Ichiro shivered against her touch, resisting the urge to push her away. He didn't like how her hand felt against his hot cheek. He noticed her smile and liked it. He thought before he spoke. Aiko would have been a great deal for his father as well. But something inside Ichiro liked Kikiyo. 

He reached up and removed her hand from his cheek. "If you think men are brutes, you've not been with the right men. I promise chivalry and charm are not dead," he said with a wink. 

****

Aiko crossed her arms. There wasn't any point in arguing with the man. 

"Ok. But I am going to eavesdrop in the balcony overlooking the throne room," she said and turned away from Kai.