Author's Notes: So far it seems like most of my concern is only in my head, so onward with the next chapter. Let the intrigue begin ;D Hope you're ready for this adventure. I'm not sure if I am yet. Haha XD Constructive Criticism is always welcomed. Enjoy!

Agnitio - Latin for "Knowledge" and "Recognition"

Ceteris Paribus

Chapter Three: Audacious Words

"Hime?"

"Yes, Ryunosuke," Mako responded, distracted.

"There is a request for a meeting with you."

"Hmm?" Mako looked up finally, pulled from her thoughts. She was currently playing a board game with Takeru. He still hadn't spoken a word to her since he had told her his name, and Ryunosuke hadn't been able to come up with anything for him to do so Mako had settled into a routine of engaging Takeru in the silent game of strategy - Agnitio. If what her father had proclaimed to the court was true – that Takeru was the prince of the rival country, captured in battle – then he had to have had military strategy training. With this train of thought she had finally convinced him to play the game, one that used smooth stone pieces in a challenge of wits.

Mako had always been astonishingly good at the game, only Ryunosuke had been able to best her about half the time and she suspected at times that he let her win to boost her confidence. Takeru, however, was under no such mindset. He gave her a true challenge with every round they played, and rather than feeling frustrated, she found herself excited to test herself against him with each new bout.

"The new cook," Ryunosuke elaborated, now that he was sure he had her attention this time. "He has made a request to meet you personally."

"Oh," Mako was taken aback for a moment. "Did he have a particular reason why?"

"I…forgot to ask," Ryunosuke hesitated. "I deeply apologize."

Mako smiled. "No need, I was simply curious." She took a moment to contemplate her decision. "Yes," she agreed slowly. "That would be fine. Should Kotoha…?"

"I've already checked him out thoroughly Hime. He holds no threat to you or your sister." Mako's eyes flicked to Takeru who was studying the board intently, searching for his next move. Ryunosuke caught and interpreted the look correctly. "He will hold his peace." Mako nodded, giving her final and firm assent before turning back to her game. Takeru had made his move and now it was Mako's turn to study the board, her eyes skimming over every piece's position and running through various strategies in her head.

She was so intent on the board that she missed Takeru's look as he watched her for a long moment before he met Ryunosuke's gaze momentarily. Something passed between them unspoken just before the man departed.

While they awaited the arrival of the new cook, the game continued and eventually Kotoha made her way out of the room, blurry-eyed. Mako paused in her strategy-making to smile brightly at her younger sister.

"How did you sleep?"

Kotoha nodded groggily that it had been "fine" – she wasn't the morning person Mako was. She'd get up early if need be, but she preferred to snuggle deeply whenever she could.

"We have a guest on his way here," Mako informed her.

Kotoha was instantly more awake. "Should I…?"

Mako shook her head. "Ryunosuke assured me all would be fine." She smiled teasingly. "But you might want to change out of your sleepwear before he arrives."

Kotoha flushed brightly. She had finally grown accustomed to Takeru's presence in the mornings and had learned not to be as tense in his presence whenever she was around him, though it had awhile. She suspected she was relaxing because he was finally learning to relax but kept her consul on the matter for now. Mako was solely determined to protect all those around her, and Kotoha had made it her personal mission to protect her sister in return, in any way she could.

Mako's smile grew as her sister ducked back into their sleeping room in a flash. She was still smiling when she looked up at her strategy game rival, her grin making him blink rapidly.

By the time Ryunosuke returned, Kotoha had joined Mako and Takeru at the table and was watching the two of them with unabashed amazement.

"Hime," Ryunosuke announced their presence and bowed. The young man with short dark hair who stood next to him shot Ryunosuke an indiscernible look before following in his example. Mako rose from her seat, Takeru following suit though Kotoha remained sitting. She knew Mako hated it when she did otherwise, they were sisters – equals – and Kotoha couldn't be happier for it.

"Please," Mako indicated that they should make themselves comfortable. "May I ask why you requested to see me….?" She trailed off in question.

"Genta," the young man replied with an enthusiasm that was catching. "Umemori Genta."

"Genta then," Mako smiled. "This is my sister Kotoha and this is Takeru," she introduced. She watched as Genta lowered his head in respect to Kotoha, but when he turned to Takeru there was a slight hesitation as if unsure what to do, his smile faltering for only a moment before he nodded curtly. Mako raised a brow but didn't question it, unsure if this was a normal reaction or not. Then again, she was rather unconventional herself. It unsettled people sometimes.

Genta broke his gaze away from Takeru who was staring determinedly at the Agnitio board in front of him as if studying his next move. He looked at Mako in all smiles. "I'd heard how much you appreciated my cooking and I wanted to thank you in person," he stated smoothly, covering his slight hesitation. Mako wondered if she was the only one who caught it or if she was just being paranoid.

