are they safe? When are they returning? Are they injured? Is Erik bringing them back?"

  Kage, ever the picture of calm, interrupted her. "All we know is that they're alive. A message from Shikihime suggests they might be back in 15 days. I'm keeping Prince Leif in the dark on this."

  Ingrid, now more composed, sat back down. "Why keep this from the Crown Prince?" she asked, her mind racing with the implications.

  "He's preoccupied with the Eirtaoir rebellion and trying to prevent the Dynasty from engaging with the Kingdom," Kage explained. "He doesn't need more distractions."

  Ingrid's frown deepened. "But isn't that a good thing?" she questioned.

  "Not exactly," Kage replied with a hint of impatience. "He's already struggling. We don't need to add to his burden. My concern is for him."

  Ingrid bristled. "Be careful how you speak of the future king," she warned.

  Kage continued, undeterred. "I came to you because we need to mobilise your soldiers. The situation is volatile, and if it's a ploy by the Kingdom, we're on the brink of war."

  Ingrid leaned forward, intrigued yet wary. "And if they don't get married?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

  Kage's gaze was unwavering. "Then we risk losing the alliance, and you face unprecedented shame or defeat. I'm telling you this because I'd rather not see you punished in such a humiliating manner again."

  Ingrid's expression hardened at the thought. She was a regent, not a pawn to be chastised publicly. She knew the stakes were high, and she would do whatever it took to navigate the treacherous political waters she found herself in.

  Ingrid, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and possibilities, fixed her gaze on Kage. "So, what exactly do you want from me?" she asked, her voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.

  Kage's response was direct and unflinching. "Mobilize the fleet and bring back the two fleets stationed in the kingdom. Prepare for war by requesting soldiers and levies from the local lords. Time is of the essence."

  Ingrid frowned, skepticism lacing her words. "But isn't that a drastic step? It's costly and without concrete proof, it could be seen as reckless."

  Kage's eyebrow twitched in mild annoyance. "If our theory holds, it's more than likely that the enemy will pursue us. And how do you plan to protect the Archduke with just one fleet?"

  Ingrid shifted her focus. "What about the Dynasty? What will they do?"

  Kage was blunt. "The Dynasty will withdraw from the marriage pact if they have to compensate for the realm's inadequacies. The safety of Shikihime is the realm's responsibility, not the Dynasty's. They're already displeased with the realm's performance and internal issues."

  Ingrid, now more contemplative, asked, "Whose side are you on, Kage?"

  Kage didn't hesitate. "I'm on Shikihime's side. She's given me orders, and she's fighting valiantly. I'll support her to the end. And if your incompetence gets in the way, I won't hesitate to deal with you."

  Ingrid absorbed Kage's words, understanding the gravity of her warning. She knew Kage was formidable, a force to be reckoned with.

  "I can't lead an army. I'm not the Archduke," Ingrid protested weakly.

  Kage was quick to counter. "I'm not asking you to lead an army. I'm asking you to prepare for the Archduke's return. Use your authority as Regent. Replace the counts who oppose you with those who will support the Archduke. Think about what he would do if he knew about the betrayal from the Kingdom and Aldrik."

  Ingrid understood. She took the letter Kage offered, scanning the names of the counts and nobles of Frostgard. Marks and annotations beside each name revealed their loyalties. As she read, the realisation hit her; there were far too many names that showed wavering loyalty or outright opposition to Shikuro.

  She looked up at Kage, a newfound determination in her eyes. "Thank you, Kage. You've helped me see the bigger picture. I won't forget this. Now, leave me. I have much to do."

  As Kage exited, Ingrid stared at the letter, now fully aware of the daunting task ahead. The realisation that many within her ranks were not as loyal as she had believed was a bitter pill to swallow. But with this new insight, she knew what she had to do. The time for hesitation was over; action was necessary to secure the future of Frostgard and its Archduke.