#*roleplay

     A smile crossed Hinoka’s lips as she watched Kaze dip into his usual revering stance. Even after he had heard the news of this arranged marriage, he was still the loyal ninja he was brought up to be. 

     This soothed the sky knight’s nerves somewhat. If anything, she was grateful that her hand was offered to Kaze over a stranger. At least she could rest easy knowing that Kaze would remain ever steadfast.

     As Kaze righted his posture, Hinoka met his eyes with her own. The slip of his tongue brought the word Lady to her ears. Hinoka studied his facial expression for a time before releasing a light chuckle. 

    “You’ve always been at my family’s side, Kaze,” Hinoka said with a slight simper. “I know that this will take some getting used to, but you won’t need to address me as that anymore.” 

     Hinoka stepped closer to Kaze and rested a hand atop his shoulder. She smiled genuinely as she began to speak in a warmer tone of voice.

     Hinoka had been busy attempting to tug her short hair into a ponytail when her retainer caught her attention.

     “Oh, Setsuna!” Hinoka greeted with her lips curling into a smile. “I didn’t realize you were here as well.”

    Unsurprisingly, Hinoka was unabashed knowing that she was just in her chest bindings and tights. After all, the other person was someone she had been around for most of her life. Another woman no less. Hinoka had little to fear.

     Nohr. For some reason, Hinoka felt as though it wasn’t all that long ago since she was last here.

     Due to extenuating circumstances beyond her control, she found herself inside the doors of Castle Krakenburg. The towering structure was certainly intimidating. Plentiful blacks and purple decorated the servants flitting to and fro the hallways. Not one stopped to greet the princess. Perhaps it were for the best.

     After all, not one of the Nohrians Hinoka had passed by on her way through the capital of Windmire seemed to take kindly to the idea that Hinoka would soon be considered a Nohrian herself.

     Without wasting any time, Hinoka made her way through the corridors. Lia, the second youngest princess to the former King Garon had said that she would meet with Hinoka after she had settled into their room. With only a crudely drawn map to guide her to the chambers, Hinoka struggled to hold back a sigh. 

     This castle truly was maze-like in structure. It took double the amount of time as she had intended before Hinoka found herself in front of the aforementioned bedroom. The handle turned with ease leading Hinoka into a rather impressive room. But, since she didn’t have time to fully embrace the furnished chambers, Hinoka merely set down her things before turning to exit. It was when she stepped back into the hallway that she ran into her.

     Lia, the one who was arranged through political orders to be wed to Hinoka. Just thinking about it once again made Hinoka’s stomach churn.

     “Hello, Lia,” Hinoka said rather simply. “I went ahead and put down my things as asked. Is there anything else you require from me?”

     Her speech was distant, cold. Although Hinoka was usually one for peace and kind words, neither of that seemed important to her right now. Just the thought that her brother would agree to this arrangement... Hinoka gnashed her teeth bitterly.