Aiko felt her heart become cold and her hands clammy. His lips probably the weight of all the people's names he had executed. She tried pushing him away, but the thought of her village burning brought her hands back to her side. The Emperor's cold eyes glimmered with satisfaction. Right as Aiko could feel his cold breath on her trembling lips, a soft and delicate voice broke through the bubble they had created around themselves.

"Oh, hello brother."

The Emperor looked up, his eyes flashing in annoyance. He was ready to punish who had interrupted them. The Emperor tensed, his hand gripping Aiko's side with strength. It didn't feel like a grip that was meant to dominate; it felt like the grip of someone clutching onto their last hop. "Is...is he scared?" Aiko asked herself, watching his pale knuckles. She gently pushed him away and grabbed his hands.

There, in front of them stood a woman. She was stunning, even though her beauty was cold. Her eyes were long, almost catlike. Aiko almost shivered. Three maids were behind her, their heads low, trying to conceal their presence.

Aiko quickly realized who she was and lowered her gaze. "Your Highness," She said, her voice strong.

Fumi smiled coldly. "Ah, now I see where my kimono went."

Aiko looked at her kimono. "How dare she say it's her kimono?", Aiko thought, starting to argue back, when the Emperor stepped in front of her, covering her irritated face with his body.

"It seems I have created a misunderstanding! I took these kimonos from a passing maid! I had no idea they were yours." He said, his eyes glinting, daring her to contradict the emperor.

Fumi's smile tightened and then slipped off her face. "You created no such thing, dear brother. You are the Emperor. You are always right." She exclaimed.

Here in the palace, rude comments weren't yelled normally like in the village. Here, they were covered by layers and layers of politeness, but still visible. Your tongue was your weapon here.

Aiko snapped her golden fan open, imitating her sisters, and covered her mouth, giggling. "Well, I am so sorry for having caused a racket of this sort!" Aiko exclaimed. While she was laughing, her instincts begged her to run away and hide, her gut almost yanking her away.

Fumi giggled as well. "Well, then, why don't we forget and go get some tea?" She proposed softly.

Aiko smiled, nodding her head. The Emperor had stayed silent, a simple smile on his lips as he nodded.

As Fumi led the way to the pavilion placed in the centre of the lake, a feeling dawned on Aiko. The walls seemed to loom on her.

With a jolting shock, Aiko realised, life at the palace wasn't as easy as it seemed. Secrets and darkness hid in every corner and person. All words had double meanings. All the kindness came at a price. If someone helped you, it wasn't for you, but for own personal goal. A gleaming knife was always pressed against your back, ready to take life away from you. The only problem was you didn't know who held the knife. Everybody was an actor. Everybody was a traitor in their own twisted way. This realization came without warning, triggered by Fumi.

A soft noise escaped her, showing her distress.

The Emperor turned to look at her; he raised an eyebrow. Aiko quickly coughed, starting to fan herself, her skin paler.

Fumi continued chatting aimlessly as they walked through the beautiful corridor, talking about the decorations around them. The corridor that led to the pavilion was beautifully decorated.

It followed a blue colour theme. Drawing of fish and women with long scaly tails were painted on the walls. In the center, the god of water, Suijin had been painted. He bore a striking resemblance to the Emperor.

At the end of the corridor, two screen doors were opened. Aiko stepped out. The view was so beautiful, Aiko couldn't help but gasp.

CREDITS TO THE RIGHTFUL OWNER OF THE PICTURE