Akito stands there watching, just observing the fluid movements and interactions of the servants. [i]'Like a dance. . .'[/i] He smiles ever so slightly. They way they operate around one another perfectly reminds him of his unit. Their daily training exercises and practice bouts  give them the ability to work around one another without accidentally attacking the wrong person, even in the heat of battle. His mind begins watching the servants like troops, picking out the seasoned veterans and the new recruits by how well they work together and can deal with interruptions in the flow of human traffic.

Out of the corner of his eye he notes someone not moving in any semblance of the system he sees in place and he turns his head to see who is causing the break in the flow. His heart skips a beat at the sight of his soon-to-be husband but he brings a small smile to his lips, not wanting to appear afraid after all the progress they've made at the mere sight of him. He stands up a little straighter however and smiles at the man as he makes his way over to him. He nods slowly as the man informs him that he's far earlier than he needs to be and replies quietly, “I had nowhere else to go really, and they said it would not be too long before the meal started.”

His eyes go to the servant directing them to their seats and, pushing off the wall, he follows silently behind them. Once seated he looks across the table at the prince. [i]'Something seems a little off. . .Not sad really, I don't think, but definitely something. . .'[/i] Running his hand over the creature curled around his midsection Akito speaks softly about whatever his betrothed wishes to talk about, but the conversation is light and doesn't go anywhere before there is an interruption in the form of the rulers of the kingdom entering the room side-by-side.

Akito has to fight the urge to jump to his feet, trained to always stand when  those of a higher status enter, however with a look of determination he manages to stay seated while the two get settled at the head of the table. He's able to breath more easily once they are down and, turning to them with a strained smile he greets them quietly. The queen beams at him before clicking her tongue lightly, clearly trying to entice Hoko out of his hiding place. The emperor looks down at his plate, obviously avoiding his son's gaze, and as Akito encourages Hoko to wake up and come eat he looks between the two men and wonders if there's anything he can do.

The audrat slips out of his little pouch and stretches cutely, waiting for permission from Akito before slipping over to the empress to be fed treats happily while his master continues trying to figure out if there's anything he can do to alleviate the tension in the air around them. Finally, he decides to take some of the attention on to himself. [i]'After feeling before, it's the least I deserve. . .'[/i] Taking a slow breath he looks at the emperor, his insides quaking, and speaks with as much strength as he can muster. 

“Sir, I was wondering if I could make arrangements with you to take day trips away from the palace every once in a while,” he nods at Hiro, “w-with Hiro, if he would be willing to accompany me.” The larger man looks over at him, curious, but not angry as far as he can tell. He goes on quickly. “I mean, my unit will be here for only so long, and I would like to see my father as often as I can while he is around. Though after. . .” He takes a steadying breath. “I have spent a good deal of time in this area, both before and as of late, and even with my unit gone I am sure I can handle anything that may become a problem around here. I know the area well, and it would be easy for me to spot anything out of place, so I am sure I would be able to keep the both of us safe. . .” Swallowing hard again he finishes, a little more quietly, “And, I am sorry I did not ask the first time, but we came away safe and I think that should be taken as a sign that I am quite capable of keeping myself and my betrothed safe. . .” His eyes have begun descending to his plate, however with a hard wrench he looks back up at the Emperor, waiting for the hammer to fall for his impertinence.