I'M SO BAD TO YOU GUYS, I'M SO SORRY! I haven't updated in what, 2 months? (which, compared to my long-term writers block times, isn't that bad). But I still apologize and I hope you guys will forgive me!
I've been in a very bad depressive state. I won't bore you with a large explanation, but I am now on medication and that tends to make my mind and body lazier and thoughtless.
This has not been abandoned, I swear. It will be finished- hopefully as a makeup/Xmas present to you all. I feel so incredibly blessed with you reading my fanfic and thinking that it's actually any decent! And for that, I have a surprise for you all.
Another fanfic might not be next but perhaps… an original idea, with a novel in the works? Hmmm.
SEVENTY-FOUR - Shirayuki's Plan
The next morning had been quite intriguing.
With the wedding cancelled, Zen had apologized and paid the chefs and patissiers for their services for the time they had spent in the castle for preparations. Of course, due to how kind and humble the Prince is, they didn't mind and actually requested for him not to pay them. But alas, Zen bid them farewell with some pay and watched them on their way back to their homes and families.
Zen was also writing apology letters to all the guests invited for the wedding. Although it felt like usual paperwork, he was happy to inform people that he will not be marrying a woman he doesn't love. Although he was also hungover from the night before, he was very much ready to end every affiliation he has with Elizabeth and her family. It had just annoyed him how much he had been through in order to end up not getting married in the end.
He especially thought about what he put Shirayuki through in the process, and that was something he would never forgive himself nor his mother for.
With all the commotion going on, it was quick to disrupt Obi's slumber. Finger cracking sounds the room as Obi shifts around in the bed while attempting to return to consciousness. Of course, he felt the usual body warmth of his small lover right on top of him, snoozing soundly against the beat of his heart. He smiled warmly, watching as the sun shined on her face through the small slivers of the curtain.
Her crimson locks were sprawled all over, having Obi really notice how long they've become. Without them in braids or any sort of pony tail, Shirayuki's hair had reached the middle of her back. Bringing a quiet hand over, Obi begins to twist a lock of it between his fingers. Suddenly bored, he brings the lock of her hair towards her chubby cheek, starting to tickle her with the ends of her hair.
She winces a bit, clearly feeling the sensation but attempting to subdue it by subconsciously rubbing her cheek. But of course, Obi kept going, causing Shirayuki to become irritated in her sleep. Quickly, her eyes open and Obi's favorite green eyes come into view. She quickly sits up and starts rubbing her cheeks with both hands.
Her eyelids shut again, grogginess clear in her expression as she begins to stretch her arms out. Obi watches his lover attempt to reach for the sky, the sound of bone cracking sounding the room once more. Emitting a long, tired yawn, Shirayuki finally opens her eyes wife and looked down to see her barely-dressed lover. Her cheeks instantly flared red.
"Good morning, beautiful," Obi quietly hums at her, causing her to smile warmly. He reaches over to push away loose strands of hair stuck on her face. While doing so, he cups her cheek and notices how full and bright her face was. The emerald-eyed beauty was practically glowing. Her smile was goofy and tired, but wide and full of glee. "You seem very cheerful this morning- did you sleep well?"
Shirayuki puts her hand over his and nods, "I slept great." Her nightgown slips down a bit and reveals her smooth shoulder, causing Obi to bite his lip as she rests her chin on it to watch him. "How'd you sleep?" He pinches her cheek with his hand before joining her in sitting up.
He stretches, his back muscles cracking before he responds, "I slept amazing, love." The two smile more, positive that their cheeks were going to hurt from how content they were. Obi eyes the window a bit, seeing the shining sun pour into the very warm room. "We should probably get ready soon."
Shirayuki nods, "that's a good idea." But, while trying to stand up, she quickly limps and sits herself right back down. Obi's eyes widen, face full of worry as Shirayuki quickly places her hands on her lower belly. "Ow…" She grimaces.
Obi instinctively presses his hands on hers, his amber eyes narrowing on her pained expression. "A-are you okay, Shirayuki? Are you hurt?" Her pupils suddenly expand, watching the man wistfully as he slightly trembles against her touch. Obi doesn't often say her name, but when he does, it always catches her by surprise. They are pleasant surprises, though.
