The grin is odd, different for the man, but Akito is glad to see it all the same. He's just glad it wasn't a scowl or a nervous laugh marking him as uncomfortable with what the soldier had just said. His fingers lace together as he stretches them out, his own eyes wandering as he tries to figure out what else to say. Hiro however takes over that task and his gaze snaps back up to meet that of the prince. [i]'There is not reason for you to apologize Highness. You have done nothing wrong. . .'[/i] His brows furrow at this, but he murmurs a soft, “It is my pleasure.” as Hiro pauses for an instant.

The furrowed brow does not last long, the look of confusion giving way to a full blown flush as the prince declares him “cute”. He stares a long moment, looking for the joke, waiting for the tease, but as the prince fixes his hair he shows no indication of taking it back and Akito wishes he could vanish from the spot. [i]'I-I'm not cute. I'm plain, simple compared to him. He is one of the most beautiful men I have ever met, how could he. . . .He must be making fun of me, he can't be serious, I mean. . .I'm. . . .'[/i] His eyes go to his hands as he tries to handle the hard beating of his heart, a pace far stronger than it's ever been even in the din of battle or right before executing a mark.

He almost doesn't catch that Hiro is talking again, but clearing his throat softly he manages to pull himself out of his thoughts and pay attention to the man in front of him. More compliments come and he has to fight to keep his eyes off his hands, trying desperately to deny the prince's words without having to say the protests aloud. When he at last falls silent Hiro nibbles his lip lightly, trying to find some words to say rather than bolting.

The entrance of Hoko is welcome and he pets the creature softly as it munches the frog it caught peacefully on his lap. To delay a little longer Akito pulls a couple cups out of the bag and pours them both some light fruit juice. The smell of it brings a faint smile to his lips, the queen's consideration making him feel quite happy. She'd noticed that during meals he would never really drink the wine and instead would go for either the water or juice. She'd asked about it once and he'd explained that, with his line of work, he didn't want to risk developing the addiction to alcohol that many men had over the years.

After a few sips, he finally finds his voice again. He can't quite bring himself to meet Hiro's eye however and instead stairs at the prince's hands. “I have never considered myself particularly cute, so I thank you for the compliment even if I can not see the truth in it.” He doesn't want to call the prince a liar, but he does want him to know that the prince doesn't have to be nice and say things like that if he doesn't really believe it. “What with all the scars and half the time I'm a mess. . . .” he adds in a murmur. Taking a breath, his voice comes back up.

“I had never really taken to an imagining of you before hearing of the betrothal, however you are more beautiful than I imagined in those weeks it took to travel to the palace.” He shakes his head, a deep red still spilling across his cheeks. “I mean, I knew you would be beautiful. I heard some of the soldiers who had seen you talking about you, some assuring me I had “made a great catch”, but I guess it just wasn't real enough for me then to even begin really imaging much.” Jumping slightly he looks up at Hiro, worried. “Not that I think of you like that! I mean, you are amazing, and I am lucky to have the opportunity to wed you, but I don't see you as a kind of prize, though you are lovely and someone I am sure many would give all they have just to have your favor, but I'm not, I-I'm not, you're, I. . .” With true visible mortification Akito stutters to a halt, covering his head with both arms so that his face his hidden by his sleeves. He can feel the ground giving way beneath him as he digs his own grave with his words, and all he can think is he hopes the earth swallows him quickly so he doesn't have to die from his heart bursting from the embarrassment.