Under The Oak Tree Volume 2 by Suji Kim

Here is a summary with spoilers for Under The Oak Tree Volume 2 by Suji Kim

It is spring in Anatol, and Princess Maximilian cannot wait to see what her castle has to offer in the new season. Though she is excited, she is also sad, because now that winter is over, her husband Rifton has many more responsibilities. Maxi often does not see her husband throughout the day, so she is surprised when he summons her to his office midday. Once there, he tells her they are expecting royal visitors, including Princess Agnes, the sorceress princess who was once meant to marry Rifton if he ever divorced Maxi.

Maxi begins preparing the castle for the visitors, including working on her newest project, the castle gardens. Days later, Agnes arrives and seems pleasant, though Maxi is surprised by how energetic she is after days of travel. Maxi gives her a brief tour of the castle before dinner. Agnes and Rifton reunite, though Rifton does not seem eager to spend time with her, which does little to ease Maxi’s feelings. Agnes insists that Rifton take her into the city, but Maxi offers to do it instead since her husband is so busy. Rifton does not like the idea, knowing how sheltered Maxi has been, but he agrees.

The next morning, accompanied by guards, the two women go into the city. Agnes asks many questions about the political structure of the city, the guards, and how things operate. She also buys many goods at the market.

A few days later, a wyvern attack leaves many soldiers injured. Not wanting to feel useless, Maxi rushes to help heal them. She uses her magic but does not realize how draining it will be. After a long day of healing, she collapses. She wakes up incredibly sick, with Rifton by her side. Though he helps care for her, he is furious that she risked her life. He tells her she is no longer allowed to heal and must stay put. Though she loves Rifton, Maxi feels as though she has entered another prison.

After days of rest and Rifton refusing to let her leave, Agnes comes to fetch Maxi for the spring festivities. Agnes tells Rifton she will take Maxi out, and Rifton decides to join them as well. There is a moment of jealousy, but the couple makes up afterward.

Agnes then receives word that the capital is expecting an attack and that she must return with her guards. She admits that her true reason for visiting was to convince Rifton to fight alongside her, but he refuses. Agnes departs, wishing them well. Soon after, Anatol is attacked. While Rifton is preoccupied, Maxi decides to help again, this time using her magic carefully and safely. The following day, she continues studying healing magic without telling Rifton, believing it may be useful. She is proven right when many healers are called to fight, leaving Maxi in charge of healing.

Eventually, Rifton and his men must leave to begin their campaign. Maxi is unhappy about being left behind for so long and suggests that she join as the campaign’s mage healer. Rifton immediately rejects the idea, leading to a massive argument that lasts several days. Maxi tells him she does not want to be treated like an object and that she wants to help. With no other mages available, Rifton reluctantly agrees. Maxi will join them, but she will be treated like any other soldier.

Maxi knows that riding a horse all day will be difficult, but she does not realize just how exhausting it will be. Each night she is sore, and Rifton keeps his distance, treating her as he promised, like a soldier. As the days pass, Maxi grows stronger and adjusts to the riding. Though the soldiers are not meant to treat her differently, they help her when they can. After several cold nights, Maxi and Rifton finally share a tent, though their relationship feels strained.

One day, the group is attacked, and Maxi is separated and taken from the others. She manages to escape and hide. Rifton searches for her and brings her back to safety. He gives her a dagger, refusing to let her ever be unprotected again, and begins training her to use it, though he never wants her to actually need it.

As the campaign nears its end, or so Maxi believes, Rifton reveals his true plan. He intends to leave her at a monastery where she will be safe while he continues on. Maxi hates the idea of being left behind and realizes he planned this all along. With little choice, she accepts it and decides to spend as much time with Rifton as she can before they part.