The days slide by filled with a mix of worry and wonder. From moment to moment, Akito has no idea what's going to happen, and in the end he decides that it's not something he should try and control, or avoid. He almost feels like he's being lead around by the nose, but in the end, there really isn't much he can do about it. He's not a royal yet, and even after he is, he's sure it won't feel right to order the servants around. He's not their son yet, so he still doesn't feel right asking the emperor and his wife for things, though he's sure that much like the situation with the servants, he'll never feel comfortable around the ruler and his spouse enough to consider them anything but his lord and lady.

One small comfort he's found however is the quiet moments between himself and his betrothed. True, he's still a bit nervous most of the time, ever vigilant, as he's always been taught. But sometimes, when there's no one else around, and he's able to just sit and listen to the man, he feels a kind of peace he's never known. With the other soldiers, there were calm times, and even with his father, there were times of peace, but with Hiro he finds a contentedness he doesn't quite understand from time to time. He will listen to the man talk about magic, or games, or even small stories about his life, and Akito will find himself just listening. He won't feel the need to interject or to look around, or question if he's doing the wrong thing or not. He just finds peace and calm, and that isn't so bad in his eyes.

As the day of their nuptials approaches however, he finds himself more tense, more alert. He jumps when he hears his name called or when someone appears suddenly from around a corner. It feels almost like a noose being slowly tightened around his neck and his only relief comes when he finds himself alone and away from the hustle and bustle inside the palace. In the garden, or the forest, or on the training grounds, he can pull himself away from it all and find the zen kind of peace he had back with his fellow soldiers.

He is in such a peaceful state when the sound of his name makes his eyes snap open, locking on the direction the voice came from as he slowly pulls himself back to the reality around him. Like always, the servants had vacated the garden to let him sit and meditate so the only movement he sees at fist is Hoko, skittering off after however called Akito's name. A slight breeze ruffles his hair and the plants around him causing him to shiver slightly, his eyes coming into complete focus when Hiro's face appears over some tall decorative grass.

His heart does the little dance it does every time he remembers that he will be marrying this man and flutters again as his gaze moves over that pretty face, taking in all the little details before focusing back on actually communicating with the man. “Hello Hiro.” he murmurs, leaning back ever so slightly as the prince leans in to talk. Around his fellows, there is a respectful distance they would keep when talking, but he supposes he really needs to get used to the idea that Hiro will be just that much closer. They are going to be married after all, and it's not like he's right in his face. Just that little bit of closeness that makes his spine a little stiff and his attention unable to be elsewhere.

He smiles slightly at the man's suggestion and adopts a thoughtful look as he wonders if it will be okay to do so close to the wedding. Hoko half crawls up Hiro's leg, providing a mild distraction, before turning and climbing into his lap and slithering out of sight. It's clear that the little beast knows what's being proposed and is getting ready to head out. Akito laughs slightly before nodding, smiling up at his betrothed. “That sounds like fun.” he replies finally, shifting away from the prince a little so he can stand up without bumping into him. He doesn't mean to be standoffish, but he's still trying to get used to the idea of being so physically close to someone.

On the way to the front doors, Akito's ears perk up at the sound of whispering and he glances over to see some servants watching them pass. Normally, the servants look away or down when the royalty is passing by, but he's noticed that a few in particular keeps eyes on them as they pass. He's not sure why these servants are different from the rest, but he figures there must be a good reason. He's seen no hostility from them, however he's not completely convinced that something strange isn't going on with them. He keeps an eye on them as they pass, turning his attention back to his betrothed as soon as they are out of sight.

Still slightly amazed when things are just sort of “done” for him, Akito takes a moment to stare as they leave through the front doors and there is a horse already prepared for them. He's a bit curious as to why there aren't two horses, but he says nothing, figuring the prince must have a reason for wanting to ride with him. He takes the reins from the groom and mounts gracefully. He then pauses to consider something before scooting back slightly and holding a hand out to the prince. [i]'It's easier to protects from a frontal attack. He can bend over the horse, and I can see the attack coming. Behind me, he could get shot and I'd never see it coming'[/i] He wishes that he was overthinking things, but as he pulls Hiro up in front of him he can't get those staring eyes of the servants out of his head.

One arm slips around the prince's waist as he urges the horse into motion. Despite this being closer than usual, he finds the position less invasive than when Hiro moves close to talk to him. [i]'The things you know. . .'[/i] he muses, looking over Hiro's shoulder to make sure they are headed in the right direction. “Is there anything you were thinking of doing in town? Perhaps a picnic on the outskirts?” he inquires. He wants to make sure the prince enjoys himself so they can keep up the trips away from the palace even after the wedding. He shudders at the idea of being stuck there all the time.