Chapter thirteen

         Nishi looked around as she walked through the Kou Empire. She wasn't exactly sure where she was going, but it was obvious the palace wasn't too far away as it was much larger than every other building and a lot more expensive looking. The citizens in the area seemed content with their lives, not paying much attention to Nishi as she walked past.

         "I wonder what the Ren's are really like?" Nishi thought out loud as she continued walking. It's going to be so awkward with Judar there too... She also hoped Kougyoku and Kouha hadn't told anyone else about them.

 ~

         "Hey, Old Hag, she's here." Judar called to Kougyoku lazily.

         "Really? How do you know, Judar-kun?" Kougyoku walked over to where Judar sat on the railing of the palace entrance, Ka Koubun at her side.

         Judar shrugged, "I felt it. See, there she is." He pointed to the bottom of the stairs as Nishi walked to them, looking slightly nervous.

         "Oh! She is here!" Kougyoku exclaimed happily. "Nishi!"

     Nishi smiled at the princess when she got to top of the large staircase, "Hello Princess Kougyoku." She noticed Judar walked over as well, but she decided not to address him.

         "Hey, Judar, is this her?" Nishi jumped at the sound of another person beside her. She looked the young man standing to her left. He had pink hair and eyes like most of the Ren family and was a bit shorter than Nishi.

         "Uh..." Nishi wasn't sure what to say.

         "Nishi, this is Brother Kouha. He's the third prince." Kougyoku introduced him.

         "Oh!" Nishi realized this was the prince who knew of her and Judar's friendship. "Hello Prince Kouha." She bowed her head to him. Her braid swung over her shoulder and hit her in the face, causing Nishi to blush a deep red and hope no one noticed.

         "Hmm...She's cute I guess." Kouha circled Nishi. "Good job, Judar."

         "What?" Nishi lifted her head and turned towards Kouha who was now standing beside Judar. Good job!?

         "Ah, so she has arrived. Welcome, Nishi." Nishi looked to see two more people coming out from inside the palace.

         Nishi knew they had to be the first and second prince so she bowed her head to them, "Thank you for allowing me to visit...uhm..." She glanced up and looked at the men. They had the same pink hair and eyes as Kougyoku and Kouha and wore expensive clothing. She knew Sinbad had told her all of their names, but she was having a hard time remembering theirs.

         "Kouen Ren. First Imperial prince. This is my brother Koumei, second Imperial Prince." Kouen introduced himself and his younger brother. "I see you've already met Prince Kouha and our magi, Judar."

         Nishi lifted her head and smiled a little, "Yes, I have."

         Kouen nodded, "Feel free to stay here as long as you'd like."

         "Thank you." Nishi thanked him, then looked to Kougyoku to see what would happen next.

         "Come on, I'll show you around the palace." Kougyoku offered, smiling.

~

         Nishi sat in the middle of a field of flowers with Kougyoku. The princess had shown her around the palace, Judar and Kouha tagging along. She had even gotten a chance to apologize to Judar, who just shrugged it off. Now, Nishi was making flower crowns with Kougyoku and talking about anything that came to mind.

         "So, I hear you've got a thing for Sinbad, huh?" Nishi teased.

         "Huh?!" Kougyoku blushed. "I guess I like him..."

         Nishi smiled, "Yeah? He's a lot older than you, you know."

         "I don't care. He's not that old!"

         Nishi chuckled and placed a flower crown she'd finished on the princesses head. "I wouldn't be surprised if he liked you back."

         "R-Really?! You think Sinbad would like me?!" Kougyoku blushed more, getting excited.

         "Why not? You're young and pretty. Plus, you're a princess."

         Kougyoku smiled happily, her eyes wide. Once she relaxed she asked, "What about you? Do you like anyone?"

         "Me? No, no...I don't like anyone." Nishi could feel her cheeks heating up despite her words.

         "You sure?" A sly smile spread across Kougyoku's face.

         "Hmm...Well your brothers are pretty hot." Nishi smirked.

         "What?! All of them?!" Kougyoku exclaimed.

         "N-No, no! I'm joking!" Nishi laughed, shaking her head. "I swear!"

         "Oh!" Kougyoku laughed. "Okay."

         "You mean you actually believed me?"

         "No..." The princess pouted and turned her head to the side.

         Nishi chuckled quietly and shook her head. This is fun...I'm glad I came...

~