The Queen And I / Mild Aphros

[leekspin]

Orihime kept her face plainly devoid of emotions as best she could as the suitor sneered, spat on the floor, and stalked away. She knew she shouldn't let people like that get to her; he was a liar and a con artist trying to take advantage of the sheltered princess, and the advisor had called his bluff. But even so, she felt a small twist in her

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[leekspin]

Orihime smiled wearily, but gratefully. She stood from her throne as well, placing her small hand in his and stepping to his side. She'd often held his hand as a child, allowing him to escort her to and from various functions. It was a familiar comfort to her, one she was glad he still entertained for her sake.

"It's not a bad idea," she reassured him, shaking her head. "There has to be someone. We just...didn't find him today. That's all!"

Still. She had to admit that it was a little distressing that not a single one of the suitors had the interests of the kingdom in mind. Most had been more interested in the royal treasury...or her royal bed, in a select few cases. Those were the most alarming.

She didn't know what she would have done without her advisor's support. She didn't have the heart or the courage to dismiss them, but he certainly did. It was a quality she appreciated very much, and somewhat envied.

"Thanks. I'm starving," she admitted with a laugh. There were no lunch breaks; she'd seen suitors all morning! Tomorrow she'd just have to eat a bigger breakfast to make it through. "You must be hungry too, it was a long day for both of us."