Luneshale Pass fifty-fifth

She reclined on her mound of furs, her body relaxed but her mind busy; always busy. She didn't know yet who she could trust aside from her hemet. She knew she shouldn't trust her so easily but if she had meant to harm the princess then she could have easily done so instead of bringing her to her sister. Ashikaga rested better knowing Melody was always close by. Really, she rarely ever left. Ashikaga was pleased by it. As for anyone else, they needed to prove themselves first, and she was willing to let them.

A voice outside pulled her from her thoughts—Senmut. He had served her father, something that made him intriguing to the princess. Maybe she could learn to trust him as her father once had. Her father. Despair sat like a rock in her chest but she pushed it away as Melody approached. She announced the prince and Ashikaga waited for him to enter, a guarded curiosity in her gaze.