"My body isn't used to what we did…" Shirayuki informs quietly, the jolting pain relenting. She takes Obi's hands into hers and smiles up at him, "it's nothing to worry about, I don't think." Obi's eyes still drowned with worry, having Shirayuki giggle and pucker her lips, anticipating a kiss to relieve him.
And of course, he obliges, leaning closer to his lover until he feels her lips press his. They disregarded their morning breath, tongues slipping into each others mouths. Shirayuki was slowly pulling away, but Obi didn't let her. His hands find themselves on her hips and picks her up to place her on his lap. Shirayuki's completely flushed, eyes surprised as Obi's hands rub her back and gently push her to guide her lips on his again.
Needy, Shirayuki thinks as she feels Obi tug at her bottom lip gently. The way Obi's finger tips softly mapped their way between her shoulder blades was slowly addicting. Small hands weave into Obi's raven locks, euphoria surging through the guard. The scalp massaging, and the way Shirayuki's lips perfectly fit against his was melting him. He didn't want to let her go- not just yet.
He doesn't want her touch to leave his skin. He doesn't want to forget the way she smelled like the bed sheets and lemongrass. His hands refused to forget the feeling of her curves under his fingers, and the way she'd hold tighter, as though she was trying to get closer than she already was. The way her long hair goes past her shoulders, and how they constantly get in the way of her face.
Obi had no intentions of letting her go. Zen may have let her slip, but Obi's hold is much tighter.
"Obi…" his name sounded against his lips quietly as Shirayuki slowly pulls away. Obi looks up at her, feeling her hands slide down to hold on by his neck. Her index fingers begin to rub the top of the back of his neck. "We need to get out of bed… we're gonna be late."
Obi sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Alright, let's get out of bed, then."
Shirayuki struggled, but with Obi's help, the two managed to get ready in a prompt manner. However, during that time, the two couldn't go much time without keeping their hands from each other. Obi helped zip the back of her dress while he asked Shirayuki to button up his uniform. Obi eagerly brushed her long, red locks while Shirayuki (skillfully) finger-combed through his dark strands.
"I'll go first!" Shirayuki hums gleefully, her walking still a struggle, but enough to get to where she needs to go. Obi looked at her perplexed. "My plan, remember?"
"Right, but why can't I go with you?" The way he asked was almost like a puppy whining for attention.
"I need you to gather Kiki, Mitsuhide, and the Prince."
"Alright- where do you want us to meet you?"
"At Lady Elizabeth's quarters," Shirayuki requests. Obi nods, taking in his instruction as Shirayuki rushes towards him. She gets on her toes and gives him a quick kiss before heading for the door. "See you in a few minutes!"
Obi shook his head at the woman as he watched her take off. Then, without sparing much time, Obi, too, was on his way to play his role in his lovers plan.
"Where's Shirayuki?" Zen asks curiously.
"Clearly not here," Kiki replies sassily.
All four of them were walking through the corridors, their feet practically marching on the ground. Guards watched as their Prince and his trusted aides sped the hallways, with their destination set on the Princess' bedroom. Their faces held nothing of sympathy for the girl, and their hearts were filled with a determination to confront her and her treasonous intentions against the kingdom.
"Obi?" Mitsuhide chimes in. Obi glances back but moves forward as they begin to ascend a flight of stairs. "Do you know where Shirayuki is?"
"Even if I knew," Obi hums with a grin, "I still wouldn't tell you."
Kiki smirked as the group made their way to the Princess' quarters and stood before the door. Her guards stood in front of it, keeping them from accessing. Zen thought just one look at him would have them move, but they weren't budging. Zen's hand gently wraps around the grip of his sword, taking it out of the sheath enough to make the sheer sound of the blade being revealed.
"I didn't think I'd have to say anything, but I suppose," Zen glares at the guards, "since you two are slow, I'd like you to move out of the way." A wave of intimidation enters the foreign guards, but they remain still, eyes narrowing at the young Prince before them. "Ah, I see you have made your choice," Zen hums. Native guards quickly collect themselves by the group, swords out and ready in front of them as they kept their eyes towards the resilient guards. "So I guess I'll make mine."
