After a while it dawned on her she was acting like a teenage boy, using physical violence as the medium for displaying her interest in him. The teapot she beaned him with, while being sturdy enough not to shatter, was heavy enough to daze him—at least for a few seconds. The others looked at her in shock—is this the same gentle girl they knew? But then, the all knew well enough she had a temper. So they all looked at him, as if his next move would dictate their actions.

He merely smiled his peaceful smile at her and went about with his work.

Then came the little things, the loud complaining about having to help him dress, the shameless criticism of him to Shuurei-sama, and—let's not forget this one, it's very important—the chestnut in his manjuu. Shuurei-sama noticed and knew what it meant, almost certainly. Even that manic, feckless boy noticed, but thankfully, he did not know what it meant.

And even if he did, would he confront her?

Kourin doubted it. And she thought she was thankful for that little mercy. Until today.

She had never seen a man weep before. And this was a man. Yes, he was barely a few months older than she at fourteen, but he was already beset with the rank and responsibilities of a man, and was handing them accordingly. He was an ideal official, if a little unsure of himself. But to see him at his weakest, his shoulders hunched and shaking—she wanted to go to him. She wanted to hold him and—she shuddered, whether from shock or horror she did not know—kiss away his awful tears.

But she could not. She could only stand as if struck and watch until his sobs ebbed away, he wiped his eyes, then went back to his work.

It was only then she left him.

And later found herself, either by chance or design, in the presence of Lady Hyou. Eiki-sama was sparing with her affection, so unlike her late husband, but the warm glow in her eyes let Kourin know she was welcome. "So, young Kourin-chan, your eyes have found another love." Her green eyes were narrow and knowing.

Kourin felt the blood rush to her cheeks. She had hoped she was not so obvious. But then, she remembered, there was no hiding anything from the astute Lady Eiki. "I don't know what to say, Hyou-sama." She bowed her head.

"How long have you known?"

"Not very long, I think. He is always so kind to me, and I have been awful to him. But--"

"You see him as he is." Eiki smiled at her. "I did tell you that you have good taste in men, to have loved my Enjun so faithfully. Even when it is the hardest thing to love a great man. And as for Eigetsu-kun, his potential has barely been scratched." Then she frowned. "You are yet young. Your connections to the Sa and Kou clans, and by those, to the throne, can guarantee you a fairly good match in marriage. Are you so far along that you are resolved to Governor To and to him alone?"

"You give me too much credit, Hyou-sama. I really don't know what I will do."

"I give you the credit you are due, Kourin-chan. If you were so confused, would you be seeking my counsel? No, I think you come here to have me help you feel your way. I cannot guide you, but I can light your path. Think carefully, little one."

Kourin examined her hands. Not long ago, those hands had grazed the hands of the young governor, and in that split second had found them rough but warm. She knew at that point, she wanted nothing more than to feel those hands, those little fingers, intertwined with her own. She lifted her head. "I will stay with him," she said, "as long as he will let me."

Lady Eiki nodded, ever so slightly. "You don't need my blessing," she said. "But you have it. I daresay he is worthy of you. Do your best to prove yourself worthy of him."

Late that night, she brought him tea and a snack. He thanked her, eyes warm and sincere.

She let herself smile at him. The first of many.