quiet for a while, and a word with Masa

The two women went downstairs, the ronin and her **** girl/protected princess.

“Are you alright with this, my lady?” Shiro asked over her shoulder when no one was in the halls.
Masa seemed surprised to be addressed, glancing around and then speaking for the first time to her. “For the safety of my men and myself, yes.”
“And personally?” Shiro dared with a smile.
“It is… interesting, I’ll admit.” The princess pulled a bit at her robe. “Not what one would call regal.”
“But comfortable,” Shiro added. “And why didn’t you speak up before your men back there?”
Masa sighed quietly. “I am a royal young woman,” she explained. “I am not expected to converse with commoners, or to act too brashly around men until I am older. It is not my place to speak out.”
Shiro gave her a quick squeeze of her hand. “And I hate to say it, but it’s not appropriate for a **** girl either. I’ll need you to hush for now.”

The women got out of town easily enough, no one bothering them more than a man or two admiring and wanting to buy Masa from her. Despite her role as a slaveowner, she treated them with disgust and drove them off. They made a day’s travel on a single horse and a small cart, Shiro riding and leading the animal while Masa rode in the back. As a formality for their personas, she had the leash she’d strapped to her tied firmly to a hook on the cart, and then that one to the reigns.

They passed through the road with little of note, the worn down trail offering the occasional passing traveler. All they gave were curt greetings and lewd or disapproving looks over Masa. The princess blushed over these, but stayed quiet. Shiro and her made small talk when they were sure she wasn’t being watched, but it was an overall quiet ride.