With haste, Zen reveals his sword out, placing it in front of him to lean against it like a cane. The guards, clearly outnumbered, meet eyes with the azure ones before them. The white-haired Prince wasn't playing around; those blue orbs as cold as ice. Faster than light, Zen pointed the sword just centimeters away from one of the guards' throat. Sweat-dropping, that guard didn't take long to drop his weapon and surrender. The other guard quickly joined him as they left their post in front of the door.
Zen smiled, his heart easing at the knowledge that he wouldn't have to hurt anyone today. Giving them a nod, Zen walks to the door and proceeds to open it. The gang peer inside to see Elizabeth, her back towards them as she had one hand gently placed on her bedside table. Obi eyes the table carefully, noticing the drawer wasn't completely closed. They all quickly enter, and shut the door behind them.
"Lady Elizabeth," Mitsuhide breaks the silence, his hazel orbs watching the petite woman, "apologies for the intrusion."
Elizabeth snorted quietly before glancing back, "if you were truly sorry, you wouldn't have done it in the first place." Mitsuhide flushes, cowering at her sensible response as Kiki decides to step forward and take over.
"Lady Elizabeth, if I may," Kiki starts, doing everything she can to keep herself poised and polite. "I know things might not be… in your favor right now, but there's no way out of this." Elizabeth doesn't move a muscle. "We want to know the truth regarding those crates of wine."
She remains still, but her eyes quickly flicker over to the crates sent from her kingdom. She knows the kingdom isn't stupid, and she couldn't weave herself out of it. Since Izana outed the truth about her being half-royalty, nothing had been the same. Zen didn't care to adhere to the agreement, and was never going to see her as worthy to be his wife and Princess. She had already come to that conclusion.
The puffy-dressed woman kept from looking at them as she replied, "Shirayuki wasn't supposed to live." Obi's blood was starting to boil, but he knew he had to hold himself. After all, Shirayuki was much smarter and she's very much alive and well. "She came here to my quarters, and I offered her a cup she took a sip of." Elizabeth's voice doesn't shred a bit of remorse or regret. "She must be some sort of witch- just a lick of that wine should have put her ill."
"She kept the gulp she had, and brought it to the medical wing," Obi informs her, Elizabeth raising her eyebrows in surprise. "She informed all of us of her suspicions and we helped by snagging a few bottles from your crates." The Princess had to admit: Shirayuki is incredibly smart. She hated it.
"With our help and the help of the rest of our court herbalists," Zen continues for Obi, "Shirayuki was able to piece together your plan to poison my people during the day of our wedding." Elizabeth remained quiet, before turning around. She keeps her eyes on the ground however, as the fear of confrontation was slowly swallowing her confidence.
"It's true," she confirms it, "I was going to poison the people of Clarines, and have my army take out the rest of your guards to take over the kingdom." Zen was going red from anger, but Elizabeth remained still and continued staring down at the ground. "But when I heard no news that Shirayuki fell ill or passed, I knew she was going to figure me out somehow."
Zen walked closer to her, his eyes burning into her. "That day you offered me wine… the night before Shirayuki and Obi returned from their trip…"
"That was the untampered wine," Elizabeth utters. "I poured both of our glasses with it, and we both drank it." Zen wanted to deem that as a lie, but it was true. She served it right before him, and he watched her drink it with him. "Getting rid of you before the wedding wasn't part of the plan."
Zen grits his teeth, his hand trembling around the grip of his sword, "getting rid of you right now isn't part of the plan either, but it can be implemented." Elizabeth finally looked up to meet his gaze, and she quickly regretted that decision.
His azure eyes were devoid of welcoming, every hint of warmth and kindness from when they first met long gone. His pupils were dilated, with not even a pinch of sympathy or mercy in them. Elizabeth had to admit: even though Zen wasn't that kind of Prince, she was genuinely concerned for her life right at that moment. So much so, she took a step back.
Before Zen could continue scaring her, a few knocks sounded against the door. Mitsuhide, being the closest, went ahead and opened it. Shirayuki stood before him, with a stern face and a box in her hands. Mitsuhide allowed her in as she quickly smiled over at her friends before getting beside Zen. Zen, feeling a bit happier in seeing her, backs up to let her take the spotlight.
