Chapter 4: Answers Bring New Questions
Shirayuki was shocked and more frightened than ever. She was right, she was in the castle, being treated by the prince! She shook in fear, she knew that a Prince wanted her and she could only think of these two men as the same. At this time, I can trust no one, she thought to herself.
"Zen, I only came in to check on the girl." Izana smiled handing Zen the thankyou note. "This is for you; I'll be leaving now. It was nice meeting you Shirayuki." With that he turned and left closing the door behind him.
Zen shook his head and turned to face Shirayuki realizing she had scooted all the way agents the wall. "It's ok." He whispered, "I'm not going to hurt you Shirayuki. I just want to ask you a few questions, if you're up to it."
Shirayuki didn't respond and Zen noticed she was staring at the paper he was given. Zen slowly lifted the paper and began to read it. He was amazed at the writing skill and touch the she tried to talk to him. He frowned though when he realized she was a very kind girl just too frightened of people. Probably because being owned make someone loose trust in others, Zen thought eying Shirayuki again.
"Thank you for the note." He said calmly. "Can I ask you some questions, if you want you can talk by writing." If she wouldn't talk maybe writing would be better. Still no answer. "Is there anything I can do to get you to trust me." Zen finally asked. She just doesn't trust me. I see, trust must be earned, Zen thought.
Shirayuki looked up, he wants to help me, she thought, he wants me to trust him and he's willing to show me he's no threat.
"I-I don't know." She said shakily. "I know you want to help but… right now talking to men… you know is… kind of hard… being owned by men." Shirayuki blurted.
"Oh I see." Zen thought for a moment. He could understand her fear of men. "I'll be right back, please don't strain yourself." With that Zen swiftly jolted from the room and down the halls to the training area where Kiki and Mitsuhide were dueling.
As the saw him approach they both stopped and bowed. "Yes Your Highness!" The both said in a clear tone.
"Kiki, I need you to come with me I'll explain on the way." Zen said. "I'm coming. Mitsuhide, please wait we'll finish our duel latter." Kiki said in her usual tone.
As they reached the door Zen had just finished explaining to Kiki what she was supposed to do. "So, you want me to talk to this girl as a way for you to talk to her." Kiki asked.
"In a way yes, you see she doesn't trust men so I thought you, as a woman, could make her open up more." Zen explained. "I'll tell you what to ask and I'll wait out here, O.K.?"
"Yes, Zen. Tell me the questions." After Zen told her the main questions she slipped into the room where she saw a girl about her age with hair the color of an apple sitting on the bed. She looked pale and hurt. Kiki felt her pain and knew she had to be very gentle. Zen said she didn't trust men but she knew that Shirayuki would barely open up to anyone. Male or female.
"Excuse me," Kiki started, trying not to startle the poor thing. "my name's Kiki and I was hoping I could ask you a few questions." As she walked forwarded the girl turned to see the voice that was speaking. Her eyes were cold yet scared.
"Is it ok if I come sit by you." Kiki asked taking small steps toward Shirayuki. Seeing a slight nod, she continued forward until she sat a few feet away from Shirayuki. "Can I ask you some questions now?" Kiki asked.
Shirayuki didn't respond, the women next to her shone like the sun. Her hair was a bright yellow and her face warm with hope. She didn't know what to do. Shirayuki wanted to trust someone so badly and Kiki, reminded her of her loving grandmother in a way. I can trust her, Shirayuki concluded. "Ok please start"
Kiki was taken back a bit amazed at the calmness of Shirayuki's voice. She had trusted her. "Ok then, let's start." As she reached for a quill and paper. "Where did you come from, or where were you born." Kiki started.
"Well I'm not sure, my past is not really clear. I know I grew up in Tanbarun." Shirayuki answered.
"Ok, how old are you?"
"I'm 17 years old." She replied.
"Next, how long have you been a slave? If it's too much to tell you don't have to." Kiki reminded her. She didn't want Shirayuki to feel like she was forced to do this.
"I don't remember maybe 8 or 9 years." She tried to remember but the past was something she didn't want to speak of.
"OK, next. Do you have a family?"
"No." Shirayuki answered solemnly. She was starting to regret agreeing to this. It brought back to many memories' she wanted to forget. Kiki noticed the change of tone and decided to switch the subject of the questions.
"Can you still answer more, Shirayuki?" She asked, just to make sure she wasn't going too far with the girl's trust. Seeing a nod, she continued. "Where did you learn to write and gain medical education?"
"Um, well I learned to read and write from my grandparents and picked up medicine skills when they often got sick."
"Thank you, one last question, ok?"
"Last one?" Shirayuki repeated.
"Yes." Kiki reassured. "If you don't mind, what made you run away."
"It's… because… I… was going… to be… forced… to be a… mistress… for another prince, and… I couldn't stand… being owned." Shirayuki stuttered.
Kiki was truly surprised and the same time expected an answer like this. It was very likely Shirayuki's red hair drew many rich men to her. "Thank you. I'll be leaving now, ok." Seeing her nod Kiki got up and left to see Zen sitting against the door across the hall. As she closed the door Zen got up.
"So, what did you find out." Zen asked.
"Well I only asked her 6 questions because she started to close up again but here." As she handed Zen her notes. "This is what she told me."
Zen looked at the answers and clenched his teeth at the last line. A mistress to a prince, no family, what has she been though? Zen thought. "Thank you Kiki. I'll call you again so be ready."
"Yes your highness." Then she turned and left. Zen, however he stayed and stared at the door to Shirayuki's room. What has she gone thought, he thought. Looking back at the paper, he was grateful to get some answers but with it came more questions. Where was her family, who was the prince that wanted her, who was her master all this time? Questions that would be answered later, Zen thought finally. With one last look at the room he turned and walked away.
Authors Note: Hay guys thanks for the support! I just wanted to let you all know that I may be posting later than usual. Don't worry I won't stop posting, just expect maybe one post a week. Thanks
