Story:

Mai’s smile had become an angry vein on her face as well. She was trying her very best to control herself. Violet noticed.

Seira watched them for another moment. Then she smiled brightly. “But I like you two.”

Nobody answered.

“You have manners.”

Shiki looked down at the tatami.

“Prepare a guest room for them,” Seira continued.

“Food, water, somewhere to rest. They’ve been kneeling here long enough.”

“And our companions?” Ai asked immediately.

Seira waved a sleeve toward the sisters.

“The so-called queen and princess can think about their manners in the cellar.”

Kicho stared at her. Violet’s laugh was short and dangerous. “You cannot possibly expect us to—”

“Shiki.”

The shrinemaiden stepped forward. “Yes, Seira-sama.”

Ai rose so abruptly that her stiff legs nearly failed beneath her. Mai caught her elbow.

“We are travelling together,” Ai said. “You cannot just separate us.”

“Your friends are being detained,” Shiki answered. Her tone was controlled, but her attention remained on the sisters’ hands and their tightened bonds. “They will not be harmed.”

“Then untie them,” Mai said. Shiki did not answer that.

Violet turned to the twins. “Go and rest.”

“But—”

“We know where you are now,” Kicho said. “That matters. Eat something. Keep together.”

Ai’s eyes shone with frustration. Mai took her hand.

Only when Shiki beckoned did they move, both looking back as another pair of guards entered to escort the sisters through a different door.

At the threshold, Violet paused and looked once more toward Seira.

“Your hospitality,” she said with exquisite, poisonous courtesy, “will be remembered.”

Seira glanced over her shoulder. “Oh, good. Their formal Japanese does have its uses.”

Shiki closed the door before either captive could reply.