Once again, I really apologize for putting off this story for as long as I did. University/college is tough and I'm doing my best to fix my life.
I've gone back to looking at the old chapters and wow I have a ton of errors to fix eventually. I apologize for making my work so carelessly!
But guys- we're almost at 50k views! That's honestly so dope and I just want to thank everyone for reading and potentially re-reading due to my suckish life being so busy. Please leave reviews as they make me so happy to read and I hope you enjoy!
FIFTY-FOUR - Meeting The Father
10 Days Until The Wedding
"The trees look like they're touching the sky!"
Obi couldn't help but watch Shirayuki as she finds herself fascinated by the mere woods. They had been trekking for a little, but not enough for the two to become exhausted. Obi would listen as she cracks small sticks beneath her boots and the way she'd giggle in absolute awe of the nature surrounding them. She bends her neck back to look up, green eyes wistful and always full of wonder. Cheeks become fuller with the way she smiles ever so widely.
Could God have made a more perfect human being?
"They've grown quite a lot since the last time we've been here," Obi entertains, his amber eyes flickering between the large structures of leaf and bark. He stops by one of them, leaning while gently against it. He could feel the ridges of it barely pinching his fingers, the natural dents coming cold to him. "They've even grown in girth."
"How do you know?" Shirayuki questions softly, crunching leaves at her wake as she jogs over to her lover.
"It's hard to really explain it to you," Obi admits, bringing his eyes up to see the multiple branches growing from the tree. "But I tend to remember the way things feel when I've scaled them. I've jumped through a lot of these trees plenty- not only from when we've come here with Master and them, but when I was much younger."
"You grew up in this forest, Obi?" Shirayuki's eyes widen, curiosity genuinely surging through them. Obi faces her, giving her a warm smile and a gentle nod. "How do you remember?"
"I remembered as soon as we came here the first time together," Obi informed. He takes a strong whiff in, allowing the scent of dewy grass and pine enter. "The scent has never left, even after all this time."
Shirayuki was itching with questions, but she knew she couldn't ask them right now. They're to be at her father's very soon, and hopefully back at the castle in good time. She didn't want them to be slowed down because she's extremely curious.
"My father had said that he and my mother brought me about in a forest," Shirayuki begins. "With the way he describes it, I think this forest would fit his words perfect."
"Nah," Obi quickly rejects, crinkling his nose playfully. Shirayuki pouts at him, watching as he continued to walk with both hands behind his head and fingers weaved between each other. "I would have definitely noticed you if you were about these parts." He was messing with her surely, but Obi didn't think Shirayuki was ready to hear it.
Shirayuki blushed but quickly shook it away to jog over beside him. "Are we almost there?"
"Mhm," Obi confirmed, "just a little more."
There was no formal sign or banner that had told them that they were there. This village was hidden in the trees, and one would simply have to know. Thankfully, Obi is a man who doesn't forget.
The one large tree is unforgettable.
As they trekked passed it, two bodies ahead of them were revealed. They weren't surprised to see guards waiting at the front of the village, and they especially weren't surprised to be greeted with all smiles.
"Shirayuki! Master Obi!" The guards hollered, waving at the two travelers before quickly yelled over the oak wall concealing the rest of the village. "Tell the General that his daughter is here!"
"Got it!"
Shirayuki watched as one of the guards hopped from his position at the wall and beamed away from the scene. The guards quickly approach the two and escort them into the village, brewing up small chat in regards of updates from Clarines.
"Everything is well in Clarines," Shirayuki hums fondly, receiving relieving nods from the two guards.
"That's good to hear!" One of the guards said bashfully, a man with caramel skin and a charismatic smile.
"Everything has been well on our end," the other guard begins, "the General is going to be very happy to see you. He's been talking about you for weeks now."
"Has he?" Shirayuki whispers, content obvious in her words as the guards confirmed with nods. "I've been meaning to come sooner, but a lot has… come up." Obi could tell a few nerves were struck, but the guards knew better than to entertain it.
"You're here now is all that matters."
