Tears of a Dove

V: Breaking Peace

Hours later, at the brink of dawn

"Miku Shirata, where on Earth have you been?" Kazu shouted as his daughter entered the Castle.

Miku raised an eyebrow. "Whatever do you mean? It was Solstice-"

"Silence! You are not supposed to leave anywhere without the accompaniment of guards! Do you understand?"

Ignoring the question, the Princess's mind ran free. "What was your speech about?"

Kazu stopped his fiery rage. "My speech?"

"You didn't even speak for two minutes. What's that all about?"

The King sighed. "Come, sit."

Miku sat in a chair next to her father and crossed her legs, ready to listen.

"We've received many generous offers from the South Division."

"Offers?" The Princess raised her voice. "What offers?"

"If we side with them, our country would be protected from any danger."

Miku stood up in anger. "Blasphemy! Since when do any of us have to worry about danger? The only reason we're in peace is that we're not siding with anyone! So why now? Why?"

Attempting to ease the tension, Kazu spoke in a calm voice. "I understand your anger. But with this decision, I assure you that the whole country of Pentaus will forever be at peace."

"What makes you say that?"

"We have many people. I must form an army."

Miku clenched her fist and slammed it on the dining table with brute force, causing a corner to break off. "Are you kidding me? You're using our people for your benefit?"

"Miku, I..."

"Unbelievable!"

Kazu broke from his calm mood and began shouting now. "It is my decision, Miku! I am the King! I try and do something for you and I get nothing in return! Don't tell me this is unbelievable! I believe every last word!"

Keeping her fists clenched, the Princess gritted her teeth and began screaming. "Oh, is this about you forcing me to get married? Well, I did it, Father! I did it! Are you happy now? Are you happy?"

Queen Yukina ran downstairs after hearing all the commotion. "What is going on?"

Miku broke out in tears and ran out the front door.

"Miku!" Kazu exclaimed. "Wait..."

Running with tears flowing down her face, Miku ran around the Castle to Haven Valé. She sat in the grass with her face in her hands then looked up at the dove statue. She sniffled then stood up, pressing her hand on the marble. "What will I do if I lose this haven?" she said to herself. "What will happen to me?" Sighing, she looked at the ground. "This place and Arwel is all I have left..." She began crying again. "I don't want to let it go... I don't want to let it go!"

She laid down on the grass, tears running into the soil. Minutes later, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the things she had... for now.