Twelve Kingdoms - Chapter 8 - Alliance
Youko survives an assassination plot by her court advisors, but the event leaves the young ruler shaken and questioning her ability to lead the people of Kei.  Hoping to learn more about the kingdom, Youko leaves the palace to live quietly among her subjects.  Meanwhile, the former princess of Hou is working as a servant in the court of Kyou. Unable to bear her change in station, she steals what she needs and escapes.  Suzu still yearns to meet with new ruler of Kei, but fate leads her instead to Youko's lost friend Asano.