Snippet #1963058

Hatsue smiled pleasantly as Kisei drew closer, leaning forward slightly so he could better access her ear. At his words, however, the young princess's eyes grew wide with disbelief. Had he known that very thought passed her mind only moments before? Of course he couldn't. And still, a chill caused Hatsue to draw upon herself as Kisei stepped back, almost as if he had passed along some of the cool of his own body upon her.

At his cough, Hatsue raised her hand to her own lips. Not because she feared to catch whatever ailment he had, but because she was unsure if she could keep from voicing the question of how did he know the very thoughts in her mind. Her gaze flickered to Fa Sheng who seemed equally bewildered. In her dull state, Hatsue was unable to bid the prince good-bye. She awoke to Fa Sheng's words, turning and smiling softly. "He is very... perceptive," Hasue murmured, praying that Fa Sheng did not hear the condolence that Kisei had offered to her. Hatsue shivered softly and then yawned, quickly covering her mouth in embarrassment. "Forgive me, Fa Sheng. I was traveling for most of the day and..." she sighed softly, chuckling in a silent joke she hoped Fa Sheng would sympathize with. "My father told me of his plans for peace earlier in the week. I have not had much rest since then in worry of how you would respond."

---

Daiki blinked and turned red to Kisei's words, understanding the hidden cue behind them. It seemed everyone but Fa Sheng was thinking of the possibility of an heir with this princess. Apparently Kisei thought their ride together would be a convenient time to let the emperor in. Silently, Daiki snickered to himself. Fa Sheng may be the eldest, but he seemed to be the most clueless about women. He looked up as Hatsue yawned, sympathetic when hearing her tale. The poor thing must have been worried sick over being the key to the peace of her land. That was too much for anyone to sleep well over.

"Why don't you show lady Hatsue to her room? I can fetch the horses," Daiki offered. As much as Fa Sheng wanted to share her with his brothers, exhausting the princess now would lead to no hope of having an heir. And now that she seemed to understand that she would not be returned, exhaustion was clearly printed in her features.

---

Kazumi blinked, unsure by the excitement that Kisei had. As he suddenly turned to leave, she was left unguarded by his fragile frame. Bewildered, she bent into a low bow, murmuring, "It is a pleasure to meet you lady Hatsue," before scampering off after Kisei.

Kazumi stopped short, nearly crashing into the prince as he began laughing. She listened to him carefully, fully understanding there was something she was missing. "You act like you planned for this to happen," Kazumi said casually, glancing back towards the princess. "She is very pretty, though. I cannot see anyone not approving of this match." She shrugged and turned back to Kisei. "What did you say to her? I couldn't hear."