His father simply keeps his eyes down, as is expected in this public setting and Akito nearly jumps out of his skin when he spots the emperor moving out of the corner of his eye. His eyes snap to the taller man, careful not to retreat in any way least he do something to upset the man. However the smile and open arms relaxes the soldier the tiniest bit and he is able to listen with his heart firmly in his chest rather than his throat. He begins to panic again however when the friendly man motions him forward and servants appear out of seemingly nowhere to escort his father. His steps are slow at first but after glancing back at the general and getting a nod he manages to fall in step just behind the two rulers.

The mother falls behind to walk with his betrothed and in an expert move the emperor slides back to walk next to his soon-to-be son-in-law. His panic does not settle, locking his vocal cords and he is unable to find anything to say to the man. He manages to keep his legs moving however which he sees as quite the accomplishment in this particular case. The tall man smiles down at him and he tries to return the gesture with limited success. Akito is so tense during the walk that he doesn't notice most of the things they pass. When the emperor addresses him he looks up quickly to listen. “So, Moranaga. That is a rare family name. I do not think I have heard it in these parts for quite some time.”

Akito looks to his feet, “No, I suppose you wouldn't have. I think my parents where the only ones to have crossed over from Meiwan in the past generation, or so my fa-, the captain tells me. . .” For some reason, when speaking of his parents, calling the captain father seems disgraceful. The taller male looks down at him, catching the correction but deciding to over look it for now.

“I see. That makes sense.” he says gently. In front of them the boy's attention is caught as a pair of servants open the large doors and for a few seconds at least he is completely distracted. The large dinning hall is set with a long table lined with cushions and bedecked with what is indeed a large feast as the emperor stated. However Akito doesn't look at any of that, instead caught up in the beauty of the mural along the far wall. The emperor actually stops along with him as the youth stares wide eyed at the display, an artist's recreation of heaven. There are people dressed in astounding finery, and others not dressed at all. Beast laying together that would never consider it in the real world, and the landscapes are so perfectly rendered that he actually holds his breath as he takes it all in.

It does not take long for him to notice he's holding up the royal party and with a deep flush his gaze drops to his feet and he murmurs an apology. The emperor slaps him on the back telling him there is not reason to say he's sorry. Biting his lip he follows the man's direction and takes a seat. The emperor and empress take seats side-by-side at the head of the table, the empress on the emperor's right. The lady motions for Akito to take a seat at her right and after a moment's hesitation he complies. Sitting cross-legged he settles in, finally looking at the meal before his gaze darts over to the prince sitting across from him.

[i]'He really is beautiful. I wonder if he has someone he cares about. . .I had plenty of offers and I'm nowhere near as lovely. He must have at least a few people he enjoys liaisons with. . .'[/i] He looks back down at the food, waiting for the okay to eat. Once it is given he does his best to not look a total slob as he picks out his food.

“So, care to tell us a bit about your time on the battlefield? I was once a soldier, and I rode with the men from time to time in this last war.” Akito refrains from jumping and looks up at the man. He is ready to answer, though perhaps not with anything too exciting, however it is almost as if the empress can read his thoughts and speaks up before he can.

“I am sure he doesn't want to talk about that right now dear.” she says softly, looking up at her husband. “Besides, I do not think battle talk would be appropriate at the table. Especially since this is suppose to be a joyous occasion to celebrate the children's upcoming union, not one to dwell on the terrible sights during battle. . .” The emperor nods lightly.

“Of course you are right my dear.” He murmurs gently, touching her back with a tenderness that Akito finds quite endearing.

[i]'They are quite cute together'[/i] He surmises, taking the first bite of fish from his plate. The flavor takes him by surprise making him stare at his plate for several seconds before chewing. [i]'Well, I am use to rations, so I should not be so shocked. I just, wow, flavors. . .[/i] His hand slips idly over his obi, a natural gesture, when suddenly he freezes. [i]'Hoko's gone. . .Oh no. . .'[/i] Dropping his chopsticks he suddenly ducks down so he can see under the table. His heart once more come to live in his throat as he spots the audrat wandering over to the prince. “Hoko!” He whispers sharply, but ht beast ignores him, the smell of food too much for the little guy.

Sitting back up he looks at the prince with an almost pained expression. “Highness, I, um, I have a pet, and he's use to eating with me and the other soldiers, and, well, he's about to try and crawl into your lap and possibly nip at you, but I promise he's not trying to hurt you!” His words come out in a rush and just before the beast does exactly that. The split second before it happens the empress begins laughing while Akito dies his best not to pass out from panic, and the emperor looks on in confusion.