“This is your life, Akemi. You must stop sulking over it.” Her father continued, having went on for the past half hour. The princess marvelled at how he never tired of talking.

“Just because it’s what you’re forcing me to do, doesn’t mean I have to enjoy it.” Akemi retorted as she closed her eyes to let her ladies in waiting do her makeup. The slight rouge dusted across her cheekbones and the balm glossed over her lips accentuated her natural beauty.