I love Yuki Kairi's adaption of Saiunkoku Monogatari, but this series is proof that the writer makes a huge difference in the quality of a manga. The heroine is a weak-willed, impulsive girl disguised as a strong and beautiful princess. It's easy to miss this because she's impulsive and stubborn. How can you be weak-willed and stubborn? I don't know, but the author managed it somehow.

The premise is as follows: a princess who was locked away in a tower her whole life (as we are told at the start, a detail which is handily forgotten by the end) is 'captured' by the enemy... finding out, in the process, that her whole country has fallen. Oh, and she's supposed to be the "Princess of Light" and bring about great things for her country. Incidentally, she's also the fiancee of the enemy prince.

So, in order to because a wonderful queen/princess instead of a sheltered one, she needs to become a brave and strong woman, right? She needs to learn from her past mistakes, right? Nope. Never happens. She gets tricked and pushed down on several occasions, does impetuous things thinking that there won't be consequences (and surprise - there aren't! -- what a convenient plot!). Then she starts learning stuff. Sword-fighting? Useless. Studying, which she's done since her childhood? Useless. Learning not to trust someone who's betrayed you? Useless... she stops trusting him but runs right into his trap anyhow.

The supernatural/magic element of this plot is laughable and weakened the plot... literally providing a Deus Ex moment at a crucial point. There's also plot cliches galore - the poorly-done love triangle that even the author lost interest in writing about, the "childhood friend" trope (which appears twice), the "actually royalty and you didn't know it trope", the "you'll fall in love with me because I say so and love forcing you down" trope... now, except for the last one, these would all be fine, except that they are all piled on top of each other in such a short space so it feels really unnatural. The drama of the political situation and the romantic relationship was *more* than enough to sustain the story, and should have, but the author simply did not want to pass up the ol' shoujo standards.

Now, all these cruel things being said, the plot had a lot of potential and there were many places where the plot, politics, and character could have been well-developed but weren't. Instead the whole thing feels crammed together, and not enough time is given for personal development of any of the characters... so I was never invested. I'm thinking this author could do a lot better in the future, and for that reason, I'm willing to give it a mediocre rating for its effort.

... Last updated on October 11th, 2012, 8:09pm

Description above does not do the series justice- it does not give an accurate depiction of the characters nor the plot.

Love this manga--It does have some aspects of a typical shoujo manga, but it also has some interesting character role reversals that keep you on your toes and wanting more. The art is beautiful and a sheer treat to look at.

In response to Eevaleena, I don't think this manga is really anything like Saiunkoko Monogatari- yes the clothing styles seem to be based on similar periods, and they both have aspects of interesting political intrigue, but this is where the similarities stop. This manga takes much more license with magical elements (like in Akagami no Shirayukihime) and drastically departs from the historical. If you are looking for a historical manga- this is not it. However, if you are wanting a morsel of tasty shoujo goodness, with a hint of suprise, this is the manga for you.

... Last updated on February 2nd, 2010, 1:09am

After Saiunkoko Monogatari, I think this is the best "period" manga I've read. Although, only 1 chapter out so far, I've already quite ahead with the drama CD. So, I already knew what happen later ^^

Anyways, what I love about thsi manga is firstly, is the art. Yuki Kairi is actually an amazing artist. I've seen some of her other works (which mostly a novel illustrations). As for the plot, by reading the chapter 1 you'll know how good it is. And later, it become even more interesting. Those two had a lot of obstacles to go through.

The art is nice enough, and the cast is not too large (as it is sometimes with political/historical manga). Some of the characters seem interesting, but they don't seem to be too fleshed out. However, for most part, their personalities seem to be consistent.

What really irks me is that the heroine had promise at the start. She seemed strong willed, a woman of action and not completely brainless, but disappointingly, has degenerated. I'd keep reading because it is entertaining enough, but she really is a damsel and such a painful character to view the storyline from.

Very, Very simalar shoujo plot. I had read a few historical/love/prince/princess stories and every one of them are soooo much a like that you could only think it is written by the same author (sadly there not) :/. Anyway the story is very simalar to Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen and Reimei no Arcana. All starts off with corruption and the over throwing of kingdoms and forced marriages for peace and love, blah,blah ,blah.....

Bassically, if you like those shoujo/historical mangas ^^ then you will definally like this one.

All in all nothing special......

Hmmm.. if you've read shoujos as much as I have you'll find that this one is annoyingly typical. Also, I find the lines too cheesy to my taste that I practically groaned almost at every page. Definitely will not continue reading this.

The plot is nearly non-existent in this one. The author uses war as a pretext for ...what exactly? The oh-so-scandalous love affair between conqueror and princess of lost kingdom. Unfortunately the princess is a moron. There is absolutely no tension whatsoever in whether she is gonna fall for him or not. There is no moral compass alert on whether this is treacherous to her people and their hopes. There is no political intrigue... It is all...just... meh...

This story is interesting, however it reminds me of Akutsuki no Yona! It has a similar atmosphere of betrayal of royalty, abondoned royalty from their country, love between this turmoil, drama, reverse harem, stong-willed women and legends!? Both stories are bery interesting each one has its own charm!? Hope the development is gradual not fast!? Anyways thats all i wnt to say

Plot: it's okay. It's not a typical shoujo plot but it's not that extraordinary either. It is kind of incomplete too. Like what happen with Hina n the prince? What the hell happen to the evil guy
Characters: Hina: she is somewhat of a typical shoujo girl. She comes of as kind of strong willed( just a little bit), but she is physically weak but I give her props for trying to b strong. She is actually very naive and dumb (for real she believe everything that people said and doubt the one that said the truth).. she has her moment, but she is nothing special.
Prince: love him. He is possessive yet gentle. He is not stupid and frankly deserve a better wife than Hina (that sailor chick should be his wife).
Other characters: I like them, especially the assistances. Over all every character is better than Hina (wi5h exception of her brother and her aid's assistance).
Art: the art is nice but I dont like it. Maybe because the expression of the characters aare sometime a little too stoic..
Overall: im giving this a 6.5 bc its not horrible but it doesn't d3serve a 7...

A manga that doesn't end is a '1' in my rating book. Given the option to rate it a '0' I would have. Good characters, good storyline-- then WHAM! Like a wall of bricks you're done.

Worst manga and expense of artistic abilities that I've ever laid eyes upon.