Snippet #1967651

Hatsue smiled softly, watching as Fa Sheng turned to leave the room. She did not feel that it was necessary for her to call out after him and wish him well with his ride. Hatsue already knew he would enjoy himself. It was written in his eyes and in Daiki's stern stare that they would enjoy each other's presence. It was good for brothers to spend time together. Hatsue only wished that Kisei was not also left out. Perhaps eventually a more suitable activity could be found.

Hatsue's eyes lingered over the room slowly, grateful to find that her belongings had been brought in by a servant earlier in the day. A nap would do her well, but even she was not tired enough to sleep in her uncomfortable formal attire. She dug through her trunks thoughtfully, deciding at last on a simple robe to sleep in. At last, tired beyond possible and thankful that she had only brought honor upon her family, Hatsue crawled upon the futon and laid on her side, waiting for comfortable sleep to overcome her.

---

Daiki grinned as Fa Sheng came in and leapt onto his own horse. Even the beasts seemed excited as the brother's horses had not ridded together in some time now. They whinnied in protest to how long it was taking before Daiki yipped and sent his own horse forward. At the edge of the palace, Daiki dug his heels into the horse's side to increase speed, glancing at Fa Sheng to race him forward. They passed many towns and villages before Daiki slowed to a trot, laughing and smiling to his elder brother as they had not raced in many years.

Stroking the mane of his horse, Daiki breathed deeply to catch his breath. "Hatsue seems to be a good match for you," he gasped , grinning at his brother. "She is polite, interested in our kingdom, and beyond that extremely beautiful. What do you think of her?"

---

Kazumi looked down, ashamed of her outburst. It was more than she had wanted to admit to the young prince. She sighed, raising her eyes to meet his and was shocked by what she saw. For someone who had accepted death to easily, there was strength behind his eyes. More strength than Kazumi thought she could ever have.

She opened her mouth but then closed it quickly, fearing that she would say something stupid once again. "You worry too much about other people," she murmured softly, shifting between her feet. "You are trying to replace yourself in their lives but that is impossible. I may not have known you long, but no one can replace you Kisei." Kazumi shook her head softly and stepped forward, noticing that his voice and body language echoed of pain. She had enough of this conversation for now anyway."Come, you should settled down. We do not want t disturb the lady as she rests."