Royal Intrigue

The Best Made Plans

"Ah, little sister. What brings you here at this time of day? I thought that you would be attending the young princess after we managed to get you such a position. I've just sent back to mother and father about your change in circumstances, they will be very proud of the honor that you bring the family."

Not used to such praise, Tsukimine bowed low to her brother, rising only when he placed a hand under her chin and rubbed gently, bidding her to rise up and meet his gaze. Their people stood less on formality, feeling that the gods themselves walked among them, trisckters and the benevolent alike. Everyone should be afforded respect, not just those who were born into a position of power. The ability to have a good upbringing could all change in an instant. The small chaino f islands prone ot massive waves, earthquakes, and home to venomous snakes that all but the shaman women feared.

"I bring another chance for us to bring honor to our families and to change the course of our destiny brother. While my position here secures yours somewhat, you have not yet made a name for yourself in a way that ensures uncle will not recall you. On the islandsthe threat of death looms ever closer to you. The failure of our grandfather still besmirching our name. You were sent here to fail and we both know it, but I may have the answer."

"Speak sister, and speak freely. I have ensured that only those loyal to us who speak our language guard the halls to these chambers. Their fates ever so entwined with ours as well. On fear of the Mabushi finding its way into their beds, they swear that they are loyal. Do not fear speaking openly to me, the nicetities of the court need not apply between those of us so entiwned." Kaiki's reassurances were as much for himself as for his sister, the knowledge that even in this den of vipers there was a small amount of safety was one of the things that managed to get him through the day.

"The princess is in need of a husband. One who will not curtail her freedom and who will allow her the ability to travel outside of these walls. She has discounted the idea of any of her countrymen, wishing to be free from the influence of her family should her father fall or his moods change. She has asked us to compile information on the different ambassadors to the court to help her decide who she should chose. However, I sense that she also wants to make this decision with her heart. Not wanting to be just a pawn in the game of kings that is so often played. With that in mind, having already met her, I feel like you have an advantage."

"A marriage to a princess? That would indeed restore the honor of our family and prevent uncle from recalling me back to our home. It would also allow us to go home with pride, to visit and to see our parents again before they die. The young princess may be interested in matters of the heart, but it is obvious she is also aware of the movements within the court. The advantages that you mention are only of true benefit to us if I manage to capitalize upon them. How long do you have to come up with a report?"

"She has not given us a date, but I feel that one within the first few days would be most advantageous. The sooner that she begins to consider you and think of you as a suitor rather than her saviour the sooner she may begin to feel more for you. As for capitalizing upon the advantage, is it not within your power to gift her that which she wants most? Access to knowledge of the world around her and to a window into the world that she has never been permitted to see? Appeal to her brain brother and her heart will follow. I will write my report, making sure to be thorough and objective. I will not make you seem perfect, but instead like someone that she could build a future with. In turn, you should work towards making her view you as a friend rather than just someone else at the court."

Kaiki considered his sisters words for a moment before going to dig through his personal items. A small book of bound fairytales lay at the very bottom, fanciful stories that would be more suited for children, but had always seemed to evoke a feeling of wonder and peace in his heart. "Shall I gift her this little mouse?" His reversion to a childhood nickname made Tsukimine smile, reminding her that even though they had both worked their hardest to get to the court, he was still the brother who had protected her in the darkest of days. "I hear that she goes to teach the children and one of the men even said that she teaches them the myths of her people, not just the typical education that those in the service of the temple usually received. You could work with her to ensure that she undestands the language, and it might provide her a good baseline for determining if she wants to learn more about what we hope will be her own home."

"I think that would be a wise choice brother, letting her see that she is not viewed only as a pawn, but also someone worthy of fun and joy may make her feel more inclined to consider your suit. You are correct, she does view the children as needing to learn more than just what the monks wish them to learn. She is interested in more than politics and has not yet lost her sense of wonder. She is kind and polite, the kind of woman that you would not be ashamed to bring home to our family. I do not think that we will find a better option."

"I hope that you are right. I shall have the book delivered in some of the finest cloth from the latest shipment, make sure that you are there to receive it. I bid you good evening sister, return to your duties and know that you have made our family proud."

Tsukimine hurried back through the halls of the palace to the rooms of the princess, hoping that she had not made a mistake. The possibility of restoring honor to her family outweighing the shame of plotting to place her brother as her new mistresses' husband.