Chapter Five:
Aka stepped into the royal offices, feeling a little nervous. In front of her, an elderly man was sitting there reading over a file. As she entered, he glanced at her over his thick glasses. Aka swallowed and opened her mouth, about to introduce herself when the old man jumped up and approached her. He then plomped a pile of files into her hands, pointed to an empty desk across the room, and returned to his desk.
Feeling flustered, Aka looked from the files to her desk to the man and back to the files. gUmcwhat am I supposed to do with these?h The man ignored her. gOkay thench She went over to her desk and sat down, waiting. After a while, the man started and looked at her.
gWell, get to work,h he said roughly.
gI donft know what Ifm supposed to be doing,h she replied confused.
The man sighed exasperated. gDidnft they give you any training?h When she shook her head, he exploded. gWhat are you doing here then? They always send these beginners to me who know NOTHING!h He continued to rant as Aka watched him, bewildered.
Just as the old man was reaching his crescendo, the door opened. Aka turned around to see a handsome man step into the room. From the way he stood, Aka could tell that he was a born leader. As he surveyed his surroundings, his dark eyes met Akafs eyes, held them for a minute, then moved on to look bemusedly at the old man who hadnft heard him come in. The young man coughed politely.
The old man, distracted, looked behind to see the young man standing there. Immediately, he went over and bowed to the man. gPrince SakamotocI wasnft expecting you.h
gObviously,h came the wry reply. gI was walking past your door when I heard some commotion so I thought Ifd make sure everything is alright.h
gEverything is fine, your Highness,h replied the old man. gItfs just this novice I was sent. She knows absolutely nothing!h
Aka opened her mouth to protest but shut it after a warning glance from Sakamoto. gWell, I can train her,h he said.
gNo, I donft want to impose on you, Prince Sakamoto.h
gItfs no trouble. I would be honoured,h said Sakamoto. Secretly, he just wanted to get to know the beautiful lady standing in front of him better. He had never seen such a lovely young woman before, and was determined to at least talk to her.
With another little bow, the old man retreated back to his desk to resume working. Sakamoto walked over to Aka, gestured for her to sit down, and pulled up an extra chair for himself. As he sat down, his shoulder brushed against Akafs, and Aka felt a little jolt of energy. Startled, she looked up and her eyes met Sakamotofs. Never before had she seen such serious eyes, yet with a hint of a sense of humour. Secretly, wishing that they could stay looking into each otherfs eyes, she tore her eyes away to look back down at the paperwork on her desk.
Meanwhile, lots of thoughts were fleeting through Sakamotofs mind. But they all lead to one main thought: to stay close to her. He had felt as if he was drowning in her soft brown eyes until she had looked away. Seeing a tiny blush on her face, Sakamoto smiled.
gWhatfs your name?h he asked.
gAka,h Aka whispered.
gAka,h Sakamoto repeated. gMy name is Sakamoto.h
They looked at each other again. This time, Sakamoto was the first one to look away. He knew that if he didnft, he probably wouldnft ever want to look away. gWell, Aka, shall we get started? By the way, donft mind Johnny over there. Hefs our old book-keeper, and he can be short-tempered and irrational, but hefs good at his job.h Aka nodded and glanced at the old man, who was muttering to himself as he read from a scroll.
gAlright, letfs see herech Sakamoto continued as he pulled the first file towards him and Aka. gNow, in this casech
Aka was barely listening to what he was saying. Her mind was filled with thoughts of her and Sakamoto. But she did make a note of one thing: Sakamoto had a beautiful voice, and she wanted to stay there listening to his voice forever.