2.

Upon walking out of her father's residence, Toshiko saw a multitude of Court Officials go inside the manor after her. She quickly called to her favorite maid, "Emiko, what are all of the court officials here for?"

Emiko quickly replied, "I'm not sure, Your Highness. Perhaps we should ask the male guards? Maybe they know. I always see the Court Officials gossiping with them."

Toshiko nodded. "Ask then."

Emiko and Toshiko quickly walked up to the first guard, "Brother, do you know why all of the Court Officials have come here?"

The guard bowed before speaking, "Princess Toshiko, the Court Officials have all come here for the war going on against Korea. They all seemed to have a scared look on their faces."

Toshiko nodded, before going inside and stopping at the screen just behind everyone. "Emiko, you watch the door."

Emiko bowed and quickly went out.

Toshiko listened closely to the conversation, "Your Majesty. We cannot delay any further! We must surrender to the Korean forces! Lest we lose more of our land!"

Another Court Official called out, "Your Majesty, we must not surrender! It would mean submitting as a vassal state to Korea!"

All of the court officials seemed to be speaking at one time after the two arguments were said. This went on and on until another court official finally asked for silence.

"Your Majesty. How about an intermarriage?"

The Emperor thought about it. "Who do you recommend for this intermarriage? Princess Toshiko?"

The Court Official nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty. Her Highness Princess Toshiko is the legitimate child between you and The Empress. She is the best choice."

Another Court Official seemed to disagree, "Your Majesty! How can we marry Princess Toshiko off so easily? We should just continue fighting the wa-"

He was interrupted by the Other Court Official, "If we continue fighting, our national resources will be depleted quickly. And the country will fall."

The Emperor seemed torn between the two decisions, his only child, or his kingdom. "Is there nobody else we can send for this intermarriage?"

All of the court officials shook their heads, "Your Majesty, the 11 collateral branches of the Imperial Family have not produced any Princesses."

This information seemed to have nearly broke The Emperor, "There aren't any?"

The Court Officials once again replied, "No, Your Majesty. The only Princesses have already married, and the court fears that if we divorce them and force them to marry in Princess Toshiko's place, the families will turn to Korea."

The Emperor sighed. "You're all dismissed. Go."

Toshiko quickly ran out, "Emiko, we must go to mother. Immediately!"

Emiko quickly nodded and followed Toshiko to The Empresses palace.

Upon reaching her mothers palace, Toshiko instantly fell on her knees. "Mother... Please convince father not to send me for intermarriage!"

The Empress took a look at Toshiko, "Intermarriage?" The Empress stood up. "Who told you this? Intermarriage where?"

Toshiko started crying, "Intermarriage to Korea! I heard the Court Officials telling Father that we are losing the war! And that.. And that.."

The Empress quickly stomped her foot, "And what!?"

Toshiko quickly replied, "And.. And.. That I'm the only person that's able to intermarry!"

The Empress quickly ran to her desk, rummaging through scrolls.

Toshiko stayed on her knees, "Mother... You must help me.."

The Empress looked down, as if she was thinking. "This marriage..." The empress paused. "This marriage is good."

Toshiko's cries quickly stopped, "What do you mean good?"

The Empress's troubled look quickly turned into a smile, "Which prince did they say you would be given to?"

Toshiko huffed a bit, "I don't know!"

The Empress quickly left the room, not even telling Toshiko to get up.

Emiko quickly helped Toshiko up, "Your Highness, I learned from a Court Official that it was recommended that you marry Prince Haneul."

Toshiko stood up, wiping her tears as she did. "Who is that?"

Emiko thought about it for a second, "I think that the Official said that he's a son to the King and Queen of Korea."

Toshiko walked out of her mothers residence, the dissatisfaction on her face obvious to everyone but her. "Emiko. What should we do?

Emiko looked down, "I don't know mistress.. I think we should just be satisfied with the marriage."

Toshiko was about to reply until they were Interrupted by The Emperor's head maid. "Princess Toshiko, The Emperor summons you."

Toshiko looked at Emiko, "What does My Father summon me for?"

The Head Maid bowed her head, "It's private, Your Highness."

Toshiko nodded her head and followed the maid to The Emperor's manor. Upon which they met the emperor sitting down.

"Toshiko, what do you think about marriage to the Prince of Korea?" The Emperor writing a royal edict.

Toshiko held back her tears, and tried to act as strong as she could. "Father, must I get married?"

The Emperor stood up. "Toshiko. I don't want to marry you off to Korea. But it can stop all of these wars.. And it'll be a better life for you.."

Toshiko stood there, knowing that she couldn't argue with it.

The Emperor breathed in. "Here is the royal decree." Everyone in the room fell on their knees, "Princess Toshiko is Virtuous, Graceful, and Kind. An example for all of Japans princesses. She is to be married to Prince Haneul whenever the Korean Kingdom pleases. End of decree."

Toshiko stood up, "Thank you, Father." She turned around and left the room, only shedding a single tear.