Thank You Guys and Gals for the Reviews! I appreciate your reviews as I am new to writing fan fiction. There is a certain amount of fear I have when I submit a piece. It is readers like you who give me the drive to continue submitting ;)

Warning: I do not own the characters or the Anime - Snow White with Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayuki).

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Holiday Festivals.

Zen

I had a meeting with a group of new palace guards to discuss training activities. It was my way of advancing the guard training for the next group of trainees that come to the palace. I figured the men who had recently finished training would be the best group to get ideas from to help the next group. Not mention it gave me a better idea of how these men think. You can learn so much just by spending a few moments with them. Who would be the best to move up from guard duty? Who feels comfortable in their role as guard and can be counted on? Who may need more training or is having suspicious actions. Luckily we have never had a mutiny on our hands but we have had a "Bad Egg" every few years who has pursued a guard position only to try to exploit someone.

"Why tomorrow? She's my sister! Don't you think this is a little soon?" I could hear the guards chattering as we walked up. Two men with light brown hair seemed to be arguing about what else. Girls….

"The Rose festival is Saturday… Sarah Loves flowers and she said you've never taken her!" The men seemed to realize my approached and scrambled in line. Standing at attention I walked in front of them.

"At ease men." They all relaxed but stayed in formation. This was a small group only 5 men. However I was pleased that the training groups could remain small. We had a great retention rate for our soldiers. "You are the newest group of castle guards. The training you have endured has been long and strenuous." I walked up to one of the men. "Do you feel prepared for your job?"

"Yes Prince Zen!" The man shouted without hesitation

"Then show me!" I drew my sword. "Let's see how much you have learned!" I thought about Shirayuki for a moment. These men are the first line fighter in keeping her safe while in the castle. Unfortunately I have to rely on soldiers and my assistance to keep her safe. I won't always be able to be the one to protect her.

The soldiers were stronger than I thought they were. However their training still needed some fine toning.

"You guys have come a long way. Continue to refine your sword skills. Remember you are serving not only the castle but your home country of Clarines. Your friends your family should all be very proud that you have chosen this path."

A few hours later….

"Mitsuhide, I want to take Shirayuki to the Rose Festival." I said with determination.

Mitsuhide looked stunned for a moment. I could tell he didn't think it was a good idea, but he respected my wish. "This is serious…. If you are up to it Zen." Mitsuhide spoke quietly.

"I would like you and Kiki to come with me. I'm sure Izana will not like me going out but this year I want things to be different. I don't want to be locked in the castle. I want Shirayuki and me to enjoy the Rose Festival. I'm sure – "I stopped. I knew if I continued I would dredge up difficult feelings.

Mitsuhide nodded. "I think it's a great idea."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Shirayuki

"What is the Rose festival?" I asked Ryuu as he started picking some lilies from our flower garden.

"Oh I forgot you have never been. The Rose Festival is a little holiday that we celebrate every summer. It's more for couples but the kids do come out in the early afternoon for the dance."

"Dance?" I was beyond confused. Tanburn didn't have many holidays besides the religious holidays and the days the King wanted to celebrate.
"Yeah the Rose Festival is stunning. The towns' people decorate the town with all kinds of flowers and then line the streets with food vendors and everyone dances." Ryuu continue picking flowers. "We are donating these to the city."

I looked down at the pile we had picked and took one in my hand. As I lifted it to my nose my senses were hit with a wonderful smell. I could only imagine what the town smells like covered in all these different flowers.

"The holiday celebrates the beauty of the flowers but it's such a lovey-dovey holiday." Ryuu looked annoyed. I sometimes forgot how young he was. Maybe he's still in the girls are icky stage. I couldn't help but giggle. I glanced over at Obi. His basket was already full. His face was full of determination as he picked another flower.

"Obi have you been to the festival?" He snapped out of his trance and looked at me. He smiled and told me he had not but I should go and that he would escort me if I wanted to go. I considered this but I knew Zen was staying in the castle this weekend. No trips, no patrol…. I was hoping we could spend some time together.

Ryuu, Obi and I picked flowers for most of the day. When we were done we had several full baskets for the town. The smell was overwhelming. If you closed your eyes you would feel like you were in a field of flowers. I heard footsteps approaching us from behind.

Obi saluted. "Master, how are the new guards?"

