A/N: I should not be writing this. I already have four fanfictions I'm working on and should be updating. However… I couldn't stop myself. I can't promise that the updates will be frequent. I just wanted to bring this story to life and give everyone something worth reading. I hope you guys enjoy it!
Feathers brushed my cheek as I pulled back the bow string. My dark blue eyes never left the center of the target. Exhaling slowly, I released the arrow. It whooshed through the air, hitting the target dead center. I wasn't surprised. I had mastered the bow and arrow long ago.
"How boring." I whispered. Target practice used to be a challenge. Now, it was only a waste of time. I handed the bow off to a servant standing by and picked up my long white cloak. Throwing it over my shoulders, I stalked off to my meeting. The responsibility I held was large, and as the First Prince of Clarines I had to fulfill it.
I was quickly escorted down the halls, headed to my favorite meeting room. The room of Chanting Flowers was where I usually had all my meetings. It always smelled nice because of the white lilies that were changed daily. Familiar laughter reached my ears and I looked down to see my little brother sitting with his wife, Shirayuki.
Zen had proposed to Shirayuki about six months ago. They were married three months ago in March. That really put the pressure on me. Usually the First Prince was expected to marry first, so that the kingdom could have a heir. Zen had beaten me to the chase, and I was a little upset, even if I had given him their permission.
Shirayuki's situation was quite odd. Shirayuki had started out as a commoner, until she was harassed by Prince Raj. Zen came to her rescue on pure coincidence. Then she ended up here and her fate was changed. Throughout the time spend in Clarines she had grown and shown people that she moved forward with her own strength. When she was kidnapped, Raj teamed up with Zen to bring her back. In doing so, Raj had called her 'Friend of the Crown'. Going through with what he said, Shirayuki received the title and became a noble.
The notion always made me laugh. It was strange how she was able to change even the coldest hearts. I watched the two until Zen finally noticed my presence. By the time he looked up I was already around the corner. I was able to slip away like that often. Hiding in plain sight was easy for someone who could make their presence almost disappear completely. Like archery, I had also mastered it.
I was still be able to hear them.
"Zen? What's wrong?" Shirayuki's worried voice just barely reached my ears. She could be loud, but most of the time she was quiet. Unless she was angry. You didn't want to be anywhere near her when she was angry.
"Nothing. I just had a small feeling that my brother was spying again." I could only imagine him scanning the higher floor. "What were you saying about roka fruit again?" I began walking again as the couple continued their conversation. It hurt that Zen would jump to that conclusion, even if it was true.
"Prince Izana." I looked up to see Lord Haruka bowing low. He must have an important matter to discuss if he actively sought me out. Usually Lord Haruka was an adviser to Zen, but sometimes he decided to bother me as well.
"What do you need Lord Haruka?" I continued to walk, signaling for him to follow me. He matched my slow pace, even though he was more of a speed walker. Lord Haruka was more careful with his words around me. He was honest and blunt around Zen, but I held more authority. I tended to scare others without meaning to.
"It's a sensitive matter that may be best to discuss behind closed doors." I almost paused in my step. I had a feeling that I knew what the matter was about. Lord Haruka was right. It was best to speak behind soundproof walls with thirty locks on the one door. Unfortunately they didn't have that in the castle.
"Of course. I have a few minutes until my meeting." A servant opened the door for us, but before we entered I whispered. "Don't let anyone else into this room." The servant gulped loudly averting his eyes. He nodded quickly and I put on a fake smile. One that I wore often. I didn't smile genuinely most of the time. Part of being the next in line for the throne meant that you had to hide your true emotions. Not being able to could get you in trouble.
As soon as they were in the room of Chanting Flowers and the door was closed, Lord Haruka jumped right in. "I'm sure you are already aware of what I would like to discuss."
"This is a marriage discussion correct?" I settled into my desk that was always set up in the room. The scent of lilies was faint, but strong enough to help me relax. This was another responsibility I had. My wife would have to be someone who would help strengthen bonds with other kingdoms. I had my own personal wants, but when it came to the future of Clarines, I would have to push aside those wants.
"Correct your highness. It has been quite some time since your last marriage interview. Not to mention the marriage between Prince Zen and Shirayuki has caused the people to ask questions. Such as, why hasn't Prince Izana gotten married yet? I have spoken with other advisers about this matter; they all believe that you should have at least one marriage interview to quell the qualms of the people."
"Why wasn't I invited to the conversation?" I was only slightly angry. In fact I was more amused that they would go behind the next king of Clarines about an important matter. I smiled when I saw Lord Haruka flinch.
"I apologize your highness. I should have arranged for a meeting to be held. If you would like we cou-" I raised my hand to shut him up. I didn't mind. At least not now since he was being annoying. I eyed the three dark purple folders with intricate gold designs on the front that Lord Haruka held in one hand.
"Are those the possible candidates for marriage?" There were three, so there was an abundance of Princesses and Noble ladies waiting to get married. Lord Haruka nodded and set them on the desk. I opened the first one; the first name was one I recognized. I had been fourteen at the time I met her. She was just a infant at the time. Little Hana would not be on my list. "Take these back and remove all of the candidates who are under the age of fifteen. I don't want to marry a child."
"Does that mean you are considering…" Lord Haruka trailed off. While I smiled darkly.
"Yes. I'm not just having a marriage interview to have a marriage interview. I think it's about time I found a wife."
A/N: There aren't many Snow White With the Red Hair fanfictions out there, so I wanted to create one. It's supposed to be long and lengthy, but we will see how that goes. I wrote this story because my imagination spurred to life. I'm aware that in the manga Prince Izana has become the king and he does have a fiance. Her name is Haki and I love her. In this fanfiction however, she doesn't exist and Izana has not ascended to the throne yet.