Review: Dawn of Arcana #12 by Rei Toma

Author & Illustrator: Rei Toma
Title: Dawn of Arcana #11
Series:  Dawn of Arcana
Publication: April 2014
Publisher: Viz Media LLC
Genre: Graphic Novel, Manga
Pages: 184 pp.
Source: Edelweiss

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 develop feelings for each other while political forces threaten to tear their world apart. With Caesar’s departure to Belquat, the couple separates. Meanwhile, Nakaba manages to take control of Senan as ruler! But once Caesar’s father, King Guran, decides to break the peace treaty and invade Senan, what will Caesar do when he’s caught between his father and the woman he loves?

Caesar and Nakaba will finally see each other again in this one but as enemies in war. Caesar's sent out by the King to attack Senan but can he truly follow that path, when all he wants is peace and Nakaba. Both have separated for the better of their people and now remarried to people they may not love, out of duty. However, I think they still yearn for one another. They make a plan to change the King's heart and Nakaba decides to use her Arcana to learn more about him, what she discovers is a beautiful love story with a tragic ending. It was interesting to uncover the reasoning for the King's distrust and hatred of Senan. Even though, it seems extreme, I guess that how he dealt with his pain. Now, what I want to know is what's Loki's motive in all this and what he hopes to gain. He's been a mystery so far and I'd really like to dive into his past for sure. Overall, I love the depth of the characters, their journey is relatable. The story's written and illustrated beautifully and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds in the next book.