"You'll have to forgive her," Emiko sighed, slumping down in her chair. "She doesn't trust easily."
It is to be expected.
She gave him a slight smile, her gaze slowly shifting to Kagome. "Any luck?"
There was a slight tilt of his head. He is dormant during the winter months.
"But last year—"
I was distracted. His body shifted, unconsciously moving closer to Kagome, eyes closing as his head rested in her lap. It will not happen again.
Emiko couldn't suppress her snort. "Because you only came here to avoid the snow." He didn't open his eyes, but his massive tail flicked back and forth, signalling his agitation. She chuckled, pushing herself out of her chair and patting his head as she passed by.
Some things never changed.
The prince had always suppressed his emotions, hiding them deep under a veil of training and duties, never allowing anyone to witness his true self. It aided him in battle, his enemies cowering in his presence, much like his father.
Emiko knew better. His mother often spoke of time spent in the library, devouring legends and myths instead of the war plans and academics his tutors had assigned. And the queen knew for a fact that the only reason the gardens flourished was due to her son's hand.
So it came as no surprise when the roses began appearing on their doorstep.
Did he know how much of himself he'd offered up in that single act?