I turned to see Zen, Mitsuhide and Kiki. I blushed slightly but smiled.

"They are doing well. Shirayuki can I speak to you for a moment?" Zen looked stressed and pained. What was going on? Hopefully he will enlighten me soon.

I looked over at Ryuu. "We are pretty much done for the day anyway. Have a good weekend Shirayuki." Ryuu went off to fine the Head Herbalist. Obi went to report with Kiki and Mitsuhide.

Zen took my hand and led me to the green house. I think ever since we got locked in here he has really enjoyed the greenhouse. I loved the sound of running water, it was peaceful.

"Shirayuki did you have a hard day? It looks like you picked lots of flowers for the festival." I set down on the ledge of the flower bed. Zen set next to me and reached for my hand turning it over. I had small cuts from the roses that we cut.

"It wasn't bad I really like all the different flowers." He lifted my palm to his lips and gently kissed my hand.

"Would you like to go to the festival tomorrow?" His eyes lit up. I could easily get lost in his blue eyes when they shone with such love.

"I would love to!" I smiled "It sounds so magical."

Zen looked down for a moment. "It is…Is it ok if Mitsuhide and Kiki come too? Of course we will have to conceal ourselves in commoner's clothing, but with so many people there I am worried someone will recognize me. It's been a long time since a member of the Royal family has been to the festival." Zen looked sad. Why would such a beautiful festival make him sad?

"Yes- yes its fine!" I smiled. "I'm sure it's going to be lots of fun! I just hope I remember some of the dancing I've learned." I laughed

His smiled returned. "You will do fine." He laughed lightly. "You have a great dance partner he'll help you."

I smiled. I was so excited about tomorrow I knew I wasn't going to get much sleep.

The next day

Obi was to escort me to meet up with Zen, Kiki and Mitsuhide. I had a feeling he would still hang around just in case he was needed.

"You look beautiful Little Miss." Obi walked with me to the fountain in the middle of town.

I sucked in a breath. "Thank you Obi." I smiled and could feel the heat on my cheeks. I really didn't put much effort into my dress. I was more concerned about my hair drawing attention to us. That being said I pulled it back into a tight bun with a few silk flowers on top of the bun. I left a little bit free on my left side and suck some white silk flowers clips along my temple. However you couldn't see much because of course my jacket had a hood that would cover my hair.

The town was crowed and there were people decorating everywhere. Ladders lined the street as people hung strings of flowers from building to building. Booths that we still being set up were covered in flowers and wreaths were hung on every door. People where so busy they didn't notice Obi or I.

When we reached the fountain, there where couples everywhere and children chasing each other in-between them. Obi and I found a seat at one of the tables that had been set up. The fountain water had been dyed pink and there were rose petals in the base of the water. Flower petals lines the cobble stone between the tables and each table had a candles and bouquet of white, red, or pink roses. It was a stunning sight.

I was mesmerized by the beauty around me. I could feel Obi's eyes on me as I took in my surrounding. I closed my eyes for a moment and the fragrance from the flowers caressed my senses. I was surrounded by flowers, herbs, and other plants daily but I would never get tired of their beauty.

"Miss?" I heard a strange voice snap me out of my daydream.

A young boy was standing in front of me with a basket of daisies. "Would you like a flower?" he held up a daisy for me.

"Oh no I am fine. Thank you so much." I shook my head. Obi stepped in and gave the child a coin and took the daisy and handed it to me.

"Thank you Sir!" The boy scurried off to find another couple.

I smiled. "Obi- Thank you."

Obi looked away from me. "You've been working so hard Miss and daisies are beautiful - " Obi stopped even though it seemed like he had more to say.

I heard footsteps coming our way. I turned to see Zen, Kiki and Mitsuhide.

"I guess it is my time to take my leave Miss." Obi Stood up and looked at Zen. "Enjoy the Festival." Obi disappeared within seconds.

Zen walked up to me and smiled. "Shirayuki." He blushed then his eyes landed on the flower Obi gave me. "What would you like to do first?" He asked bringing his eyes back up to mine. I didn't have to answer at that moment we heard a stomach growl from behind him. Our eyes all directed towards Mitsuhide who was staring off into space.

"What…" He turned and looked at Kiki. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

Kiki signed. "Your stomach could be heard halfway across town" Zen turned to look at me and we both started laughing.