Obi felt his throat inflate slightly like the air has gone thicker. He followed behind Shirayuki obediently, his stare made of stone as his eyes sauntered over the village. They were ascending up to the Generals cabin, allowing them to see the village beneath them.
It was always a gorgeous sight, even if Obi was full of anxiety. Small houses built with pine and oak, roofs structured with chopped logs and water-resistant leaves. The people of the village had warm, comfortable expressions like the only world they knew was their own peaceful one. Hair of chestnut and raven black bob with the sun kissing the strands delicately.
This was the kind of peace Obi is just now getting used to. Clarines, carving out the scandals and private matters, is constantly in a state of bliss. But Obi had been so used to seeing chaos and insanity that the idea of letting his guard down wasn't easy. After all, this could all just be one big facade.
"Hey."
Obi's eyes darted up to stare at his Mistresses hair. The red bundles of hair danced with each step she took up the creaky, but sturdy, stairs. He heard his lady's voice, the word just barely leaving her lips. But she knew he could hear her. She could be countries away and even a whisper would come to his ears in seconds.
"Are you nervous?" Shirayuki asked him, the question that already held an answer. She was much too smart and knew him too well to ask such a thing, but she wants to hear it from Obi himself. She smiles before bringing both of her hands towards the lower part of her back. Obi watches as she offers her hands to him.
He grabs them without hesitation, allowing her to feel the shakiness of his rough hands. They're slightly cold to the touch, but she tries her best to hold them in her small hands. She could feel his fingers twitch, seeming as though he truly has no control.
"Does this answer your question, Miss?"
Shirayuki smiles warmly, though Obi could not look and adore it. She gives his hands a tight squeeze, the kind that she always does to reassure the boy. But Obi was dreading this with each stair they ascend.
"Good."
Eh!? Obi was taken aback by her response. The last thing he wanted was to be anxious while meeting her father in these new circumstances! He's nothing but a Princes pet! How could being nervous be any good to her?
Obi does not let go of her hands until they finally make it up to the Generals cabin. It was much more ornate than the others, with banners of the clans colors and 'crest.' Bamboo sticks were shoved into the ground like pikes as they held vanilla-infused wax candles, typically lit up when night comes. On the roof was sat a young boy, one that never fails to catch eyes.
"Shirayuki!" Kazuki's eyes lit up as he caught sight of the young herbalist. He bounces from the roof, keeping balance while walking in the porches' fence, and makes it to the ground to greet them. "Welcome back!"
"Hi, Kazuki!" Shirayuki, expressing the same amount of excitement, "it's so wonderful to see you again!"
They join together for a hug, almost sibling-like.
"It's been so long!" Kazuki's says gleefully. "It makes sense why everyone was going much faster than usual. Are we hosting another dinner for you guys and the Prince?"
"No, no," Shirayuki quickly dismissed, "it's just Obi and I."
Kazuki looked confused right then, but decided against interrogating, "well, the village is always content to see the daughter of Pops. I think they're preparing something special anyways."
Shirayuki smiled warmly, but the guards placed their hands on Kazuki's shoulders. "You've halted our venture towards the Generals cabin. If you can please…" They gesture the boy to step aside, which makes Kazuki blush before he moves away. Before he scatters off, he turns over to wave at Obi.
"It's good to see you again as well, Obi," Kazuki waves, "I've been meaning to ask if you can show me a few tricks of yours the next time you came around."
"You want to collect a few tricks from me?" Obi questions, with the dirty blonde boy nodding contently.
"Yeah!"
"You'd be too powerful if I took you under my wing," Obi begins, patting the young boys head as he does Ryu. But Kazuki disliked it, shaking his hand off immediately while giving him a playful glare.
"I'd have to practice a lot before I become like you," Kazuki points out, which makes Obi nod in agreement. Obi trained a lot to become as agile and sly as he is today. And even then, he's still working to get better so he can be of much more use to the kingdom and Shirayuki. Obi's eyes rip away his conversation and thoughts to realize they're right before the General's door. "Please?"
Obi gives him his signature smile before nodding, "I'll think about it."
Kazuki groaned but received yet another look from the guards. He scratches the back of his long locks nervously before beginning to dash away. He pays them a farewell before looking up and pouncing into a tree, leaving rustle noises at his wake.
