Chapter 5

Once they were safely hidden away in the garden, Hotohori turned to her, his face a mask of seriousness.

"I sincerely hope that we can resolve the differences between our two countries." He began, and Hibari's spirits fell a little. She had been hoping to avoid that subject for as long as possible, but she listened anyway.

"I was glad when I received a request from your father for a political meeting, although I must admit my advisors were very worried about what might happen." He smiled at her. "In fact, we had no idea that the Emperor of Kutou even had a daughter, and what a nice surprise it was to learn that she was coming as the official ambassador. And now, you're here…and we can finally move toward peace."

Hibari's insides did a flip-flop as she looked up at his kind and honest face and nodded. Of course, she wanted peace too, as did many people in Kutou. But Nantar wasn't one of them. She knew for a fact that he had been one of the few advisors to her father that had voted to attack Konan almost a year ago, and why her father would send him on a mission of peace was beyond Hibari. Sending the general as well was a clear indication that something wasn't right, but Hibari hadn't given it much thought yet.

Hotohori watched her face as her mind wandered off and thought that perhaps he was boring her. It was true that no one had heard of Kutou's princess, but if there was a reason for keeping Hibari a secret, he couldn't guess at it. And although he was glad that she was here, he still wondered why the Emperor of Kutou had sent her as an ambassador after keeping her existence a secret for so long. Still, she was nice, and he was glad to have someone to talk with who wasn't intimidated by his status. He remembered the look on her face when he had shown her the symbol of Suzaku on his neck. It was the look of a child who was frightened and didn't know why.

Hibari suddenly realized that her mind had been wandering, and that no one had said anything for a few moments. She quickly turned back to Hotohori, who was also lost in thought, but seemed to notice at the same time and turn back to her, still smiling. He motioned to a bench a few feet away and they sat down to watch the sunset.

"So, uh…how long have you known about-?" Hibari asked, pointing to her neck.

Delighted that she asked, he answered a little too quickly. "For a few years now. Once I became the emperor, my advisors told me the legend of Suzaku and why that mark appears on my neck from time to time."

Hibari nodded curiously. "Does it appear when you want it to?"

"Yes, but it also appears whenever my mental energy is raised." He said. Hibari nodded again, but he didn't notice. "I became emperor when I was fourteen years old, and since then, I have been waiting for that girl to come…and take away the loneliness I feel." He sighed, looking off into the sunset.

Hibari stared at him. So that's why he believes in the legend, she thought sadly. He's in love with a girl he hasn't even met yet…because he's lonely…

Suddenly, she became angry, and thought maybe she could tell him a thing or two about real loneliness and how she didn't have the satisfaction of knowing she would be rescued by some strange girl. But something stopped her from opening her mouth, and deep inside, she knew he really wouldn't understand. She blinked a few times and silently watched the sunset.

After night had fallen, she stood up, eager to get back to her room so she could be alone for a while. Hotohori stood as well and escorted her back to her room. Once they reached the door, all her anger had gone and she turned to him, smiling happily.

"Thank you for letting me watch the sunset with you. It was beautiful." She said truthfully.

He smiled down at her. "It was my pleasure."

Unsure of what to say next, she put her hand on the door. "Well…good night." She said hesitantly, pushing the door open.

Hotohori looked as though he wanted to say something important, but could only say good night and walk away. Hibari closed the door and leaned against it, sighing.

After a night of dreamless sleep, Hibari was awake, dressed, and eating breakfast in her room when Nantar walked in and sat across from her. She couldn't tell what the look on his face meant, but she ignored it and continued munching. Suddenly, he reached over and took her plate.

"I think that's enough." He said, taking her glass as an afterthought.

"What?" She asked shrilly. "Are you going to starve me the entire time we're here?"

"Please refrain from shrieking, your majesty. And no, I'm not trying to starve you, I'm only doing what is in your best interest."

"Well, I'm interested in eating right now, so give it back." She said angrily. "Why are you here anyway?"

"I'm here to talk to you about the young emperor." He said, still holding on to her plate.

"What about him?"

"I have it on strict confidence that you were alone with the emperor last night, not to mention for at least an hour yesterday afternoon."

"So what?" She said indignantly. "He invited me on a tour and then to watch the sunset last night. He was being polite. And why were you spying on me in the first place?"

"He invited you?" Nantar said to himself, not bothering to answer her question. "Interesting…" he trailed off, then after a moment, looked up at her again. "Do I have to remind you that although you are on a diplomatic mission, your highness, you should use caution before you go off alone with someone. Including," he added, "the Emperor of Konan." He stood, her food still in his hand. "I will not allow you to do things that will bring shame to your country, not to mention yourself. And that includes running off in the middle of the night with a man, your highness." With that, he left the room, taking her food with him.