Drawing Hiro up on to the horses back Akito remains completely still until his betrothed settles, not wanting to unseat him or come across as handsy should the prince be feeling less accepting of his presence all of a sudden. He doesn't quite know where the fear comes from, the flush on his cheeks from having such a beauty in his arms going completely unnoticed by the young soldier, but none the less it keeps him still, the faint smile one his lips resting there comfortably. “I am glad you enjoyed yourself high-. . . .Hiro.” He once more checks himself, remembering that the prince prefers his name over the reminder of his station. “You are most welcome.” he murmurs, turning the horse so they can be on their way.

The trip back to the palace is quite, Akito keeping the horse at a brisk but none too jostling a pace so the prince will be less sore after the ride. He's quite sure the young man has spent very little time atop an actual horse, and as such keeps an arm around his waist t make sure he doesn't topple off. Once they are back at the palace he watches a group of people rush forward to aid the prince and he wonders what it must have been like being raised like this. So many people always there, always ready to help, always worried about your safety and health. He may have had his father, and technically his fellow soldiers, to depend on, but that is nothing like what he sees before him now.

After helping Hiro off the horse a few of the guards look ready to help him as well but seem hesitant at the same time to approach. [i]'I am an unknown. I'm sure that rumors are already flying about on how I have behaved erratically. Not to mention I “stole” the prince away without permission. . .'[/i] He doesn't mind their hesitation, taking the moment of stillness to slide off the horse and hand over the reins to the nearest stable worker. Moving to follow Hiro he nods, forcing himself to accept that this. . . .Really is home, and there is no way to deny it now. He's making the effort, and will continue to do so. He will not give up.

At Hiro's next words however, Akito hesitates, unsure of what to do. He's about to speak up, telling the prince that he is as part of this discussion – as he is quite sure it's about them suddenly running off to town – as Hiro is, but is cut off by the prince bidding him to follow. So, he remains silent, his hands slipping into his sleeves as he follows the man around the edge of the building. He fights to keep his eyes up at the prince turns around to face him as he walks and nods slowly, wondering if he's doing this to be helpful, or to avoid his parents, or both. He doesn't really care the reason. Right now the idea of getting a better look at the grounds is appealing to the ever vigilant man and he smiles softly at his betrothed as he seems to retreat into his mind over the idea of playing board games.

As they come to the garden they slow, Hiro looking at a particular set of flowers and Akito simply enjoying the sights and scents. He recalls smelling these flowers the night before when he was trying to fall asleep and smiles at the idea of being so close to the garden. He lingers here and there, glancing at the man he is to marry every so often and taking in his features, committing this calm expression to memory so that in the future he can remind himself that the man really isn't that scary. [i]'Looks may be deceiving. Look at me. Unmarred for the most part, childish in appearance almost, and yet I have taken so many lives. . .'[/i] Shaking his head he follows as at last the prince moves on towards their destination.

The once more end up in the warm, slightly stuffy room with a few older men sitting around game boards, seemingly off in their own little worlds as they mutter softly to one another and more the little tiles around on the wooden surfaces. One of the men looks up at their entrance and smiles at the prince, giving him a little wive. The man across from him nods towards the pair entering and moves aside to watch a game on a nearby board while the first man motions for the prince and Akito to join him. The soldier hesitates, looking to Hiro for guidance.