Kihal doesn't trust nobility, not with the way the Marquis have treated her and her people, and there are few outside of Yuris Island, that she'd trust. Yet, this isn't one of those situations that she's pushed herself to run headlong into despite fear. This is something else entirely, something at once familiar and not so familiar.
Shirayuki's hands are warm as they wrap around her, and Kihal is stunned for a second, stunned that this Court Herbalist considers her this much of a friend to reach out and hug. You rarely hug people that you don't feel close to, and this feels like a sign that a real friendship has grown here.
Just it's almost overwhelmingly perfect or perfectly imperfect, maybe. Shirayuki smells like a garden this close, dirt, leaves, herbs, not in a flowery way, not really. And Kihal knows that she, herself, doesn't smell any less real: birds and feathers and hopefully not the salty smell of sweat with how many nerves have ricocheted in her system since stepping foot in Wistal.
And Shirayuki's grip is close and sure, and Kihal feels a little better with its surety. Like she doesn't have to worry anymore. The birds will be protected as messengers, and if you have any problems, just come back down to us, and we'll help you solve them. It's a lot like being held up underneath someone else's strength.
It's more than a hug, and Kihal slowly squeezes back, trying to muster thank you through her arms though she isn't sure the words are delivered. For once, she feels completely safe and almost at home on castle grounds. Of course, she'll be thankful to make her way back home to the island, but it's pure warmth to know that she has friends over here, supporting her too.
Kihal almost doesn't want to step back, because it's so warm and safe here, so perfect. And when she does, she's looking up at the strongest herbalist she's ever met, and she knows that somehow with Prince Zen and Shirayuki's backing, they'll get through this. It's difficult to say goodbye louder than a whisper, as if she's already reluctant to part and head back home.