"That one is to become an animal some day," the guard jokes, having Obi and Shirayuki smile before they finally knock on the General's door.
All of a sudden, Obi's nerves surged through with dilated pupils and a dashing heart. He didn't want to be the bearer of bad news, especially when it worked out in his favor. And as terrible as that sounds, only God will understand how much Obi loves belonging to Shirayuki.
"Who knocks at my door?" Shirayuki's father asked sternly, the guards suddenly becoming almost as anxious as Obi. They straighten up their backs immediately as Obi also takes quota and puts his arm behind his back. He offers his left arm to Shirayuki, who places her hand slowly on his with dollops of giggles from his properness.
"It's your guards at the front gate, sir!" One of them shouts.
"Staff of Clarines has come to visit you!" The other one hollers, attempting to make Shirayuki's arrival a surprise. They heard Mukaze rise from whatever seating he was sat in and took heavy steps towards the door. The guards were quick to move away as Obi slowly brought her closer to the door. They watched as Mukaze presented himself, his eyes studying before immediately softening with a gentle glow.
"Shirayuki!"
Without hesitation, Mukaze scoops Shirayuki into his arms, holding onto her just tight enough without taking her breath away. She laughed, wrapping her arms around his large torso as he spun her around some. Obi smiled, but knew that it was going to destroy him later once he presents Mukaze the letter written by Zen for him. But for the moment, it was touching to see a content father hold his beautiful daughter as though he hasn't seen her for decades.
He let her go and head her shoulders, staring down wistfully at her, "my beautiful daughter… welcome back."
Shirayuki smiled, a tint of red on her bubbly cheeks, "it's so good to see you again, father."
"Please," Mukaze begins, his head turning to face Obi, "come in!"
Obi felt anxious. No, he was actually losing the feeling in his bones and his blood was cutting off from the mainstream. His mind was everywhere but in his head and he didn't know if it was his nerves or the cool cup of hard liquor that Mukaze was pouring into his small, bamboo-made cup.
The cabin was very nice, ornate with paintings and relics that Mukaze has collected throughout the years. There resided a few seats, carpets all about and weapons hung at his metal-based closet. The canopi was very cozy even though it was home to one of the most intimidating men Obi has ever met. Even the large, cotton bed looked far too homely and fitting for the cute cabin.
The alcohol burned down Obi's throat but he grimaced to himself as he sat beside Shirayuki on the soft, hand-woven mats made upon Mukaze's request. He kept his eyes on the General, who displayed all sorts of happiness now that he was in the presence of his very daughter. And Shirayuki looked just as content, having Obi feel like he's reunited them.
"Thank you for bringing my daughter all this way safely, Obi," Mukaze thanked, Obi's stomach sinking as he received a genuine smile. "I'm so glad to see the both of you here before me! How has everything been back at Clarines?"
"It's been well, father," Shirayuki begins, holding her small cup of alcohol that's clearly been untouched.
"Still studying under court herbalists?"
"As usual."
Mukaze smiled, "that's my girl; a hard worker for something she cares about. Just like your mother." Shirayuki smiles warmly then at the mention of her mother, but tries to keep the conversation moving before the two could delve into it.
"It seems like you've been well yourself, father," Shirayuki points out, peering over at one of the open windows. "Everyone seems so happy, like nothing bad has ever happened."
"You know I work very hard for the Mountain Lions," Mukaze begins, speaking firmly and much more seriously than moments ago, "I owe them everything for taking your mother and I after our escape from Tanbarun."
Obi nods his head in respect, having Mukaze smile once more. "Anyways- how have you been, Obi? Still serving under the little Prince?"
Obi smirked but nodded, "yes, of course. I'm still Shirayuki's personal guard as well."
Mukaze took a gulp of his liquor, chasing after Obi's words. "That's good. I was glad to see you come in with Shirayuki. I figured the Prince would've second guessed himself and remove you from the position."
Obi held the cup close to his lips, leering gently at the man, "I assumed the same fate for me." He takes a sip of his liquor, "but alas, here we are."
