Speculating on Rumors part 3

"This kitty is so cute. Oh, the bunny too." Hinako closed her eyes and hugged the stuffed animals that Shiori won in the festival. "I want them all!"

Shiori shrugged. "They're yours. I only wanted the fox, anyway."

"Don't you want the dragon too, Princess?" her maid held the toy near her face, shaking it slightly. "It's cuddly and soft."

"I guess," Shiori looked bored as she turned to the window. "Where are the twins? Aren't we going out today?"

"I-I don't think it's good to go now Princes," Hinako's eyes widen and she sounded anxious. "The weather is not great and besides, it's too early."

Shiori and Hinako were in the Indigo Villa and the two had just finished eating. Shiro promised to show Shiori around and since she had nothing to do, she agreed. Going to the Chestnut Festival had been fun and Shiori became interested to explore Ryu Citi because of her last outing.

Shiori and Hinako decided to embroider while they wait. She had ordered Kuro to find Shiro when he didn't come as he promised but that was an hour ago. Shiori carefully straighten the cloth on her lap and picked-up a thread. It was bright green and the color reminded her of Asahi's eyes.

Speaking of Asahi, he was not a bad companion. Though he complained at times, he still gave in to her whims and Shiori got to do what she wanted in the end. Shiori was sure he would love to see the Lantern Festival at Kitsune Castle. Witnessing good things would do a none-believer like him a lot of good.

"Oh-ho Princes," Hinako's eyes danced with mischief. "Why are you smiling all of a sudden?"

"What," Shiori pursed her lips. "I was not."

"Liar, liar~"

"Alright, I was smiling," she admitted, her cheeks tinged pink. "So what?"

"I wonder, does it have something to do with the Emperor?"

Shiori's eyes widen and her pitch rose. "What does Asahi have to do with anything?"

"Oh nothing," Hinako covered her smirk with a teacup. "You went out with him yesterday, did you not?"

"Yes but that outing was by chance, it doesn't mean anything."

Hinako's eyes dance with mischief. "Then, why are you blushing, Princess?"

Shiori held her burning face with her palms and cursed Asahi in her mind. Why was she flustered like this? They just went out and watch fireworks together, that was perfectly normal, right? Hinako was just making a mountain out of a molehill.

"It's natural," Shiori looked away. "But why are you suddenly asking about Asahi? Did something happen while I was away?"

"No… nothing," Hinako avoided eye-contact. "I just got curious because you're calling each other by your names. I mean, that's rude even for you, Princess."

"He gave me permission so it's fine."

"That could be the start of a close relationship, you know." Hinako teased.

"Stop that," Shiori snapped. "I am tired of hearing that nonsense!"

"But why Princess," Hinako whined as she slumped on the chair. "His Majesty is smart, young and handsome. He seemed reasonable too. Why don't you like him?"

"I didn't say that," she said and bent her head to start sewing. "We're just friends."

Hinako glowed with excitement. "So, you like His Majesty?"

Shiori sighed as she continued her work. "He's smart, fair and kind, how could I not?"

"And handsome, don't forget handsome."

"Yes, Asahi is handsome," Shiori admitted. "Anyone with eyes can see that."

"Why thank you Shiori," a masculine voice said. "I am glad that you think so."

Shiori pricked her finger in surprise and quickly snap her gaze upwards to see Asahi leaning on the doorway, looking very pleased. His aides were behind him, staring at her with open mouths.