Nealan of Queenscove paced in his rooms in Corus, hands held behind his back. "How do I tell her?" He ran his hands through his hair and remembered the Yamani woman who had come with the princess—Lady Yukimi she was called.
She had stopped the entire room. Sent heads turning and hearts fluttering. Oh, gods, he knew that feeling. Breath catching in your throat, the heat in the room becomes unbearable and the pounding of your heart is so intense, it ought to burst. Oh, yes, he knew that feeling.
Her rice-powdered face was blank, as Yamani culture ordered, and her lips finely painted in red. Neal had not stared as openly as others had, but rather cast frequent glances. Frequent, curious glances. He had forced his mind to think of food and of how hungry he was, but it was almost impossible with her in the room.
Her voice, soft and accented rang across the room. It sent his senses reeling and his head swimming with thoughts.
"They stare so." She had said. Oh, yes, he stared at her. She was beautiful in everyway, and just a little rough around the edges. She was just right, in his opinion.
She had glanced around the room and, for a fleeting moment, he thought her almond-shaped, sparkling brown eyes had lingered on him…
Neal sighed and strode down the halls to Lady Yukimi's room. His hand rose to knock on the door, but did not knock. Finally, gathering his courage, he ran a hand in his hair and knocked.
The Yamani answered, face blank. "Yes?"
His throat dried up, "I-I…um…" "I came to see Lady Yukimi is she—"
"You already are, sir." The corners of her eyes crinkled, and Neal mentally kicked himself. Straightening up slightly, he schooled his features to a relaxed expression, but failed miserably. Chuckling, he bowed, "I am Neal of Queenscove, pleased to meet you."
"Squire Keladry has told me much of you, Neal." Yuki flicked open her fan and hid the bottom half of her face. "She says you are famous for your remarks."
Neal's eyebrows rose, and he smiled crookedly, "I am?"
Yuki nodded.
Neal then plucked the fan from her grip, "Here in Tortall, you are allowed to smile." He whispered.
Yuki's eyes twinkled curiously, "It seems so."
Neal chuckled again, and handed her fan back. "It's true."
Yuki's mouth twitched slightly and, nervously, she hid behind the fan again. Why did she suddenly feel all warm inside when he smiled like that?
"It was a start." Neal smiled, feeling warm and giddy inside. He knew he didn't care if she ever turned to the Eastern way of life, all he knew was that this was going to be an interesting few days.
A very interesting few days.