"It truly is delicious," she complimented him.

"Thanks Princess," he grinned back at her genuinely. "Coming from you, that means a lot."

"Meaning?" Mako raised her brow delicately.

Genta shrugged. "As the First Princess of the Court, you hold a lot of sway over many decisions in the household court." He told her blatantly. "When the other Ladies make loud complaints, your compliments override their opinions." He shrugged again. "It helps me keep my job."

Mako blinked at his audacity, all eyes in the room on her, gauging her reaction. Suddenly Mako burst out laughing. "That's refreshing," she smiled. "It's rare to get someone who's so open and honest."

"That's what they tell me," Genta grinned cheekily back.

Mako's grin matched his, "I thank you."

"My pleasure," he assured her. His gaze fell upon the board on the table. "A strategy game?"

Mako glanced at the board, feeling her posture stiffen in response to the tone of disbelief in his question. "Yes," she stated evenly, her composed mask sliding into place. She wasn't going to explain herself or her decision to anyone. Those she trusted didn't need an explanation and everyone else she could care less about.

Genta raised his hands up defensively. "Sorry Princess," he apologized, instantly recognizing his mistake. "It's just that not too many women, much less royals, partake in games like these. Especially with…" he trailed off, unsure how to continue, his eyes sliding non-discreetly to her game partner.

"Takeru?" she prompted for the tongue-tied young man.

"Yes, with Takeru," he agreed, his gaze steady on her.

Mako studied him quietly for a long moment, enough to make the rest of the room's occupant's squirm, all except for Takeru who watched the exchange intently.

"You must have heard the rumors about me," Mako began, apologizing for nothing. "It shouldn't come as a surprise."

"That you're intelligent and don't play to the games of the court? Yes," Genta answered honestly. "That you sit with servants as equals and even play Agnitio with them, especially when it's obvious you're losing and not throwing a fit… It's unique to this court." He held her gaze unwaveringly. "Those around you must care a great deal if those rumors have yet to reach the other court Ladies, officials or the King."

Mako studied the man before her, seeing a keen, quick mind behind his dark eyes. "This is not the first court you have worked in." It was a statement, not a question.

Genta's grin widened, even as the others in the room stilled. "You're as quick as they say."

Mako accepted his words as the compliment they were meant to be with a nod but never took her eyes off him. It was silent enough to hear a pin drop as everyone waited with bated breath. Finally Mako sat back with a sigh, her fingers positioned in a steeple before her, her elbows resting on her chair's arms. "Genta," she began. "Tell me honestly, what do you plan to do here?"

"Cook," he answered simply. "I travel frequently," he shrugged. "That's how I improve my techniques. I have worked in courts, inns, and on the street as a vendor. That's no lie Princess."

Mako watched him – his gaze never faltered. Slowly she inclined her head in acknowledgement and the room relaxed almost as one. "Alright," she acquiesced. "I'll accept your answer for now so long as you can promise me that you have no intentions of harm toward me or mine."

"You're safe from me Princess," Genta told her. "That's not why I am here."

Mako nodded in consent, knowing he was dancing around something else, and really couldn't take his word as a promise but sensing no out right deceit in his answers. She would keep an eye on him but trust her instincts on this one all the same. She stood and the men in the room stood with her. "It has been an interesting meeting Genta." It was an obvious dismissal but she kept her cool mask in place. "I expect to see you more often."

"Are you going to be watching me now Princess?"

"Yes." Mako stated bluntly.

Genta's smile broadened. "Then I look forward to being in your presence again." He gave her a polite bow.

Without a word Mako met Ryunosuke's inquiring gaze and nodded slightly before taking Kotoha gently by the arm and directing her to their sleeping quarters. "If you'll excuse us," Mako inclined her head before shutting the door snuggly behind her.

The men were silent for a long moment, watching the door intently.

When they were sure the pair weren't going to reappear anytime soon Ryunosuke turned to glare at the man standing next to him.

For his part, Genta was grinning ear to ear. "Truly one of a kind," he stated in a low voice, making sure his voice didn't carry.

"Are you insane?" Ryunosuke muttered incredulously.

Genta shrugged. "No more than the average guy." His grin diminished as he turned to the other man in the room, and without warning he embraced him in a one-armed hug. "Glad to see you're alive and well Take-chan."

Takeru stole a glance at the closed door, shaking his head at his friend but unable to stop the small smile from making its appearance known on his face. "I've been fortunate," he admitted in a pitch that would not carry. "Very fortunate."

Genta's eyes followed his friend's. "I'll say," he grinned.

Takeru glared at his friend as Ryunosuke rolled his eyes in exasperation.

