Hitomi herself seemed always in some shade of mystery, more so as she rarely spoke to any man in the way that she did Ryou, but yet it easily painted the image that much of what Ryou about the woman was most likely exaggerated; but while in truth it was hardly the case. In fact the price's desire to keep her as a tutor beyond childhood kept her in the palace far longer then most servants would even tolerate, but yet every day she would greet him with the same kindness, grace and intelligence that the others around him typically seemed to lack... Although it was always a wonder why even then she did not break away from her duties to seek out love and life fulfillment... But then again it went without saying that sort of things the woman did while the price was away...<br/><br/>Hitomi smiled softly to his words regarding the life lesson. "Just keep working hard; come enough time you will over come the troubles of the lessons, and even surpass the class." She smirked as well to that, knowing full well he was her only 'student' but seeming to hint she caught onto his sarcasm rather easily. When she was addressed to take her turn she would move her pieces accordingly as the game started to move in full motion as they started taking turns moving the prices. The games played with Hitomi where always long and challenging, giving the prince more practice to work out his strategy skills; however Hitomi herself rarely actually won; but it seemed likely in most cases she lost on purpose....<br/><br/>"That is a wise move." she agreed to him holding off political matters. "I think that will help you adjust to the changes as well..." She paused slightly before making a final move before tapping the table, Showing that she had nearly taken over the entire board in just a few turns; showing more then words would ever explain how lost the prince's mind was at the moment. "Seems this game is lost." she smiled softly, but with her words she reached over carfully to place a hand over the prince's. "But there will be many more games." still keeping her hand laced over his own, she took her free hand to refill his teacup.<br/><br/>"regardless of the out come, I have faith that you will overcome these dark times.... In fact you will blossom, and become a man your father and brothers a like will be proud of." She then moved her head closer, using her free hand to rise his chin so his eyes would match her own. "It is ok to grieve, take your time to remember all that you learned.... But when the time is right you must be able to stand up strong and show everyone what you have learned." Hitomi gave a long warm smile to the young man before pulling her hands away slowly as they returned to resting in her lap. "Until then.... If there is anything I can do my prince, I will see to it that it is done to help in the passing of this..." she held her smile, turning the board around as she started to pack up the pieces to the game; after all it was starting to grow late.