Keeping Secrets *Mitsuhide x OC*(COMPLETE)

The Arrangement

I let out a soft sigh as I watch Prince Zen irritably pace in front of his desk. Kiki and I both asked what was bothering him but his only response was a grumbled complaint about his brother. We've since resigned ourselves to watching his latest descent into madness. He stops suddenly as his face lights up like he had an idea but his expression quickly drops into the same irritation as he starts to pace again. I push away from the wall and put my hand on his shoulder to stop him. If I watch him any longer, I'll lose my mind.

"Alright, it's time to speak up. You're going to wear a hole into the floor otherwise."

Zen sighs and drops down onto the chair behind his desk.

"Lord Brother has arranged another marriage interview in yet another attempt to get me to not marry Shirayuki." He groans, letting his head tip back to face the ceiling.

"Wasn't the one with Kiki really simple? Just pretend to care for a few hours then send her on her way? So what's the big deal?"

"Lord Brother and her parents thought the bonding would work better if she was brought here to visit the castle... for two months."

"Two months? That seems a bit lengthy for a marriage interview." Kiki cuts in.

"They really want it to work I suppose." Zen sighs as he lets his head lightly hit the desktop.

"Just fake nice for two months, then say you're not interested. Who is she?"

Zen lifts his head long enough to pull the papers out from beneath his head.

"It says her name is Reila Canswen, she's Lord Canswen's daughter, from the northern end of Clarines."

"Have you met her before?"

"Not even once." He huffs. "She'll be here tomorrow."

I find myself standing behind Prince Zen early the next morning, awaiting the arrival of Reila Canswen. We're both unsure of what to expect of her, since Prince Izana's habit of sending spoiled and bratty girls as potential brides, typically overdressed as well. We both watch in shock and slight horror as a young blonde woman is unceremoniously shoved out of the carriage and I rush forward to catch her before she falls. My eyes widen as she looks up at me and I clear my throat and ask if she's okay as I help her stand.

"I'm alright, thank you."

"Reila!" She flinches and turns to the older brunette that steps out of the carriage. As I return to Zen's side, I watch the slight annoyance on Reila's face as the woman roughly fusses over the invisible wrinkles on her dress and the state of her hair, which looks perfectly fine. "Remember what your parents told you."

"Shall I repeat it aloud so you can be sure I understand?" Reila responds smartly, her smirk fading to a scowl as the woman strikes the back of her head.

After hissing something in her ear, the woman turns to face Prince Zen. I tune out their pleasantries and amuse myself watching Reila cast scathing looks at the older woman's head. These next two months should be very entertaining. A few minutes later the woman reminds Reila to behave before climbing back into the carriage. It pulls away and as soon as it's out of sight, her whole body seems to relax.

"Crazy old bat..." She whispers under her breath before finally looking up at us. "H-Hello. I am Reila Canswen, it is a pleasure to meet you Prince Zen."

"The pleasure is mine." He offers with a light attempt at a smile. "This is Mitsuhide, he is one of my personal attendants. During your stay, if you need anything at all please let him know."

How did I get roped into this? I cut him a look but bow slightly toward her. "At your service, Miss."

"Thank you kindly, Mitsuhide, Sir."

"So, may I ask who that woman was?" Zen asks as he offers his arm to her.

"That was Miss Nedia, she has been my attendant since birth."

"She seemed a bit harsh."

"She hates me." Reila grins as if it were totally normal.

This is definitely going to be an interesting two months.

My eyes track Reila and Zen as they walk through the gardens together. She seems to be enjoying herself while Zen is stiff and practically dying to get away, especially when Shirayuki passes by on her way to the greenhouse. Reila doesn't seem too bad from what I've gathered over the past hour or so. She's definitely not as uptight as the others had been. I jump slightly as Obi appears beside me. He was likely up in the tree I'm leaning against. I note his gaze trained on the young woman in confusion.

"So, did Shirayuki change her hair or did I sleep long enough to miss something?" He asks.

"Prince Izana has arranged a rather peculiar marriage interview. Zen couldn't get out of it, so we will have a visitor at the castle for two months."

"I'm surprised that he hasn't ditched her yet. Those girls have always been rather annoying." Obi snickers.

"I think Miss Reila might prove to be different. Not that she could ever compete with Shirayuki in his eyes, but I think they might hit it off regardless."

"Or do you just find her attractive and hope that she stays?" He smirks and I shove him. "Oh wait, you only have eyes for Miss Kiki. I almost forgot. Perhaps I should woo Miss Reila for myself?"

"Can't you be stupid somewhere else?" I sigh.

"Not until four... Wait. That was rude, Mitsuhide. I don't like you anymore."

I roll my eyes and watch as Obi slinks off to most likely annoy Shirayuki since the prince is occupied. I'm sure Obi will try to take full advantage of the distance Zen has to put between himself and Shirayuki. All this means to me sadly, is I will have to listen to Zen's complaints about it the whole time.