Speculating on Rumors part 2

Asahi arrived at his office in full Imperial regalia. He might not have court, but he had outside affairs to take care of and it require him to look his best. So, he couldn't believe the sight of his aids squabbling like children greeted him first thing in the morning.

"You know we have an inspection today, don't you?"

When Natsuo and Tatsumi just stared at him without blinking, Asahi leaned on the door and raised a brow. His friends were acting weird. Granted, he had barely seen them yesterday but what could happen with just a short amount of time?

Before Asahi could open his mouth to ask, Tatsumi dragged him to a chair while Natsuo locked the door. The two stood over him like guards, crossing their arms and mighty scowls were etched on each of their faces.

Asahi glared. "I would not ask again, what is the meaning of this?"

"Don't play dumb Your Majesty," Natsuo gritted his teeth. "You know what you did, just admit it."

"I beg your pardon?"

"He's talking about the festival Your Majesty." Tatsumi explained.

"What about it?" It was Asahi's turn to cross his arms. "I told Tatsumi where I went and Shiori and I came back safe."

"Shiori, Shiori?" Tatsumi and Asahi flinched at Natsuo's screech. "Since when have you called each other by your names? Did anyone hear you say that?"

Asahi covered his ears. "Try not to blister my royal ears, would you. And no, only our attendants."

"Your Majesty," a vane on Natsuo's forehead throbbed. "Do you care about your ears more than your reputation?"

"What?" Asahi's eyes sharpen as he straightened on his chair. "We were careful going back and I made sure that only few servants saw us. Besides, I told Tatsumi to make-up an excuse for our disappearance."

Tatsumi gulped and avoided eye-contact. "I did, I told everyone that Your Majesty had an important matter to attend to and quickly ushered them out your office."

"Yes," snapped Natsuo. "Where they would have to pass the balcony overlooking His Majesty's stables!"

Asahi slouched on the chair, hiding his face on his palm. Natsuo meanwhile, promptly grabbed Tatsumi by the collar and shook him hard as he flailed and plead for mercy.

"I knew it, you were so helpful making plans last night and you even calm me down," Natsuo shouted, lifting him. "Fix this mess or you're dead!"

"Alright, alright," croaked Tatsumi. "I'm sorry."

"Being sorry won't cut it," Natsuo glared as he lifted him higher. "Going to the Rat Clan my ass. You're just making origami while eating and drinking tea! How dare you relax while I wrack my brain to fix this mess?"

"I didn't think you would arrive early… I mean, folding origami clears my mind, you know. I admit that the stable incident was my fault but how was I to know that His Majesty will walk the Princes to the villa?"

Asahi sounded dejected. "It was my fault as well, I was too reckless."

"Yes, you are," Natsuo let go of Tatsumi to shout at him. "Unfortunately, I can't strangle you for it!"

Asahi shook his head before standing. He sighed and strode out looking determined. The friends exchanged glances before an irritated Natsuo and a still coughing Tatsumi followed him.

"Where are we going, Your Majesty?"

"Hey don't walk too fast, I'm still recovering here."

"I need to talk to Shiori."

Natsuo looked worried while Tatsumi had a thoughtful frown on his face. The people who heard the Emperor's words however, either side dreamily or anxiously whisper among themselves. It seems the rumors were true after all, His Majesty already wanted to see the Princes, so early in the morning.