Mukaze cheers to that, having Obi lift his own cup before the two took strong gulps. Shirayuki watched them, tapping against her cup with her nails, the liquor still untouched. She smiled at the two men, seeing as they sigh heavily, emitting alcoholic air from the burning substance.
"But anyways," Mukaze begins, "what brings the both of you up here? Did my daughter just come up here to see me?"
"I very much came to see you again, father," Shirayuki responds honestly. She looks over at Obi, her eyes scanning his body for the letter. "But Obi came here upon request from the Prince."
Mukaze's green eyes were quick to meet Obi's amber ones. The nerves struck once more, with the young man gulping from the sudden tension. "The Prince sent you here upon request? Why?"
"I was his Messenger formerly, and as you've seen, I've upped in my positions," Obi begins, taking another sip of his alcohol. "But he's specially requested for me to deliver this letter to you."
Obi digs into his shirt and conjures up the letter. It was still edge-straight and perfectly intact. Slightly warm by the body pressing, but still legible and in good shape. Nervously, he puts the letter between his two fingers and flicks it over to the General, to which he catches it with ease. Mukaze leered at both of them, seeing their expressions change immediately from smiles to straightened lips.
"It appears this letter has taken the joy from the room," Mukaze begins, his thumb slipping between the flap of the letter and the letter itself. "Does this bear bad news?"
Shirayuki gulps but Obi just looks, "it is news regarding the Royal Wedding in Clarines."
Mukaze looks over at Shirayuki, who has now refused to meet his eyes. His eyes wander down to his daughter's hand. More specifically, her left hand. Obi noticed his actions and felt defeated. Shirayuki, however, refused to completely shy up. Her hand was out and visible, with no sort of jewelry to be seen. She knew what he was looking for and he didn't see it.
But, refusing to assume the worst, Mukaze silently opens the letter. Obi and Shirayuki listens to the light ripping of parchment, watching as he pulls out the contents. As he begins to unravel it, Obi could feel his heart hurt with each beat it took. He knew that Mukaze was not going to take the news well, but this was what Zen asked for.
They watched as this man's eyes dragged through each sentence and went down the words, reaching each one carefully. Shirayuki noticed her father's eyes darken, making it clear that the news given to him was not sitting well. She had no idea what Zen wrote, but she knew it contained the invitation to the wedding. She also knew her name was definitely not beside his on that very invitation.
As soon as he finished, the two thought he was a wax statue. Mukaze was still, processing his thoughts as he held the parchment in his hands. But, after a few moments, he crumples the paper in his hands.
The couple flinch, straightening their backs while watching the General, awaiting any sort of response. Mukaze crumples the parchment into a ball before tossing it behind him, a vein beginning to pop from his left temple. He looked over at Shirayuki, having the woman taken aback by the stare.
Hurt welled up in his eyes as he faced his daughter painfully.
"You're not marrying Zen." Shirayuki shakes her head no, having Mukaze nod, looking distantly towards the floor. "Shirayuki… I'm so sorr-"
"Don't," Shirayuki begins, hushing him with the wag of her index finger. "There's no need to apologize, father. It's been awhile since the Prince and I discontinued our relationship."
Mukaze stares at his daughter, almost curious as to how she's maintaining her composure. She's definitely her mother, he thought as he watched to stare at him with a stern stare. He could tell that there was pain, and lots of it. He could tell that she has had to force herself to do things in order not to succumb to the sadness she's been obligated to feel. His daughter has probably gone through hell in order to be able to look him in the eyes the way she's doing right now.
"I've… come to form a bond with someone else," Shirayuki begins, having Obi's heart just about ready to implode. She was going to tell him- she was going to tell him! Obi's bones were fidgeting but he was giving it his all to stay still. "And I think he was worth all the pain and suffering I had to go through."
"I'm glad my daughter isn't aching for a Prince but," Mukaze starts, "but with whom do you share your life with now?"
Shirayuki looked over at Obi, who found himself shocked when looking at her eyes. The emerald orbs were drowning in tears, cheeks rosy and a struggling smile finding life through quivering lips. She reaches over and grabs his hand, giving it a tight squeeze. "The one who has been beside me this entire time is the one that I want to share my life with right now…" She then smiles much more widely when seeing Obi's cheeks flush up. "And hopefully, the rest of my life."
