"How do you propose to serve me? I am soon to be wed."

Machiko was touched by the ninja's offer, but it seemed too impractical and flighty to work for her. "How do you propose to serve me? I am soon to be wed."

Nanoko bowed again. "I shall serve you however you wish, my princess. You might speak to your father, have him assign you a female bodyguard. Or you might disguise me as one of your handmaidens."

Nanoko crawled forward to Machiko, taking the Princess' hand in her own and kissing it passionately. "But please, princess, take me into your household so that I might serve you. If you do not, I shall surely die of shame and a broken heart."

This is like a play, Machiko thought to herself as she studied the lovely, lovestruck woman kissing her hand.