Hiro's hand tightens within his own and for the first time Akito realizes that it's there. Not wanting to suddenly pull away however, perhaps giving the impression that he was disgusted or something, he continues to hold the man's hand as he keeps his eyes on the two older en. His cheeks however have a persistent flush that doesn't clear up completely from his embarrassment from before, though now it settles there for an entirely different reason. He listens to the man talk and at the mention of a carriage long buried images flash behind his eyes and he can feel himself baulking at the idea. He doesn't want to get into a carriage. . .

Looking down out of the corner of his eye at their linked hands Akito begins formulating a plot. His eyes go to his father as he feels the man's eyes on him and at the cocked eyebrow Kaura wears it's clear he can see that Akito is planning something. His mind flickers over the advice given to him by the general, about trying to do things he enjoys, to do things to try and open up a little more to the man he is to marry, and to show interest in what the prince wants, and with a slight nod he confirms his father's suspicions that he's planning something, and that everything will be okay.

When the horses are brought around Akito moves around to the side of the palace horse, looking as if he's going to help the prince mount the beast. [i]'It is now or never'[/i] Gritting his teeth he smoothly mounts the beast himself, in the same smooth movement drawing Hiro up with him, settling the slightly taller man in front of him and smiling down at the steward. “We will see you back at the palace.” Saying this with another nod at his father, who nods back approvingly – though his smile at the steward's mortified expression gives the impression that he's enjoying his son's antics far too much – he kicks the horse into a decently fast pace, his free arm sliding around Hiro's waist to make sure he doesn't fall at the sudden movement.

The sound of horse's hooves are enough to scatter the men of the camp, most of which call out approvingly when they see who it is driving the steed through the busy camp along with who he has ridding with him. Akito does his best to ignore these calls however, instead focusing on getting them out of camp without incident. He's not sure if Hiro will actually enjoy this little taste of freedom, but as it is, it's all he can really offer his betrothed. They clear the camp in good time and once they pass the last camp Akito turns them towards the village, wondering if there's anything Hiro wants to see in particular while they have this little bit of time off palace grounds. Slowing them down enough so he can focus on speaking he asks softly, “Where would you like to go? We will have to return soon, but I am sure a little time away will not hurt. . .”