sнαттεя мε, ιgηιтε нεя

Chapter: 02

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- - - Kenma - - -

The Village was quiet. No one knew what was happening a couple of miles down the path. Maybe that was for the best. The soldiers of Nohebi might leave the citizens alone if they didn't try anything.

We were taken to a house, where the worker lived with his mom. He led us into the kitchen and lit some candles. Looking at his face, illuminated by the flames, I realized he was young. Young.

"How old are you?"

"Twenty, Your Highness."

"Holy shit, you're just a child!" Hinata jumped up from where she was seated on a stool and pointed at him.

He narrowed his eyes at her. "I am older than you and I am a man, so it's different."

I knew this would set Hinata off. She hated when people underestimated her, and especially when it came from men. Because of her height, many assumed she would be easy to harass, and she often got into fights with the guards who mocked her. Many had taken a liking to her after she beat them in battle. She was fast and scrappy, which made up for her lack of muscle. Although, there were still those who disliked her.

I spoke before she could say something to piss off the person who helped us.

"What's your name?"

He straightened and put his right hand over his heart.

"My name is Iwaizumi, Your Highness."

"You don't have to do that," I gestured to the pose he was displaying, "And please, just call me Kenma."

He blinked at me. "It's protocol, Your Highness."

Hinata rolled her eyes and sat back on the stool.

"So Iwaizumi, what's the plan?"

He looked as if she just poured cold water over his head."What?"

"You pledged your loyalty to our Princess over there. We're in danger, so what's our course of action?"

He looked stumped. He leaned back against the counter in his kitchen, tapping his fingers.

"I'm not sure..."

"I know what to do." They both looked at me and I fought the urge to step back. I focused on Hinata, who seemed surprised. I guess she would be. I never took the initiative. But I was doing this for her. For our kingdom.

"I am going to travel to Aobajohsai. When I get there I will marry the prince and take their army to march upon Nekoma and reclaim the palace. Once I have done that, I will wage war upon Nohebi."

"Holy shit, Kenma." Hinata stood and looked at me with wide eyes, "I mean, if that's what you want to do, then yes. Let's go. If we can find horses then it'll take only a day and a half to get there... if we have to go on foot though, it could take as long as three days..."