The arrival of the Verdant Valleys diplomatic envoy brought life and color to the palace like spring come early. Flowers unfamiliar to the local flora decorated the halls. Courtiers buzzed with whispers, and the servants whispered of the bride-to-be with awe.
Shisui waited in the Seventh Orchid Garden, standing by a marble fountain, fingers unconsciously rolling a coin of iron sand between them.
Then he saw her.
Lady Himeya of the Verdant Valleys approached, wearing a flowing green kimono threaded with living vines and tiny flower buds that bloomed with every step. Her warm brown eyes met his with a smile so gentle, it scattered the storm in his heart.
"You must be Shisui Morinaka," she said, bowing respectfully. "Your reputation does not do your presence justice."
He returned the bow. "And you must be Himeya. You speak as though you've practiced."
She giggled softly. "Perhaps I have. I was told I'd be meeting the most serious boy in the five nations."
To Shisui's surprise, Himeya was nothing like he expected—soft-spoken yet confident, gentle yet intelligent. They walked the garden paths, discussing everything from Arch Energy flora to the differences in cultural rites between their lands.
> "Do you resent this?" she asked suddenly, glancing at him.
Shisui paused, then sighed. "I did. But you… make it difficult to stay bitter."
Himeya smiled, cheeks warming. "Good. Because I'm determined to be your friend, even if fate forces us into roles we didn't choose."
By the time the sun had dipped below the horizon, Shisui found himself admiring not just her kindness—but her strength of spirit.
> In another world, he thought, she might have stolen his heart entirely.
But one heart already belonged to Naoko.
Now, he would need to walk a path more complicated than any battlefield: the politics of love, power, and honor.