In Frostgard, the capital city of Archduke Shikuro's duchy, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. The city, a crucial naval and trade hub, was abuzz with activity. Frostgard, with its sprawling docks, majestic palace, formidable castle, and robust bastion, was a testament to its importance in both military and commercial realms.

The docks were particularly lively on this day. Archduke Shikuro, accompanied by his envoy, made his way towards the harbour. They moved with a sense of purpose, aware that the princess's arrival was imminent. Shikuro, ever the strategist, had chosen to arrive early. The unpredictability of the sea winds and the importance of this occasion warranted his cautious approach. He would rather wait than risk the impropriety of being late for the arrival of the princess, his future wife.

As they approached the designated docking area, Shikuro engaged in a serious conversation with his attendant, Torsten. They discussed the logistics of Torsten's impending transfer to serve the new princess. The conversation revolved around the nuances of maintaining open and secret channels of communication, ensuring that vital information would flow smoothly between Shikuro's estate and the princess's new household.

Ingrid, another key member of Shikuro's retinue, listened intently but with evident disapproval. For her, this arrangement carried inherent risks. Her concern was not just for the security of their domain but also for the well-being of the Archduke himself. The presence of the princess, a virtual stranger, introduced an element of unpredictability that Ingrid found unsettling.

Erik, in contrast, remained conspicuously silent during the discussion. His expression was unreadable, giving away nothing of his thoughts on the matter. His lack of opinion, however, was in itself telling. It hinted at his own calculations and considerations, which he kept closely guarded.

As the hour of the princess's arrival drew closer, the tension among the group became more palpable. Each member of Shikuro's inner circle was acutely aware of the significance of this event. The marriage alliance it represented would not only affect the personal lives of those involved but also the political landscape of the realm.

Shikuro stood at the edge of the dock, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The sea stretched out before him, its vastness a reminder of the weight of the responsibilities he bore. He knew that the arrival of the princess marked the beginning of a new chapter, not just for him but for the entire duchy. As the first sight of the ship appeared in the distance, cutting through the morning mist, Shikuro braced himself for the challenges and changes that lay ahead.

***

Aboard the ship nearing the docks of Frostgard, a subtle tension rippled through the air as Kage approached Shikihime with news of an unexpected development. "My lady, a ship from the Realm wishes to escort us. They request that we slow down and maintain close proximity," she relayed, her tone reflecting the unease of the situation.

Shikihime, standing tall and composed, furrowed her brow in displeasure. This was a deviation from the planned protocol, an unanticipated and unwelcome change in their arrangements. "This was not agreed upon," she remarked with a hint of suspicion coloring her voice. She moved decisively towards the captain's quarters, her attendants trailing behind.

Confronting the captain, Shikihime's demeanor was a blend of regal authority and strategic resolve. "Fire a warning bolt with a message," she instructed firmly. "Inform them that any attempt to slow us down or approach too closely will be met with defensive action. Remind them that such arrangements should be made in advance. This last-minute request is akin to planning an ambush."

Her orders were clear and unequivocal. The captain, recognizing the gravity of her words, quickly set about carrying out her commands. The air was thick with anticipation as the crew prepared the bolt, attaching a carefully penned message that echoed Shikihime's warning.

Meanwhile, Shikihime turned her attention to the convoy's guard ships, her voice carrying across the deck with an unwavering edge. "Prepare for battle, should our message be ignored," she commanded. The guards, well-trained and loyal, moved into action, readying themselves for any potential conflict.

As the bolt was fired, arcing gracefully across the water towards the Realm's ship, all eyes were on the horizon, watching for the response. Shikihime stood at the helm, her gaze steady and unyielding. This journey was more than a mere passage across the sea; it was a statement of her autonomy and authority. She would not be coerced or controlled by unexpected manoeuvres, especially not on the eve of her arrival into a new life, a new realm.

The tension aboard the ship was palpable, a mix of apprehension and readiness. Shikihime, amidst it all, remained a figure of calm control, her mind as sharp as the blade sheathed at her side. This was her journey, her path to forge, and she would allow no unwelcome escorts to dictate its course.

***

As the ships drew closer to the docks, Shikuro's keen eyes detected the unusual formation of the approaching vessels. The lead ship was not the princess's but a guard ship, its positioning and readiness clearly indicative of a battle formation. This was not what he had expected, and a frown creased his brow.

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His thoughts were interrupted as a messenger rushed towards him, seeking Erik's approval to relay urgent information. Erik nodded, and the man hastily handed a letter to Shikuro. The Archduke's eyes quickly scanned the contents, his expression turning grimmer with each word.

The letter was a direct message from the princess, expressing her displeasure and caution about the unscheduled escort from the Realm's naval fleet. She was prepared to redirect her ship away from the dock if she sensed any hint of foul play. The letter stipulated that the first guard ship was to signal if all was clear, assuring safe and peaceful docking.

