"Relax." Midari cooed.

The cool aloe face mask was laid on your face as Midari's bow held your hair back. She held your hand delicately as you painted your nails. You were practically asleep, except for the excitement going on downstairs.

"So, Jabami, what chips shall we bet first?" Yuriko asked politely. You almost wished you were watching, because you knew Yuriko would have wanted you to. But Midari's fingers were magical and you could only listen.

"Let's see. I guess I'll start by getting a feel for it. Ten chips." Yumeko suggested. It was part of her pattern; start low, then ramp up ten times. That kind of craziness was endearing to you: it was also the same reason that you liked Midari. Anyone who didn't fit in the mold of society was interesting to you because you had to fit so perfectly.

But at the same time, you loved Kaede for the very fact that he fit in your life perfectly. He was perfect to you, to the public and to your family. You couldn't wait to spend the night with him.

"Both player are rady. Ten swords. Beginning." You only head the slam of the cup. "Lay your bets."

As the referee counted down, Midari blew on your nails.

"I'm all done with your pretty little fingers. Let me at your toes." Midari let go of your hands, and you shifted around until your head was on the ground and your feet rested on Midari's thighs.

"Bets are laid." The serious girl stated.

"You seemed to be thinking until the last second. Do you have some plan?" Yuriko asked Yumeko.

"Yes. That pot is slightly wider at the top than the bottom. It's more likely that the swords will land on the small numbers in the center. Whether I get life or death, if I don't get the number right, it's boring."

That sounds just like Yumeko. You smiled as you felt large, cold hands lift your head up.

As you looked up, you saw Kaede's serious face.

"Don't hurt your head." He whispered as he placed his folded up jacket beneath you and went back to watching the game below. Everything being calm, you decided to go back to listening.

"I'm not a very patient girl." Yumeko remarked.

"I pray that does not come back to haunt you." Yuriko chimed knowingly. It was almost sad to you that she felt the need to cheat, but for her especially it was necessary.

If she were to lose then she would lose her spot in the council. If she lost her spot in the council, then she wouldn't get to spend the day with you. If she didn't maintain a stable relationship with you, then her family wouldn't be guaranteed a position close to the royal family.

That was almost everyone's plan in all honesty. Everyone but Kaede's. As you glanced over at him, you noticed him deeply focused on the situation below. But within a minute he was looking up at you, smiling softly.

Oh goodness, I love him. You thought to yourself. We're meant to be.