"Sorry I took long," Shirayuki glances back to apologize before looking back at Elizabeth. Unlike Zen, Elizabeth met eyes with Shirayuki quickly, clearly agitated by her presence. "I had to prepare Elizabeth's departing gift."
"A departing gift?" Elizabeth questions. Shirayuki offers the box, in which she hesitates and doesn't reach out at first.
"There isn't anything harmful in there, I promise," Shirayuki hummed. "Not everyone has malicious intentions like you do."
Rolling her eyes, Elizabeth takes the white box from Shirayuki as Shirayuki walks over towards the crates. The Princess quickly ignores the box as she rises and follows Shirayuki. "What are you doing?" She hisses at the court herbalist. Shirayuki starts opening all the crates. Elizabeth was unable to do anything since Mitsuhide, Kiki, Obi and Zen were right behind her, eyeing her and Shirayuki.
Grabbing one bottle in each hand, Shirayuki uses her feet to open the balcony. She walks on it, allowing everyone to move forward and join her on it. They couldn't see it, but Shirayuki narrows her green eyes on something below, raising one of the bottle to practice her aim.
"Shirayuki?" Zen questions, but Shirayuki ignores him. She fits her tongue between her teeth, one eye squinting shut. She was completely focused, and Obi patted Zen's shoulder in order for him to understand that.
Suddenly, Shirayuki launches the bottle, startling everyone in the room. The bottle reaches the goal and shatters, the sound of broken glass being the only sound. Proceeding after, a very loud and shocked gasp. But everyone except for Shirayuki look around, wondering where that gasp came from. Shirayuki then beckons for them to come closer as she throws the other wine bottle as well, her sight clearly on whatever she was hitting with them.
They all lean against the railing of the balcony, eyes widened to see the sight that Shirayuki created.
The once beautiful wedding dress, crafted by the best tailors that money could buy, was now drenched and covered in spiked wine and shattered pieces of glass. It now bled with the plum-colored liquid seeping through and spreading. To the far right of the very scene stood Ryu and Garak, with a straight-faced Izana and a mouth-covered Queen. Haruto had been the source of the surprised gasp.
"The dress-" Zen began.
"It's ruined," Mitsuhide finished, his eyes wide to see the unworn white dress gradually become purple.
Kiki had her arms crossed in front of her chest, a subtle smirk playing at her lips. With a shrug, she looked over at Shirayuki and said, "it wasn't going to be worn anyways." Shirayuki nodded, looking over at a pale-faced Princess, the box still in her hands and unopened.
"I felt bad for ruining the dress, seeing as a lot of hard work was put into it," Shirayuki said hushly. She eyed the box and pointed at it, "but the tailors said this was the hardest part to make of the dress. I saved it just for you."
Elizabeth quickly opens the box, disregarding the cover toppling over the balcony. She looks down and blinks, a hand digging in and picking up a beautiful article of clothing that resided inside. In her hands was a white wedding veil, hand-knitted and crocheted to make a complex (yet beautiful) pattern. It glimmered against the sun, clearly ornate with sparkles and shredded clear gems.
Haruto and Izana watched from below as Elizabeth held the veil. "Perhaps you could save that for when you try marrying another Prince," Shirayuki hums. "If you can marry another Prince, anyways." Elizabeth snapped her neck to look at her, wondering what her words meant. But Zen quickly stepped in front of her and nodded.
"This will be going down in history as the Half-Princess who tried to poison and take over a kingdom," Zen announces. "I will make sure every kingdom is aware of the treasonous kingdom that is the Knight Family and their offspring." Elizabeth could feel her world crashing, but the only thing she could hear in her head were the bottles of wine shattering.
On the ground, Haruto nudged over at her son and questioned, "what was that court herbalists' name again? Shirayuki?"
Izana nodded, "the famous red-head in Clarines." Haruto took this information in and quickly went over to Garak.
"And she was the one who came up with this plan?"
"I'm just as surprised as you are," Garak began with a chuckle. "Shirayuki is extremely clever, but even I didn't think she'd be this clever."
Haruto looked down to see Ryu, smiling and proud as he looked up to Shirayuki. It wasn't common to see Ryu react at anything at all. But remembering how he went up to her only if Shirayuki held his hand, and the way he was looking at her now; Haruto came to a conclusion.
She liked Shirayuki. She liked Shirayuki very, very much.