Handing the letter to Ingrid, Shikuro instructed her to handle the response and any necessary arrangements. "See to it," he said tersely.

Ingrid, ever efficient and composed, took the letter, quickly assessing its contents. "Consider it done," she replied with a nod, already moving to implement the necessary actions.

Meanwhile, the tension on the docks eased as the guard ship released a green flare into the sky - a signal of safety and clear intent. The flare arced high, its emerald light a stark contrast against the morning sky, signalling to the princess and her convoy that there was no threat at the dock.

As the envoy ships began to dock peacefully, Shikuro's gaze lingered on the green flare. This unexpected turn of events was not a promising start to what was supposed to be a straightforward political alliance. He could only hope that the rest of the princess's arrival would proceed without further complications.

Standing tall and composed, Shikuro prepared to greet the princess, his mind alert and ready to navigate the delicate intricacies of this new and unforeseen dynamic. The arrival of the princess was not just a mere formality; it was the beginning of a crucial chapter in the Realm's history, and every move from this point on would count.

As the princess's ship gracefully docked at Frostgard, Shikuro positioned himself near the ramp, preparing for the formalities of welcoming royalty. The first to disembark were two guards, who crisply saluted and introduced themselves, setting a formal tone for the arrival. Then, with a sense of ceremony, they announced the presence of Princess Shikihime.

Shikihime emerged from the ship with a poise that caught Shikuro momentarily off guard. He had anticipated that she might require assistance in navigating the ramp, considering the rolling motion of the sea. However, she descended with a balance and grace that spoke of familiarity with maritime travel. This realization made Shikuro mentally chide himself for his assumption. Of course, as a member of a Dynasty renowned for its naval prowess and the legendary Abyss fleet, she would be accustomed to the sea.

Without hesitation, the princess approached Shikuro. Her introduction was polite but carried an undertone of authority. She wasted no time in addressing the issue that had marred her arrival, her disappointment evident in her tone. "I must express my dissatisfaction with the actions of your fleet. What was the meaning of such an unwelcome approach?" she inquired directly.

Shikuro, initially taken aback by her forthrightness, quickly regained his composure. He offered a respectful introduction, complimenting her on her graceful arrival, though the words felt somewhat hollow given the situation. "I assure you, Princess Shikihime, the actions of the fleet were not reflective of our intentions. I will personally investigate this matter to ensure such a misunderstanding does not occur again," he promised, his tone sincere.

The atmosphere at the dock was charged with a mixture of tension and formality. Shikuro, aware of the significance of this meeting, strives to maintain a facade of diplomatic grace despite the unexpected turn of events. He was keenly aware of the importance of first impressions, especially in the delicate dance of political alliances.

Princess Shikihime, for her part, maintained a demeanor that was both regal and assertive. Her ability to address a sensitive issue directly upon her arrival spoke volumes about her character. She was not one to shy away from confrontation, nor was she willing to overlook any action that might hint at disrespect or negligence, particularly on such a crucial occasion as her arrival for a politically arranged marriage.

As they stood on the dock, the waters of Frostgard lapping gently against the quay, Shikuro and Shikihime presented a striking image: he, the robust and determined leader of the Realm, and she, the poised and confident princess from a Dynasty of legendary sailors.

Interlude: Yoru's Determination

In the quiet confines of her chamber, Yoru sat by the flickering candlelight, her thoughts drifting back to the day she first met Tomoe. The memory was vivid, etched in her mind - a young girl, barely surviving in the harsh streets, until she was offered a hand by Tomoe. That moment had changed everything.

As she gazed into the flame, Yoru reflected on the journey they had embarked upon together. She had seen Tomoe transform from a determined young girl into a formidable figure, now known as Princess Shikihime. Yoru's loyalty to her was unwavering, a bond forged in the fires of shared struggles and triumphs.

Yet, with this new identity, Yoru sensed a subtle shift in Tomoe. The weight of responsibility, the mantle of a princess, was a heavy one to bear. Yoru missed the carefree moments they once shared, the times when laughter came easily, and Tomoe's eyes sparkled with unguarded joy.

Despite the change, Yoru's resolve remained steadfast. She was more than just an attendant; she was a protector, a confidante, and in many ways, a sister. She remembered Tomoe's plea earlier that day, asking even in private to be called Shikihime. It was a request that stung, a reminder of the growing chasm between the past and the present.

In her heart, Yoru knew that Tomoe - no, Shikihime - was shouldering a burden far greater than most could understand. The loss of her sister, the deception she had to live, the role she had to play, all while keeping her true self hidden beneath layers of royal facade.

Yoru made a silent vow that night. She would stand by Shikihime, guard her, and support her through the trials and tribulations that lay ahead. She would be the shadow that moved unnoticed, the shield that guarded in silence.

As the candle flickered and the night deepened, Yoru closed her eyes, her mind replaying the days of their youth. She clung to those memories, a reminder of the unspoken promise she had made to herself - to protect the girl who had once saved her, at any cost.