[She wants to say something in response to that - the desire to do so is written all over her face - but whether it's because of the pain, his insistence, or some combination of the two, she does not. Instead, she merely presses her lips together into a thin line and closes her eyes as Kaoru picks up speed. They'll have a lot to talk over once they arrive in Yase, but for now, she needs to stay still and refrain from doing anything that could break his concentration and make this task any more difficult for him than it already is.
Unfortunately, it seems like there is a member of the Nagumo clan who has taken it upon himself to make this incredibly difficult. Kaoru may have far more experience running through the woods than he ought to, but the clan has just as much experience chasing him, and though Kimigiku is keeping the others who were in direct pursuit busy, this man is standing at the wooded area's edge, ready and waiting. When Kaoru comes into view, he pulls back on a bowstring and releases the arrow.
The twang of the string makes Sen sit up with a start, and it grazes her cheek before going sailing over Kaoru's shoulder. It isn't the fact that it's hit at all that makes her furrow her brow in concern and bring a few fingers up to her cheek; it's that there is no telltale orange glow, and that the blood continues to drip long after it should have healed over.
Her stomach churns, and she channels her terror into a deep scowl as she addresses the man.]
Have you nothing better to do with your time than this? [She doesn't sound as vehement as she normally would; she's too weakened for that. And yet, there is still a certain amount of disdain in her voice.] Accept that you have lost and release Kaoru into Yase's care.
[The man just laughs. It's a cruel, mocking sound, and Sen flinches because his voice truly does grate on her nerves.]
Now that your servant has arrived, you're free to go, Princess. [He sneers.] But he stays. Maybe you can fight his way free, but if you take the time to do so, you'll perish before you can return home. [Then he turns his attention to Kaoru.] Give it up and go back to your room, brat. You aren't so valuable to Yase that they'll risk their princess's life for yours.
[Sen narrows her eyes and tightens her fists into the fabric of Kaoru's kimono.]
no subject
Unfortunately, it seems like there is a member of the Nagumo clan who has taken it upon himself to make this incredibly difficult. Kaoru may have far more experience running through the woods than he ought to, but the clan has just as much experience chasing him, and though Kimigiku is keeping the others who were in direct pursuit busy, this man is standing at the wooded area's edge, ready and waiting. When Kaoru comes into view, he pulls back on a bowstring and releases the arrow.
The twang of the string makes Sen sit up with a start, and it grazes her cheek before going sailing over Kaoru's shoulder. It isn't the fact that it's hit at all that makes her furrow her brow in concern and bring a few fingers up to her cheek; it's that there is no telltale orange glow, and that the blood continues to drip long after it should have healed over.
Her stomach churns, and she channels her terror into a deep scowl as she addresses the man.]
Have you nothing better to do with your time than this? [She doesn't sound as vehement as she normally would; she's too weakened for that. And yet, there is still a certain amount of disdain in her voice.] Accept that you have lost and release Kaoru into Yase's care.
[The man just laughs. It's a cruel, mocking sound, and Sen flinches because his voice truly does grate on her nerves.]
Now that your servant has arrived, you're free to go, Princess. [He sneers.] But he stays. Maybe you can fight his way free, but if you take the time to do so, you'll perish before you can return home. [Then he turns his attention to Kaoru.] Give it up and go back to your room, brat. You aren't so valuable to Yase that they'll risk their princess's life for yours.
[Sen narrows her eyes and tightens her fists into the fabric of Kaoru's kimono.]
Quiet, you—!