(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/e/ee/Midori.jpg)<br/><br/>She nodded at her father's words, knowing any further argument would be useless. She did not want to marry this man, but her people were depending on her.  She would do this for them, and for no one else. She stifled her tears, wiped her face clean, and pulled herself to her full height, tiny as that was. Once under control, she stepped into the hall and found her way back to the throne room.<br/><br/>"Shun Tai," she adressed him quietly, bowing in respect but refusing to call him 'Master'. "My father has graciously consented to wait the full four days for the wedding." She hesitated a bit before continuing. "Do you require me to stay at your side this night?" she asked hesitantly. "It has been a long journey..."<br/><br/>(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/8/86/Ethan.jpg)<br/><br/>Ethan knew exactly who would make the best maidservant for the Princess. Sumi (http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/2/2a/Sumi.jpg) had been a gift to Emperor Bue during the peace talks with Shun Hideyoshi, and spoke the native tongue of the Princess. Ethan had taken her under his wing, so to speak, when he realized that she didn't speak the language. He'd looked over her and taught her the words, remembering himself what it was like to be sold off to someplace where you understood no one and no one understood you.<br/><br/>Ethan hurried through the corridors to the kitchens, pulled Sumi aside, and quickly explained the situation. Sumi blinked at him a few times. "Princess Midori?" she asked with the same lilting accent as the woman she asked about. "Here? To marry to Shun Tai?" She wanted to make sure she had this right. Even after six years, she was sometimes unsure if she had the words right.<br/><br/>"Yes," Ethan confirmed. "And she didn't bring a personal maid. That will be you. She'll want someone she can talk to, someone who knows her ways and her language. Come on..." He didn't give her a choice. He grabbed her hand and pulled her along behind him. Sumi quickly untied the soiled kitchen apron and tossed it aside as they made their way out of the kitchen. Because it was Ethan and it seemed an urgent matter, nobody in the kitchen questioned them.<br/><br/>Ethan returned to the throne room, Sumi in tow, shortly after Midori. Sumi fell to her knees, face to the floor, as soon as she approached the throne. Ethan waited respectfully until Midori finished speaking. "Master Tai," he whispered quietly, knowing that Midori could hear as well. "This is Sumi, the maid you requested for Princess Midori."