Disclaimer: I don't own Akagami no Shirayukihime. I'm just borrowing Izana Wistalia and abusing him for a bit.

Shoutouts: Hello, dear readers! It's been awhile since I put up a new story. And surprisingly, it's on a different fandom. I am mostly lurking in my domain under Uta no Prince Sama. But I am taking a break from Uta-Pri fandom because I am suffering from a little writer's block on trying to complete a couple of multi-chapter stories which has became stagnant on my box of works for a few years now. I decided to pass the time writing for other stuff, until I can coax my Muse for updates.

This work is dedicated to Eirenei. Thanks for those months putting up with my rants, raves and random discussions over the many plot bunnies that continuously plague us. This idea immediately sprung out from the many email correspondces we did. I hope you enjoy this work. I am still in the process of thinking up a Quartet Night version of Fifty Shades of Gray. Maybe a good plot will come out in one of our future discussions.

I would like to thank the lovely Talye Kendrin for responding to my request to beta my works on this fandom. Please check out her works and support this fandom.

Characters: Izana Wistalia, OC

Pairing: Izana x OC

Wordcount: 826

Rating: General, Romance

Timeline: Between Chapter 41 and Chapter 49

Quotes: "An idealist is one who, on noticing that a rose smells better than a cabbage, concludes that it makes a better soup."
― H.L. Mencken, A Book of Burlesques

Five Years Ago

"I'm sorry, Altheaia." He tried to caress her cheek with his fingers, but she flinched, turning her head sideways to avoid his touch.

His heart knotted in pain.

Duty or himself?

Love or country?

It had always been a subject he knew he would encounter as he grows older; always he knew what his decision would be. And yet, it felt difficult choosing duty over his own wants. Still, he had made a decision and he would abide by it. Besides, Altheaia was not suited to be a queen. No, she would never be a queen that Clarines country will approve of. Altheaia was sunshine and laughter, sugar and sweetness. She would never survive court intrigues and strict protocols; the sharp tongues and the pointy quills that create gossip. Nor would she ever be free of the shackles of her common breeding. In time, even he might grow weary of her. Better that this marriage had happened, and he need not let her know that he had no intention of giving her his name and protection eventually. Her false hopes had been nipped in the bud by her parents' plans, unaware that had they listened to their daughter, they could have gotten a far richer, grander son-in-law than they could have ever dreamed of.

"I hope…that you love the flowers." He gazed at the bouquet she gripped with her hands- a huge bunch of deep pink cyclamens, purple hyacinths, light blue hydrangea and delicate indigo sweet pea blossoms tied with a thick crimson ribbon.

"They mean nothing to me now," she replied in a low voice, hollow and hoarse from her tears.

"My dear," he started, but she interrupted him, meeting his gaze with a defiant look of her own. Altheaia looked so beautiful in her white veil- a gift from her groom, a merchant that her parents certainly approved of. She refused the proposal, but her parents insisted. And when she sent urgent messages to him in his Castle between Rid and Sui, he deliberately ignored it until she was already ensconced in the church, forced to say her vows of piety to her marriage and husband.

It seemed cruel. But it was the only way out.

"The flowers mean nothing. I mean nothing to you. No! I am not!" She cried vehemently, eyes gleaming with unshed angry tears. "You are a coward, my Lord! You played with my feelings by hiding your true identity! And when you were forced to acknowledge your status, you became ashamed that I am not suitable to be your bride after all!"

"That's not true!" He protested, biting his lower lip, feeling a little ashamed of his actions. A gentleman should never be responsible for a woman's tears.

However much he wanted to deny, what she had spoken was true. He wanted her, but he couldn't bring himself to commit to her fully.

The merry wedding dance behind her grew louder and louder, as their distance widened. There were no more words to be said. Altheaia belonged to another now; even if he wished to continue their relationship, it was no longer possible to do so.

"I wish you all the very best." He snagged a strand of her silky blonde hair which came loose from the pearly pins holding the lacy veil.

"I wish I could say the very same thing to you," she hissed. "However, I truly wish you a different fate: Izana Wistalia, I hope one day when you meet the one that you truly want, she would break your heart into pieces and will continue to haunt you for the rest of your life!"

Tears spilled from Altheaia's eyes again, and with one last glance at his face, she pulled the veil to cover her face and withdrew from the shadow of the trees where they hid earlier to talk for one last time.

He watched her walk away, shoulders drooping, looking defeated, before rejoining the merry-making crowd. The portly husband she married spied and approached her. Head bowed, he could see that she has agreed to what he whispered in her ear. Taking leave of the guests invited for their wedding, they slowly made their way back to their house, obviously to consummate and fulfill their vows to each other.

The one who will break his heart…

Izana felt a little shiver ran down his spine as the wind picked up, making the leaves of the mulberry trees around them rustle, and the branches creak. It was as if someone was listening to Altheaia's pleas and decided to grant her one wish.

The one who will break his heart. The one whom he would fall in love with all his worth and might.

Izana gripped the bark of the tree. Perhaps he might meet her soon enough. And when he did, he hoped she would be worthy enough for his consideration to give up everything he owns.

Including his heart.

Notes:

1. Flower meanings:

Cyclamens – resignation and good bye

Purple Hyacinth – I am sorry, forgive me

Hydrangeas - thank you for understanding

Sweet Peas – Goodbye, departure, Blissful pleasure, thank you for a lovely time

2. OC

The Mangaka has not given enough background information on the First Prince, Izana Wistalia, so I exerted some creative license into planning lots of drama into his life that compelled him to act that way in the current chapters. I am very much intrigued on what goes on with the older Prince's head; we all know how a brilliant tactician he is, and how very protective he acts when it comes to his immediate family. When he realizes there are threats to be eliminated, he judges accordingly based on his experiences. While some may think this is cruel, to him, Izana is merely acting on what he believes is right. The OC is necessary to put some emphasis on what actions he may have done in the past that might further explain his treatment of Shirayuki.