I Luv this manga. I've been sending messages to Viz Media and other anime networks to debut this as an anime for months! The characters have depth and some are just so dispicable, you pity them a little. What I love the most is how you watch the heroine grow from a scared little girl in a time and place not of her own to a well-worthy queen. They REALLY get into the politics and warfare but the heroine isn't just sitting at home for her man to return. No! She's leading the frontlines and shares her compassion with everyone she meets, even the ones tring to kill her. She's no pushover, she has her limits, but she's just so well put together and so are ALL of the other characters. And the story will trhow you for some real loops. this is a deffinate MUST READ!!! I usually see something once and don't touch it again, but THIS ONE...I've read it over too many times. It is PERFECTION!!!