Still a little out of it from the ruler's mistake Akito doesn't really notice the empress practically glowing with joy at the sudden subject of wedding planning, nor the almost predatory look in her eyes as she begins plotting his outfit for the big day. Instead he remains lost in thought, his fingers running over and over the feline rodent curled up against his midsection under the cloth. The images flashing before his eyes start drowning everything else out, however as the prince finishes and stands he automatically rises to his feet, offering a bow to both the rules and his own father.

Shaking his head lightly he takes a breath, pushing his past back where it belongs and does his best to stop staring at the floor as he follows the prince out. His left hand comes up automatically to settle on the spot where his sword is tied, his thumb hooking over the braided thread, while his right hangs loose and at the ready. He nods vaguely at the prince's first comment however as the emperor chimes in with his two cents he comes completely out of his funk and turns a brilliant shade of crimson. His eyes fall once more to the floor, a part of him praying that his bangs will be enough to hide the color.

His visibly jumps when the taller male pats his shoulder however he manages a cough and a quick glance added to a nod before his body completely seizes up. At the sound of his name a curious feeling comes over him. He relaxes ever so slightly, the flush fading, and his eyes come up to meet the prince's. [i]'No one. . .No one calls me by my name. At least not my first name, not like that. . .'[/i] He pulls a shy smile, his free hand coming up to rub the back of his neck. The general rolls his eyes a little, standing up to move a few cushions closer to the married couple to make talking easier, however he is still a handful of seats away out of respect.

Akito lets out another light cough before making a slight gesture that Hiro is free to lead the way. Once they are on the move Akito finds himself relaxing a little more with each step. The beauty of the new world being presented to him draws him in and makes him both forget where is is, and realize he is so far from anything familiar. Each new mural and tapestry makes his widen, soft sounds of amazement and awe finding their way out. The view also keeps him from focuses on the man guiding him, helping immensely in his efforts to purge the visions of sharing a room, let alone a bed, with the beautiful you man before him.

~*~*~*~*~

After the prince and his betrothed are out of sight the emperor chuckles softly. Looking to his wife he murmurs, “Not exactly the most enthusiastic lad. Looked down right terrified of sharing a room with Hiro.”

The empress clicks her tongue lightly. “He's probably just a little nervous about looking a fool. Though, our Hiro is a nice boy, he won't be cruel to the poor boy.”

They both look to the general who, after overhearing their hushed comments, lets out a single laugh. When he spots the monarchs looking at him he straightens his gaze. “You have a different opinion general?” The emperor asks, a light tone in his voice. It's clear he wants in on the joke.

Looking down at his food the captain smiles once more. Careful to keep his face neutral and his tone unsuggestive he clears his throat and says, “Aki has a very active and vivid imagination. At your highness's inference, and the way you said it, I am sure Aki jumped to the same conclusion anyone would and as he is entirely without experience he was set into a panic and became very self conclusion.”

The emperor's eyes go wide. “I know I have been long from the field, but has the army really changed so much?! By his age I had my fair share of experience. Is there now something against such things?”

The general shakes his head politely, the expression on the empress's face a mix of exasperation and disbelief. “No highness, Aki is an anomaly. He's been fighting since before he could lift a sword, and never really fit in like the rest of the warriors did. He didn't care about such things. He was to focused on the fight to risk a night of compliance.” He knows he's just making excuses for his son, but he also knows that he's at least partially right. Akito simply wasn't interested when the whores and town girls made their way around camp, offering their services. In fact, after checking them out closely to make sure they are not assassins in disguise, he would often leave camp entirely and wait until most everyone was asleep before slipping back to the captain's tent to pass out on his bedroll in the corner.