Keeping Secrets *Mitsuhide x OC*(COMPLETE)

Fun?

Obi startling me was enough to wake Reila and she apologized repeatedly for causing trouble. I assure her on the way to the dining room that it was no trouble at all, I was just worried that she'd gotten hurt. She seems to finally give up on apologizing and instead asks how I slept. I stare down at her in shock. No one has ever asked me that.

"I-I slept well. Thank you for asking Miss Reila. Did you sleep well?"

"As well as I could. I don't sleep very well at times, so I like to read when I can't sleep."

"So that's why you ended up in the library. The guard that found you was very concerned. He wasn't sure what to do so he stood guard at the end of the aisle while you slept."

Her cheeks tint pink as she sighs. "That was unnecessary. I would like to apologize for troubling him today, if you'd allow me."

"I'm sure no apology is needed, but after breakfast, if Prince Zen has nothing planned, I will accompany you."

"Thank you Mitsuhide." As Reila looks up at me, her eyes catch my by surprise yet again.

They're a brilliant aqua color I've never seen before and every time I notice them I pause in mid-step. I'm not sure why though, they're just eyes.

I wait patiently by the doors as Prince Zen and Reila have breakfast together. They're still not speaking to each other much, but at least they don't hate each other. I shoot a pointed look toward Zen then shift my eyes toward her. He shoots a look back but I hear him ask how she's enjoying being in Clarines so far. It's a start, I suppose. She answers him quietly and the small talk continues. Progress has been made. When they finish eating he apologizes to her, saying that he has a meeting to attend but would be able to spend time with her later today.

"I hope you enjoy your day, Prince Zen."

"You as well, Reila."

After he leaves, Reila approaches me and I ask if she still wants to talk to the guard. She nods so I lead her through the castle. If I remember their scheduling correctly, Taine should be positioned near the greenhouses. She thanks me again for taking her to meet with the guard and that she would have been fine on her own but I wave it off, telling her that I didn't mind accompanying her at all. I really don't. She's rather nice. We come across Taine at the greenhouses like I'd guessed so I lead her over to him.

"This is Taine, he's the one who watched over you this morning." I tell her and she tenses beside me before bowing.

"T-Thank you for caring for me this morning, Sir. I apologize for the trouble I caused."

"No, no Miss, it was no trouble at all! No need to thank me, really!" He smiles, obviously shocked at her apology.

"It's rude to not apologize when you've inconvenienced someone, so again thank you. I hope you have a lovely day."

She smiles up at him before turning to me.

"Where to now, Miss Reila?"

Her smiles fades into a look of confusion. "I have no idea."

"Well, what do you like to do for fun?" I ask as I lead her away, internally chuckling as the other guard teases Taine for blushing in front of her.

"Miss Nedia didn't approve of anything that was considered fun. She said it was improper for a Lady to partake in such frivolous matters. My only source of amusement besides books was making Miss Nedia only hate me more." She stops suddenly and her eyes widen as she looks up at me hopefully.

I'm not sure what she's going to say or do but I'm nervous to say the least.

"Since you're Prince Zen's aide and there's a sword strapped to your side, you can fight, yes?"

"Yes...?"

"Excellent." She grins. Now I'm scared.

I can feel my resolve wearing away as Reila continues to ask me to teach her to fight, her face twisted into a slightly pouty look. She looks adorable and it's getting to me. I keep skirting my responses instead of flat out telling her no. I'm not sure her parents or the princes would appreciate me trying to do anything of the sort, even just letting her hold one of the practice swords. Sadly, this is the most animated and talkative she's been since she's gotten here.

"Why do you want to learn, Miss Reila?"

"It looks like so much fun. I've always wanted to know but when I asked Miss Nedia over the years, she struck me for asking such stupid questions. She said that my life plan was to only marry who I was told when I was told, then do as my husband tells me to." Her pout fades into a frown. "She'd be furious if she knew I'd asked you. Please forget that I'd asked."

"I'd love to teach you, Miss, but I'd hate for you to get into trouble with Prince Zen or your parents. Perhaps you can ask Prince Zen later. He knows how to fight as well. It would be another chance for the two of you to bond."

"I'd be happy to show her a few moves." I roll my eyes and sigh as Obi rests his elbow on my shoulder. "Hello again, Miss."

"Hello, Obi. I see you've made your way down from the tree."

His smirk falls before he smiles instead. "Ah, yes. Thank you so much for your help this morning."

"What exactly happened?" I ask. I'd been curious but my job caring for Reila overrode my curiosity.

"When I was searching for the library, I saw something in a tree outside the window. I was startled when I realized it was a person and he laughed at me, then lost his balance on the limb and fell. He was hanging by his ankle and I offered to help but he insisted he had it under control."

I laugh as I look over at him but he only shrugs. "I couldn't let a lady bother herself with helping me."

"So you hung by your ankle for about three hours before I came along and saved you?"

"Not one of my prouder moments, I'll admit."