The silence is deafening. Akito sees the little nudge, but doesn't know if it will help or hurt. He's seen both in the homes he's stayed in during his missions, the spouse prompting their significant other and things getting better, o9r way, way worse. In this case however, there is a little nugget of hope in the former soldier's chest as the woman in question seems very kind and her husband very attentive. He keeps his focus on the man however, this ruler of the land, waiting, his heart too afraid to even beat, but his determination not wavering. He will see this through if it kills him. [i]'Which, it very well might, if this goes on much longer'[/i] Akito thinks, not sure when the last time he took a breath was.

Then it happens, the emperor speaks and. . .He lives. His breath returns, his ears once more picking up the sounds all around him and now, it seems, with new clarity. He can feel his own face lifting, completely free of his will, as the man agrees to let him go see his father. And more over, for him to take Hiro out of the palace. He doesn't notice the exchange between the mother and son, but he does catch the smile and he feels his heart beat returning full of warmth and vigor. Bowing his head low in thanks he murmurs his gratitude and looks back to the man he will soon call father for further instruction.

The prince and the empress go back to having their own conversation as the large man gives Akito a stern look. “I will be laying some ground rules for you though.” he starts, tilting his head towards Hiro, “The first being, if there is something we need you or he for here in the palace, don't let him talk you into leaving to avoid it.” Akito wrinkles his nose curiously, wondering why Hiro would do such a thing. 

[i]'I mean, that sounds like something I would do if I were freaking out, but. . .He doesn't seem one to flee from responsibilities. . .'[/i] Despite his thoughts he concludes that this man knows his son better than he does and simply nods, ready for Satoru to continue.

“Next is very important too.” he goes on, taking the nod as ascent. “You two are not to leave without informing someone. We can't have you vanishing without a word and spend hours looking for you, worrying us.” Akito suppresses a cringe at this rule, knowing it's directed at his spur-of-the-moment style of their initial trip to town. He nods at this, agreeing readily, knowing it's what's best for the family, and be extension, empire. Nodding in return Satoru lays down the final rule. Pointing at his son he says, very sternly, “He is not to leave your line of sight, got it?” The firmness in the man's voice and the fire in his eyes makes Akito shrink a bit, but he does not hesitate to nod, keeping his eyes carefully on the man speaking. “I want to hear you say it Aki.” His tone makes the ex-soldier swallow but, taking a slow breath, he manages to sit up straight for his reply.

“I swear sir, on my life and my honor, I will take care of his. . .Hiro, as you have instructed, full and complete.” Satoru eyes him for a long moment before nodding, grunting slightly before turning his attention to his food. Breathing once more, Akito's head comes up as he hears his name mentioned. It takes him a moment to realize what they are talking about and he flushes slightly at the compliment. Shaking his head slightly he looks between the two and mumbles, “I simply had an unfair advantage. I am used to playing against soldiers. When I play against my unit, or other units, I'm not nearly as skilled as I looked. . .”

The empress giggles at his modesty, petting Hoko gently as he licks her fingers. “Yes, well, perhaps you could teach Hironori to play some time Aki-chan. I am sure the village would have fun having more skilled players on occasion.” She looks over at Hiro, beaming. “I am sure he could learn to be a wonderful player, if he put his mind to it.” She giggles. “It could be something the two of you share!” Excited at the prospect she begins discussing having the staff get together and play some times, for practice, with her husband who seems curious at the idea.

Akito on the other hand looks to Hiro, wondering if he'd want to play the game, or if he was reading the signs right that he'd rather not get all sweaty running around, falling over other people and getting scuffed elbows and skinned knees. His runs a hand over his own knee where a light scrape had appeared after a tumble during the game. He gives the young man a soft smile before looking down at his plate and taking a few bites. “I would be more than willing to teach you, but only if you want to. . .Hiro.” A little proud of himself over the only mild hesitation to say his betrothed's name he looks up at the man in question, nibbling on a piece of meat.