"Are you hungry Shirayuki?"

"Yes, I am hungry." I smiled and let Zen take my hand. We walked around town until we came to a restaurant we could all agree on. Every once in a while I would look at Zen and he would seem off. Like there was something that was bothering him, but then he would catch me staring at him and smile at me. Those little reassuring smiles kept me calm. I figured when he was ready to talk about it we would talk about it. Until then I would just enjoy the time I got to spend with him.

After Dinner

The restaurant was becoming very crowded by the time we got done eating. Mitsuhide and Kiki settled the bill while Zen pulled me from the restaurant. We snuck out the back door.

"Zen where are we going?" I held onto my hood as we rushed away from the restaurant.

"I want to show you something." Zen's grip on my hand was strong and he gently pulled me behind him.

"What about Mitsuhide and Kiki?" I looked behind me to see if they had caught site of us.

"They will catch up or maybe they will have a date without us."

Zen led me down the back allies of the town until we reached another courtyard. In the center there was a band playing. While couples twisted and turned around them. Young and old couples twirled and giggled, some gracefully moved around in small circles others wobbled from side to side. I noticed an elderly couple off to the side. They leaned on each other and didn't move much other than a gentle sway to the music.

"Would you dance with me? Shirayuki?" Zen smiled at me

I smiled and nodded my head. He wasted no time pulling me out into the courtyard. I could feel the heat in my face as he held me close. I hardly ever danced but he made it so easy. I followed his leads and soon I got the hang of it. Looking up into his blue eyes, it felt like we were the only ones in the courtyard. He smiled at me. Our eyes only broke contact when he spun me around. "Shirayuki, you are amazing." I could feel myself light up like a tomato, but he continued to lead me. As the song came to an end I curtsied.

I looked up and he was staring behind me. When I straightened up I saw what had caught his attention. Kiki and Mitsuhide had found us and were dancing behind us and were now sharing what we assumed was their first kiss.

Zen grabbed my hand. "It's about time." He whispered in my ear. They both stared at each other for a moment then Kiki looked away flushed. She glanced at us and her eyes went wide. Mitsuhide soon followed her gaze and then swiftly stepped away from her.

I looked up at Zen who was smiling from ear to ear. We all knew it was only a matter of time before those two would end up sharing their feelings. Mitsuhide walked up to Zen. "You said tonight you wouldn't run away!"

Zen started laughing. "I bet you are glad I did." Mitsuhide's face turned red and his anger quickly left him. The music started back up. "Shirayuki would you like to keep dancing?" Zen took my hand again this time bringing it to his lips and gently kissing the back of it.

"I smiled. I could dance with you all night."

Later that night back at the castle.

I had danced until my feet were sore and then we walked around to look at the merchants tables. When we got back to the castle we said goodnight to Mitsuhide and Kiki then Zen scoped me up and carried me up the stairs to my room.

"Did you have fun Shirayuki?" He set me down in front of my room.

I smiled. "I always have fun with you Zen. Did you have fun?"

Zen looked distraught for a moment. "I did, can I come in for a second?"

I nodded and opened the door to my room and led him over to the couch.

"I'm glad we got to go out tonight. I haven't been to the Rose Festival since I was a little kid. It used to be held in the castle back then and the entire town was invited in." He set down on the couch and relaxed a little. He gazed off into space as he talked. "When my father became ill it was canceled and then the next year my mother would not permit the festival to be held in the castle. I think it hurt her too much since it was something they both enjoyed so much."

I looked up at him and took his hand. "I've never heard you talk about your parents before." With my other hand I cupped his cheek.

"Shirayuki…. I need to be able to tell you these things if we are going to be together. We both need to be open with each other."

I leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "We don't have to rush it."

He smiled at me and pulled me over so I could lean on him. "You must be tired." He kissed the top of my head. "Goodnight my sweet Shirayuki." He whispered into my hair before standing up and picking me up.

I smiled "Goodnight Zen." I whispered in and out of dreamland. "I'm glad you had fun, even if it was a hard day."

"I always have a good day with you. We will talk about it more another day." He laid me down in the bed and tucked me in. "We will talk another day." He whispered as he kissed my forehead.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

That was the longest chapter I have ever written and took me forever! I will go back and edit when I have time so please just bear with me.

Have to say I am very excited about my next chapter! Let's just say there will be horses!