The Prince and the Priestess

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

A kiss? Wait.. whereever? Ryuu grins. "Alright... go!" he says abruptly, kicking his horse into a full gallop. 

[Raja kumarie]

I laugh bright and clear spurring my horse forward.

Wind whipping through my hair I'm brought back to my last ride with Vashti.
"Come on faster" I cried racing t words the finish line just a nose behind Vashti. I barle over the finish line taking second place in the annual convent race. "I win" she grins pulling me into a kiss before motioning me to follow her through the bizarre we are quite until we reach our spot by the river...

I snap back to the here and now as I see the trees getting closer. I push kadji a little harder taking the lead as we ride ibto the bamboo. I lead us a bit further into the thicket allowing our stead's to cool down before dis mounting.

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

Ryuu leads a little furthe rin, to a place where there's a small pond with ducks on it. "That was well ridden," he admits. 

[Raja kumarie]

"We used to race twice a year through the market to bring good luck. You're quite good yourself "

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

"You can't race through the market here, but there are plenty of wild lands nearby for hunting and fishing that we can ride through. As long as you keep a low profile in case anyone else is out here."

[Raja kumarie]

'can you teach me to hunt?!" I ask excitedly

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

He hesitates for a long moment. "Only if you never, ever tell my father."

[Raja kumarie]

I nod I bite my lower lip before blurting out "why did you marry me?"

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

Ryuu starts. "I.... what?" he asks, nonplussed. "Because I was told to."

[Raja kumarie]

"and that's it?" I ask softly. "You were told to so you did it....you never wanted this.... How...why did you.... Why go along with it?' I turn away in frustration and confused I knew it was arranged I knew he wasn't prepared for me but he never wanted anything to do with me and simply went through the motions. No wonder there's no passion in him

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

"I would do anything for my family. This brings the family honor and wealth. My brother's children will thrive because of this. My mother will have an easier life. So yes, I did it because I was told to."

[Raja kumarie]

"I see" I say softly " do you even like me?"

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

He blinks. "does that... matter?"

[Raja kumarie]

"Does it not?" I ask shocked "do you feel anything for me?"

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

"Feelings are ephemeral, like water -- always changing, never steady enough to build on. Duty is a firm plain, with rich soil and bedrock."