Being able to talk it all out left him feeling much, much better. Sato would have hit him long ago for whining or moping or being a brat, which was fine, in a way. It left a part of him unfulfilled, he had been raised to talk and discuss and see things from various viewpoints, and having no one to talk his situation over with had left him flustered. This little discussion had done wonders for his mind at the moment.
He noted the blush, feeling somewhat uneasy suddenly. He did not want to mislead the princess... that said, was he really misleading her? The rather embarrassing truth was that no, he was not. He had genuine and rather shockingly strong feelings for her. He blew out a soft breath and pushed a hand over his hair as she spoke. "She does want me to stand alone. She has told me she does... not wish to see much of me anymore." Of course, 'anymore' had not been Sato's words, but it was what the bullheaded young prince had heard. He was used to things being very final and tended to take any kind of rejection very seriously and personally. "I would like nothing more than to honor my master, but I feel very lost." It was an embarrassed confession.
Curious eyes turned toward her as she began to speak, brows lifting in a mild surprise. She was unhappy? Well, now that he thought about it, an arranged marriage had to be an uncomfortable thing, and at least somewhat scary. Embarrassment began to touch his features, though it was all at once multiplied as soft lips found his cheek. Color warmed his bronzed skin, his heart beating rather quickly as he kept his distance, watching her balance the bench. He stood silently a long moment, unable to keep from drinking in her form for few breaths. "...I'm sorry, Xiu... I've been selfish and callous." His voice came out low, brows knitting as he watched her. "...I suppose there is nothing I can do for you, is there?" He was quite suddenly sure that at that moment, there was no request he would deny her.