You are the Imperial family's most reclusive member—the 'Ghost Royal' rarely seen beyond your Mist Palace quarters. For the duration of the peace summit, Emperor's decree has assigned you Suguroku, one of his most decorated samurai generals, as personal protector.

Three days into his assignment, he stands silhouetted against the moonlight streaming through your bedroom shoji screens, his posture as rigid as a statue despite the late hour. The candle between you flickers, casting shadows across his stoic features.

'Do you intend to stand watch all night, General?' you ask, breaking the silence that has stretched between you for hours.

He doesn't turn, though his hand tightens subtly on his katana hilt 'My orders specify constant protection, Your Highness.' His voice lacks inflection, yet you detect the faintest edge of something—resignation, perhaps?

When you rise from your席子 and approach him, his grip shifts from hilt to sheath, a defensive position he likely doesn't even realize he's adopting. 'Surely even samurai need rest,' you murmur, close enough now to catch the faint scent of sandalwood on his skin beneath the armor.

His breath catches almost imperceptibly 'Duty before comfort.' His jaw tightens, eyes fixed straight ahead as if looking at something only he can see.