The empress is just reciting a tale about a time where she and the king took a trip to a nearby kingdom for the first time when the door to the room opens and Akito, upon spotting the person entering, jumps immediately to his feet. The empress disguises a laugh as a cough and her husband simply looks at the man, bemused. “No need to stand lad. I've just come to collect my wife.” He sounds kindly as he speaks, but it's clear fro the lines creasing his brow that he is greatly troubled by something. Jezura notices and motions for Akito to help her rise. The soldier complies, helping her to her feet silently even as he tries to calm his racing heart at the emperor's sudden appearance, and in no time he is gently handing her off to her husband. Taking the tall man's arm gently between her hands she smiles up at her dearest and pets the arm soothingly.

Akito watches them leave silently before suddenly realizing that he has no idea where he is, and no idea what he's suppose to be doing next. Talking with the empress had calmed him a bit, however the fright he got from her husband has him on edge once more. Scooping up his pet he moves into the hall, intent on locating a servant to direct him. [i]'She seems like a happy, calm woman. . .'[/i] He muses. [i]'This place is not a scary place. It should not be. If such a happy, kind woman lives here, and has had such fun inside these walls, then this. . .This is a good place. . .'[/i] He repeats this and other encouraging things to himself as he looks for a servant until at last he spots one at the end of the hall. Racing forward he calls out softly, watching the young girl stop and turn to look at him.

He watches as she looks suddenly flustered at the sight of him but does his best to smile and look nonthreatening as he approach. “Sorry,” he says softly. “I was just looking for someone to direct me back to my room.” He keeps a light smile on his lips as she looks up at him nervously and after a few seconds she bows and begins walking away. He takes this as a sign that she is showing him the way and returns the bow before following. After only a few steps however she stops, turning to face him again.

“Forgive me my lord, but dinner will be served soon, so if you would like, I could take you there instead.” She sounds like she's trying to be polite while still being a little scared, and he smiles down at her again, willing her to relax.

“That would be great. Thank you.” This time he bows before she does and soon they are off to the large dining area. He walks behind her, his long even footsteps echoing off the walls alongside her uneven, shuffling steps. He's glad when they arrive, partially because now he knows what he should be doing, but mostly because now he can let the nervous girl off the hook. Bowing as she leaves he turns to look at the half dressed table and with a sigh he settles against the wall to wait, not wanting to be in the servants' ways.