She's choked up and Obi's throat is threatening to tighten. Mukaze can only think of one thing.
"Shirayuki," Mukaze begins, "can I have a moment with Obi?"
She stares with a somewhat disappointed expression, not really wanting to leave the cabin. But reticently, she lets go of her lovers hand and rises from the mat. She brings her cup of liquor with her, the liquid sloshing around the cup as she exits the cabin. Closing the door gently before her, Mukaze immediately put his hands on his knees and looked at Obi.
"Obi." Mukaze swallows. "I hope you know that I adore my daughter more than anything in the world. She's more that what she seems, even though I couldn't raise her the way I would have liked to. Shirayuki is everything a woman should aim to be."
Obi nods, "I agree."
"In your Master's letter," Mukaze begins, having Obi notice that he, too, has erased Zen's name from his tongue. Like daughter like father. "He wrote something that makes me think very violent thoughts." Obi's heart dropped into his stomach right then and there, fear striking his body.
"O-oh?" Obi stuttered. "May I ask what my Master wrote?"
"'I changed my mind,'" Mukaze relays, having Obi's right eye twitch.
I changed my mind… Obi wish he did not have to think bad things about his Master, but those words could only be written by a coward. He knew that wasn't the truth. It couldn't be because there was no way that Zen could kiss Shirayuki, hold her and own feelings of anger if anything comes to hurt her and claim he's changed his mind. How can one change their mind on someone like her?
He's already lost her. What good will it do to lie to her father?
"Obi."
"Sir?"
"Do you plan on loving my daughter the way she deserves to be loved," Mukaze begins. "Or do you plan on keeping her because she's easy to manipulate right now?"
Obi raised his eyebrows. Of all the things people can assume about a runt like Obi, he couldn't believe these words. "I'm sorry, sir, but that question was disappointing."
"Oh?" Mukaze is suddenly interested. "And why's that?"
Obi smiles softly, "because you haven't got a clue how important your daughter has become to me." He shakes his head, "you have no idea how much I need her."
Mukaze was still confused, having Obi smile a little wider, "Shirayuki is the only woman I've ever come to fancy in these years that I've existed. Every word she's ever said to me, the feeling of her fingers between mine, the way her hair sits on her shoulders. Everything that she is has become my motivation to become better." He looked down fondly at his cup, finding just one last gulp in his cup. "You have absolutely no idea how much your daughter means to me, sir…"
Mukaze just stares, "I don't."
"In simpler terms," Obi begins, meeting his eyes, "your daughter has ruined my life, but I wouldn't change a single thing. I'll never be the same man like I was before, but I'm content with the man she's made me into."
Shirayuki's father just stared at the man before him. This mysterious man who has proven his strength through the silence of his character and his ability to fight was before him, confessing his love for his daughter. Mukaze knew that his daughter would be yanking all sorts of men into her life due to her hair, but this man was not like many. He didn't drown in the red the way the other men did, and it didn't seem like he was intending to.
"I apologize if you're disappointed with her choice," Obi begins quietly, a twinge of grimace evident in his face. "I understand that I will never be able to amount to a Prince, but I will try my best to be one for her."
Mukaze just resumes to stare, upping the intense nerves running through Obi's blood. But the maroon-haired man began to nod while rising from the mat. Following, Obi found himself standing before the General, hoping his words prevailed somehow, in any way. The thing eating at Obi's heart is Mukaze's unpredictability. He doesn't know how exactly this man works, therefore he cannot find any solace that his words have achieved anything good.
But Mukaze walked up to the man, having Obi's gulp be so harsh that it sounded. One hand clung onto Obi's shoulder while smiling down to the ground. "Please don't change your mind on my daughter."
Obi felt tears coating his eyes, but keeps his composure. He looks down and smiles, feeling relief wash over him. Proceeding a gulp, he opens his mouth to emit, "I won't."
"Well then," Mukaze smiles. His green eyes returned to life. "Let's grab some dinner, yes? You two must be hungry!"
