Snippet #1968220

Fa Sheng rose in his saddle, urging his stallion forwards to match paces with Daiki's. His heart hammered in his chest, unaccustomed to the thrill of the ride. Graying hair slipped from its binds to stream along behind him, carefree for once. A broad grin split his face as they flew across the land, by towns and villages and farmsteads. They rode so fast that Fa Sheng doubted any of the commoners recognized the two fine-robed men. That was fine with him. He had always missed the relative anonymity of prince-hood. Even then he had been unable to walk alone - now he could not walk beyond the palace at all. At least, not for less than official reasons.

If his advisers knew he was riding like this... but he did not care about that now.

It was with regret that Fa Sheng finally reined in, drawing to a halt beside Daiki. He, too, was breathless with excitement, his face flushed and his eyes brilliant. He smiled at his younger brother, seeming almost a boy again. He listened, practically shivering with adrenaline, to what Daiki had to say. Though at the mention of Hatsue, his face softened, his spirits did not dampen in the slightest.

"She is more than I had ever hoped for," Fa Sheng answered, shaking back a iron-gray strand of hair. "She made me laugh today."
The statement seemed inconsequential, but Daiki of all people knew how difficult it was to make him laugh, these days. Even riding as they just had, he did not laugh. Only beamed.
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Kisei fixed Kazumi with leveled eyes. He was willing to cease the argument - but only if he'd had the last word.
"No one can replace me," he agreed flatly. "But it is better than leaving behind a gaping wound."

Kisei would have argued further, but Kazumi was right. Hatsue would be trying to sleep, and his chest was tight from lack of air. He turned on silent feet, crossing the room to his bed. His robes whispered lightly against the matting as he traveled, folded to sit on the bed. The conversation still hanging in the back of his mind, he rolled onto the futon, lay down on his side. He said nothing to Kazumi of the effect of this exciting, and rather stressful, morning. If she figured it out, good for her. If not... he wold sleep it off. He cared little either way.