Aiko shook her hands, dusting herself off. She looked at the heavy wooden door. 

"Please do not drag me around," she said, her voice low. She looked at Kai, sighing. "I agree, but she's a hard case. He's better off marrying a lion. She's the most fierce person I know." Aiko prayed her sister would remember her manners, that she would at least listen to the Prince. 

"Would you like some food?" She asked, giving him a small smile. "I am starving." 

****

Ichiro watched his friend leave, taking the only sensible person in the room with him. It left Ichiro alone with the girl who hated him. He understood though. He would probably hate himself too if he was in her place. The idea of an arranged marriage was barbaric. 

"I'm sorry, Princess Kikiyo," he muttered, staring at his hands folding in his lap. "I can't understand how you must feel being pushed into this. I don't really want to be forced to marry either. Maybe we should search for the best in a bad situation?"