USAGI:

… Were it not for Syrrah's insistence, I would not give you this 

opportunity to explain yourself.

ZYFAN:

I understand.

USAGI:

Let us sit.

USAGI:

… I am listening.

ZYFAN:
It is a little difficult.

USAGI:

I shall start. Isn't it true that you and my husband spent 

many nights alone together in his tent?

ZYFAN:

Yes.

USAGI:
According to the laws of marriage, one must first ask permission, from the spouse, before indulging in such activities. You are aware of this?

ZYFAN:

Yes, but I did not know Washi had a wife, so I saw no reason to 

refuse his ... attentions. Forgive me for saying so - but he never 

mentioned your existence to me until the l day he left me.

USAGI:

I am to believe that you, the next One, was unaware of my union to Washi? The union that was responsible for the alliance between two Clans, 

both of whom are not allies to yours.

ZYFAN:
I knew very little of anything outside of court life then.

USAGI:

Yet you were drawn to Washi, second son of the Shiehk. You

purposely threw yourself at him because of his position - admit it.

ZYFAN:

I did not throw myself ... Madam, it is not in my nature to ... to be so 

aggressive. I was much younger then, it was my first time in

service with the military and away from home.

USAGI:

How did you meet him?

ZYFAN:

He was one of my commanding officers. I was with the archers. 

He was impressed by my accuracy and congratulated me. He 

asked for my help in training the others because of it.

ZYFAN:

… I was invited to his tent to discuss ways to better their aim.

USAGI:

I can see this. His Clan is not known for their archery. They prefer to  swords and knives. He invited you, you say? You talked, dined and he seduced you?

ZYFAN:
He was very … persuasive.

ZYFAN:

I will not go into detail, but will say that the day came when he told me he was meeting you, his wife, elsewhere. He rode off leaving me in disgrace. 

That was the first I knew of you. I never would have dishonored you 

and put myself in such shameful circumstances had I known.

USAGI:
I believe you.

ZYFAN:
You do?

USAGI:

You are very diplomatic Zyfan. You place blame on your ignorance 

rather than on Washi whereit belongs. 

Meanwhile ...

PHAE:

… Did you know he was the Empress' son?

ZAM:

Yes my dear. Shichi preferrs it be kept a secret, well up until now that is.

PHAE:

He really is a prince?

ZAM:

That's right my dear.

PHAE: 

He could've told me, I would've kept it a secret.

ZAM:

But you see my dear, he gave up that life long ago and just doesn't see

himself as a prince. I think he sort of forgot, so-to-speak. 

PHAE:

But he knew Washi and Usagi were coming. He could have prepared me.

ZAM:

I don't think so. You see, he knew his brother-in-law was due

but not his sister. Washi may not have mentioned it at all.

PHAE:

Why was Usagi so mean to him?

ZAM:

Well my dear, they had a falling out long ago.

She's only one of his sisters. He has two more, you know.

SHICHI:

ahem

PHAE:

Shichi. I hope you won't be angry with Zam. He was 

only answering my questions.

SHICHI:
I’ll bet.

ZAM:

You know 'Chi, had you let the youngster know who you were

from the start, this whole thing could have been avoided.

ZAM:

… And now that the secret's out of the seashell, there's no stuffing it back inside. I suppose you want me to leave you two to sort it all out?

SHICHI:

That's what I was thinking.

ZAM:

I'm going. Just do a good job of it.

PHAE:

Thank you Zam. Shichi, why didn't you tell me?

SHICHI:

It was another life. I didn't think it'd ever be an issue. About my sister, you have to understand that she was raised to command. She's really quite fair and honorable. We were inseparable growing up. Everything 

changed when I left and she married Washi.

PHAE:

That's what I don't understand. She's of the Sea Clan and

Washi is of the Dessert. How did they ever meet?

SHICHI:

Our two Clans were enemies. Theirs is the political marriage that 

changed everything. Usagi met Washi on their wedding day 

and neither of them liked the other for a long time.

PHAE:

And you're a prince, the only prince in your Clan.

SHICHI:
Yes, lucky me. 

PHAE:

But you are lucky ... to be part of the royal family ...

SHICHI:

... Is to be a political pawn. Yes it's a great honor. 

SHICHI:

... Look Phae, I know you want to marry into the ruling family, and maybe 

it'll be different for you. I hope so. Zyfan's Clan and yours are more modern 

than mine but, I only hope you're walking in with your eyes wide open.