"But seriously Take-chan, be careful," Genta warned, uncharacteristically stern. "She's sharp."

Takeru's smile grew minutely. "I know."

Genta studied his life-long friend with a smile that grew by the second. "This should be fun."

Ryunosuke buried his head in his hand with a groan. "You're going to get us all killed," he mumbled as Genta slapped his back good-naturedly.

"We'll be fine. It'll go off without a hitch!"

"Glad one of us is so positive about it." Ryunosuke muttered mutinously.

Takeru watched the door carefully. "How is –?"

"Fine," Genta answered, serious in a moment. "It'll work Take-chan. How are things here?"

Takeru nodded. "No word or hint so far. Everything seems clear."

Genta nodded. "Good, I'll keep you posted as often as I can then." He frowned at the shackles around his friend. "I don't like the new additional hardware you've acquired while here."

"She's working on it," Takeru responded, his eyes flicking to the shut door again.

"She?" Genta's eyebrow rose.

Takeru nodded.

"Huh," Genta was taken aback. "Like I said, a true one-of-a-kind little Lady."

"She's anything but a 'little lady'," Ryunosuke grit. "She's the First Princess of the Court."

Genta shrugged. "My assessment still stands, even more so because of whom she's supposed to be."

"Who she is," Ryunosuke insisted.

Takeru held a hand up in silence, cutting the argument off. "Go," he whispered. The two nodded quickly, bowing out before making their hasty exit. Takeru returned to his previous seat and studied the board, pondering his next move. More than one game was at play here. And if he was reading the strategy right here, they might be ready for the next piece to be moved on the board.

"What do you think Kotoha?"

"He seemed honest to me."

Mako bit her thumbnail. "He's hiding something."

"Yes," Kotoha agreed. "I think so too, but Ryunosuke wouldn't allow someone in here if they meant us harm would he?"

Mako shook her head. "Not voluntarily." She paced the length of the room, the one place no one was allowed without her express permission. She shook her head. "I can't puzzle him out. There were no lies in his words, but he wasn't telling us all of the truth either." She ceased her pacing and took her sister by the shoulders lightly but her eyes were tight with worry. "Promise me you'll be careful around him."

Kotoha nodded. "I promise."

Mako smiled before embracing her sister gently. "I suppose we have to go back out there now. It was rude to leave so abruptly."

"Given the circumstances, I don't think anyone minded," Kotoha insisted.

Mako shook her head with a smile, running her fingers through her sister's hair. "Takeru will be waiting for us to come back."

Kotoha bit her lip.

"What is it?" Mako prompted.

"Are you sure you can trust him?"

Mako's fingers ceased and she rested her forehead against her sister's. "No," she whispered. "And I'm growing unsure with more people with each passing day Kotoha." She sighed deeply. "It's exhausting."

"Isn't that normal in a royal court?"

Mako shook her head. "I don't know. I've never seen other courts. We're not allowed to leave the palace except when Father wishes it, and that's usually only granted to us after we've been married off." She sighed again. "I'm tired Kotoha."

"You can do this Mako."

"Do what, exactly?"

"You could rule!"

Mako made frantic motions to keep her sister's voice down. "That's treason," she whispered.

"You were born for this," Kotoha insisted, ignoring her sister's darted looks the door. "You're more capable of it than anyone else here!"

"Even you?" Mako asked wryly.

Kotoha nodded fervently. "I don't know the outside or our people. You do. And they know you too." She smiled encouragingly. "All the servants talk about you all the time, you know." She hugged her sister. "They all adore you." Mako smiled and returned the hug affectionately, needing to feel the comfort that only a loved one could provide.

"Thanks Kotoha," she whispered. "I just wish there was someone who could help us – all of us."

"Have you written another letter yet?"

Mako shook her head. "I haven't replied; I've only just broken the new code."

Kotoha nodded. "They can help," she insisted. "Ryunosuke was positive."

Mako agreed. "His information is rarely wrong."

"You know what you need?" Kotoha asked suddenly.

"What?"

"A man."

Mako stared at her sister incredulously before bursting out into laughter. "Where did that idea come from?"

Kotoha shrugged nonchalantly. "I hear they're great for stress relief. Someone tall, dark and handsome. Someone who will light a fire in you from across the room with just his eyes alone."

Mako snorted in laughter. "And I think you have read too many of the common folk's romance tales." She shook her head in exasperation. "What am I supposed to do with you?"

Kotoha giggled, catching Mako up in her mirth until they were both laughing so hard that tears formed in their eyes, the tension that had built up inside of them diminishing bit by bit.

"It would be great if he could help you rule," Kotoha added wistfully when her giggles had mostly settled. "As a true partner."

"Dare to dream Kotoha," Mako hugged her sister tightly in response. "Dare to dream."