On Thin Ice (Prequel to Guild)

Chapter Four: Palanquin

                Bombarded. That was the only way to describe the feeling Yuina got when she opened the door and peered out at the journey- the life ahead. Bombarded.

 Legs swept out from under her, Yuina Mongonai fell back into the carriage. She tumbled onto her mother's lap.

Chuckling, Tuyet hugged her tightly, pressing several kisses her hair. "Oh, Yuaa," she sighed, " this isn't so bad, is it?"

Her heart was still fluttering when she dared peek out again.

Cherry petals painted the breeze a million shades of pink. It smelled of perfume- of exotic scents Yuina had never imagined existed beyond a dream. Sakura, moss, clear streams and the enchanting aroma of the shining sun. It was intoxicating, hypnotizing. And before Yuina knew it, she was opening her arms to Hikarishi. Closing her eyes and embracing Hikarishi.

Horse's hooves patted down the dirt as they slowed to a trot beside the carriage so its rider could grin at the princess. "You'll never want to visit home!"

Yuina tried to smile back- tried to keep the wonder in her eyes from fading. But it was difficult. Especially when she saw that arch.

It was ginormous, miwa-styled and proud, but it alone was not what scared her. It was the host of Hikarishi soldiers waiting under it.

At the entrance to the capitol city.

All of them were armoured, armed with halberds or swords. About half of them mounted horses that too were outfitted for war. They carried banners:  a golden snake and dragon entwined in some violent dance, fangs bared and talons flashing on some, black-red dragons on others to represent the shogunate. Kimsura.

They did not look friendly.

The escort beside her grimaced. "How welcoming."

"They've come to say 'hello' is all," scoffed her mother, waving the guard away. Her optimism didn't quite reach her eyes, nor did joy grace the queen's streaked lip. She patted her knee again. "Come back inside, my flower. We'd best put on your crown."

The horses knew to approach slowly. To keep their heads low as if self-conscious about being paraded before the elegant, Kamakura horses. They were slender and pretty but they wouldn't last a day on the steppes. Their backs would crack if she stood on them.

Spirits, her heart ached for Komet! She hoped Khasan would give him the exercise he deserved.

              Yuina was daydreaming of fresh air, tangling winds and hooves playing the tune of her soul when the carriage door opened. When a Hikarishi soldier looked in on her with scrutinizing eyes.

Yuina straightened her circlet. Her mother fixed the collar of her white, royal deel.

"Yuina Mongonai, grand princess of the north."

Did he want an answer? Yuina wasn't sure, but she nodded anyways.

The soldier nodded to her mother. "Did you run into any trouble on your way here, Your Majesty?"

"Trouble?" Her mother frowned. "Northern roads aren't exactly enjoyable but trouble? I think not, sir."

The soldier's frown deepened and Yuina started calling him General Serious in her head. As if he could tell, the scowl grew again. "Trouble meaning bandits, assassins-"

"Assassins!" Queen Tuyet cried, clapping a hand to her mouth. "For my Yuaa? Certainly no one would ever dream of harming-"

"The shogun has his enemies, Your Majesty. Which means Her Highness does also."