Of Differing Opinions part 2

"His Majesty wishes to keep a close eye on you." Kuro, one of the Princess' cousins said.

"Thank you for stating the obvious." Shiro, his twin, replied drily.

Shiro and Kuro looked exactly alike. From their long black hair, deep brown eyes and thin lips. Why, even their height was almost identical.

When they were young, the twins would often ask Shiori to guess which was which. However, when they grew up, their temperament couldn't be more different. Kuro was quiet and often took people's words by their literal meaning while Shiro loved to tease people, most especially his brother and the Princess's maid.

"Yes, I am aware," Shiori said. "It works both ways after all."

"Did you really have to pick a fight with the Saru clan?" Hinako complained. "I know he's irritating but you could have ignored him."

Hinako had been with her since she was a child. She was Shiori's opposite, at least in looks. Hinako was tall and slender, with looks that would put any courtesan to shame. Unlike Shiori, she hated confrontation and would do anything to avoid one.

"I could have," she said and then pouted. "But I didn't want to. How dare he nitpick on our gifts?"

They are in the Indigo Villa, one of the residences in the Jade Palace. Like its name, all the walls were painted in a well-blended color of blue and purple. Natsuo, the Emperor's aide had accompanied them after the Princesses presentation at court. He gave them the tour, introduced her to the servants and then politely left.

The villa's staff were well-trained and accommodating. The guests rooms were prepared in record time and the food was excellent. Shiori was certainly comfortable and they only offered her the best.

The furniture's were a bit old but well-cared for. The silk sheets were pillowy soft. Even the bathing chamber nearly sparkled.

When Shiori had settled in, Shiro visited her and they gathered in the reception room to discuss matters. Shiori asked for refreshments and once their food arrived, they began.

"We knew the extent of Lord Saru's corruption, it wasn't new," Shiro rolled his eyes. "Now, you just made my life more difficult."

"You're still as lazy as ever." Said Kuro.

"Hey, spying is not an easy job, you know."

"Whatever," snapped Hinako. "You should thank the Princess, at least she made your life exciting."

"Well, I don't want excitement."

"Too bad."

Shiro glared and Hinako glared back. Shiro always teased her when they were little and now he was the only person whom Shiori`s maid was harsh on. Whenever they saw each other, they would always argue.

"Anyway," Shiro broke from his impromptu glaring contest to look at Shiori. "Besides your original task, what do you want to do Princess Shiori? Eat seafoods, shop for new clothes or see the sights? I will be more than happy to accompany you."

Shiori shook her head. "My only task here is to watch Emperor Asahi and determine if he's worthy of our support or not."

"We have a lot of time," said Kuro. "You should also see the sights and enjoy yourself."

"We only have three months, I refuse to make an error in my judgement. The Fox clan did not support the previous Emperor and that smug Monkey Lord is still holding a grudge."

"Hey, I know I complained about him but forget about the monkey for now," Shiro coaxed. "We haven't seen each other in a long time. Let's have some fun. I promise I'll give you all the information you need, so don't worry."

Shiori sipped her tea to hide her grimace. When Shiro put it that way, it was hard not to give in. He was the one who spoiled her the most and she had truly missed him.

"Fine," she sighed. "What do you want to do?"

"Take a tour around the city and taste the delicacies?" Kuro suggested.

"How about we watch plays or other performances. Didn't you love those when you were little?"

"What if," Hinako tapped her lips in thought. "We find Princess Shiori a husband?"

"You're a genius Hinako!" exclaimed Shiro.

"Of course, of course, you're right," Kuro nodded, a faraway look in his eyes. "Shiro knows everyone in the Palace and he can find out if there are things we do not know."

Shiori glowered at them. "I am not interested."

"But why not?" asked Hinako.

"My dream hasn't changed," she explained while stirring her second cup of tea. "I only came here because father told me he would give his consent if I agreed to come in his place."

Hinako gasped and the twins' jaws dropped. All of them stared at her wide eyed, like she had grown another head or something. Shiori just raised her eyebrows at them.

"Princess, we beg you," they blinked and shouted in unison. "Please change your mind!"

Her marital status had always been a cause of debate in her clan. As the daughter of the current lord of foxes, the elders wanted her to someday lead them and produce an heir. However, Shiori wasn't the least bit interested.

She expressed her decision of joining the church years ago, but everyone had opposed her except her father. He told her to temporarily lead the clan in his stead. If she wanted to leave, she must first make them prosperous beyond compare. Then and only then, may she do as she pleased.

Shiori agreed to this and five years had passed since then. She managed all their trade, their budget and supported profitable research that guaranteed a large return. She investigated avenues that her predecessors did not and found a way to make them successful.

Her last task was here in the capital. Before she left, Shiori's father assured her that he would give his consent when she returned.

"Stop that," she snapped. "I have already decided. All of you already knew about this."

"But you were still a kid," said Shiro. "I didn't think you were serious back then."

"Please Princess," Hinako pleaded. "Won't you reconsider?"

"I really don't think being a priestess would suit you." Kuro commented after he looked her up and down.

Shiori stood and glided to the door. "I don't care, my father's approval is the only one I seek. Besides, I'm going to be a nun, not a priestess."