There was a slight swing of their hands courtesy of Hironori. Akito's hand was much rougher than his, he noticed, but he didn’t mind it. While he waited for an answer, the prince gazed around the camp. From where he stood, the men all looked like they were simply camping- save for suddenly being surrounded by them. They looked relatively normal. Nothing like the murders and blood thirsty soldiers he imagined. It didn't change his opinion about them, but he did manage to look at them in. . .a view that wasn't so harsh. Hearing Akito made his gaze fall on the soldier. It was a gentle gaze, with the prince subconsciously reminding himself how. . .fragile Akito could be. 

The answer he received was a tad surprising, a touch saddening even. It appeared his betrothed never actually had anyone close to him except for the general of course- and maybe that pet of his. Other than those two, Akito lived a rather lonely life. Save for a small yet quick frown, Hironori's only response was a small "Huh" and a nod. Even the prince had a loving home. Sure he and his father didn't see eye to eye, but he still had more than one person to go to when he was in need. 

"Hm?" Hironori turned when Akito tugged him on. There were still things to look at around the camp. "Oh? Well, of course." The prince nodded, gazing at the multitude of trees. It would've been terrible to get lost there. . . He didn’t question Akito’s choice of secrecy. He didn’t say much of anything, save for a few okays and nods to know he was still paying attention. Akito listened when he was told, careful not to get himself stuck on branches. That wouldn’t be very ‘graceful’ or ‘elegant’. As everything began to clear, Hiro straightened up and gazed around. It was small and reserved, much like Akito himself. The thought made Hiro smile a bit. 

For a long moment, he stayed in one spot. He gazed around at the simplicity of it all. There was no huge flower garden, no path to walk around the place- nothing of the sort. It was simple and small. Hiro turned his attention to Akito. It was rare he got to see the soldier so calm. It brought another small smile to his lips. Finally, removing his hands from behind his back he quietly took a seat in the soft grass. He didn’t say anything at first, opting to stare at the reflections in the water. But after the silence had droned on, he breathed out a soft sigh. “You know, most soldiers taking a royal’s hand in marriage are usually much more boisterous and well, larger too.” He let out a small chuckle, still keeping his gaze on the bond. He probably heard that way too many times. “But you’re different. A good different. And I like it here.” He let his gaze roam before following Hoko’s trail. There was that little creature. 

“It’s serene and peaceful.” Hiro left it at that, letting the silence grow again. Up until he got bored of the silence and spoke. “Is that why you’re so scared- nervous” He corrected himself to avoid offending him. “about going home? Because of how different you are?” This time, Hiro looked over at Akito with a friendly smile. “You’ve one father’s love no doubt. Especially after the sparring match you two had. Didn’t even know the old man could still move like that.” He laughed lightly. “I could say I’m even jealous. I’ve never seen him that happy in awhile. And of course my mother loves you. Then again, it’s easy to win her heart.” He laughed again before giving a small shrug. “There’s no reason to be nervous around them. They’re just intimidating to strangers and the common people.” Maybe that would have reassured his betrothed. He was always so scared around his parents, but he could never understand why- especially since they adored him.
 
Not once did Hironori assume Akito would be intimidated by him of all people. The marriage, sure. But Akito couldn’t have possibly been intimidated by him.