Dawn of Arcana #11 by Rei Toma

Author & Illustrator: Rei Toma
Title: Dawn of Arcana #11
Series:  Dawn of Arcana
Publication: October 2013
Publisher: Viz Media LLC
Genre: Graphic Novel, Manga
Pages: 192 pp.
Source: Edelweiss

Series Synopsis
Princess Nakaba of Senan is forced to marry Prince Caesar of the enemy country Belquat, tantamount to becoming a hostage. While Caesar is pleasing to the eye, he is also selfish and possessive, telling Nakaba outright: “You are my property.” With only her attendant Loki at her side, Nakaba must find a way to cope with her hostile surroundings, her fake marriage...and a mysterious power!

Princess Nakaba of Senan and Prince Caesar of Belquat only married each other for the sake of peace between their two warring countries, yet the two find themselves drawn to each other. As political forces threaten to tear their world apart, and with Caesar’s departure to Belquat, the couple separates. Now Nakaba must navigate the treacherous court of Senan by herself, including deciding how to handle her new husband, Prince Adel! Will Nakaba be able to use her Arcana of Time power to take control of Senan?

I'm in love with this manga! It's not the first one I've read but what's great about is its level of maturity and the care that Toma takes to breathe life into the characters. Nakaba and Caesar have grown so much since this story began yet the responsibility to bring peace sits heavily on their shoulders. These two went through much to overcome their differences and gradually find love in the chaos but circumstances have put a halt to their marriage. No longer with the ones they love, Nakaba and Caesar are miserable but it's the strength in their hearts that make them likeable characters. Nakaba's companion and guard Loki has become darker in these later volumes and the mystery around him begins to unfold, which brings to light his motives. Prince Adel, Nakaba's new mate at first seems to hate her but maybe her harbors some nicer feelings towards her than she first realized. In addition to coping with being apart from Caesar, Nakaba is using her Arcana more often, which will lead her to make a very bold decision that will change the playing field completely. Overall, the writing, story and illustrators are good and I look forward to more of this series.