Shit.
Obi's eyes snap open as he jolts awake. The once darkened room is vibrant with soft glowing light. The wispy chirps of songbirds twitter through the morning air. With dread, he realizes he'd fallen asleep.
A gentle pressure snuggles against his chest and he slowly draws his attention toward the red tresses spread across the front of his shirt. A fresh, lavender scent dances around him as Shirayuki sleeps soundlessly against him. He glances down at their position. His arms had wound their way around her, pulling her in close. In return, one of her legs fit effortlessly between both of his, her head nestled against his chest and her small, slender fingers delicately laid over his waist.
At some point during the night, they must have crawled toward each other and clung to the nearest source of warmth, resulting in their strange position. He could hardly deny how perfectly their bodies fit together, like puzzle pieces.
He looks toward the door, knowing he needs to make an escape before she wakes up. The last thing he wanted was the rest of their travels to be uncomfortable. He swallows, his eyes following the curve of her thin frame, pressed against him. Heat burns beneath his skin as he realizes the other more pressing issue convincing him that he needed to move.
He slowly uncoils his arms from her body, gently slipping one out from under her. Just as he manages to get himself untangled, she stirs from sleep. Her eyes flutter open and he tenses up.
She tilts her head back. Her jade eyes meet his gaze. For a moment she just stares, seeming dazed. A soft golden streak of morning light radiates against her pale skin. His breath hitches at the sight of her. Her eyes slowly widen and a deep crimson seeps through her pale cheeks.
She jolts up, immediately turning away from him and covering her face. "Sorry Obi!"
He startles, quickly sitting up and holding his hands up dismissively. "It's fine, Miss!"
He clears his throat and throws his legs off the edge of the bed. He pushes to his feet, stretching his arms with his back toward her, as his face slowly cools down.
"I forgot you were here," She admits, nervously fiddling with her hair.
Regaining his composure he rubs the back of his neck. "It's fine, Miss. I should return to my room and change."
She nods, her face still flushed.
He presses his back against the door, his breathing erratic as he tries desperately to catch his breath. His hands curl to fists at his sides and he closes his eyes, wishing he could remove the thoughts swirling around in his head. That sleepy, vulnerable look she'd given him, his body reacted almost immediately and he nearly lost all of his self-control.
He places a hand over his face, thoroughly embarrassed.
Shit.
The fresh air helped very little with clearing his head. It didn't matter that he changed his clothes, Shirayuki's sweet, prudent smell had lodged itself inside his brain. He wasn't even sure if he was smelling it on him or remembering it, vividly.
He watches the white and gold carriage come to a slow stop in front of the inn. The coachman gives him a look over. "Are you Obi?"
He nods, revealing the ID on his neck. "Yes, sir."
The coachman nods, seeming content with his reply. "Very good, I am Asuka. I will be delivering you and Miss Shirayuki to Clarines under King Izana's orders."
Obi nods and glances toward the Inn. His eyes widen as he catches sight of her.
She emerges from the shadows of the Inn's entrance and sunlight glistens against the jewels in her hair. She'd forgone the long, natural hairstyle and instead tied her hair into delicate crimson lopes, revealing her elegant neck. The dress Izana had given her fits perfectly, beaming with jewels etched into the stitching and flowing with overlapping cuts of lace.
She could easily be mistaken for royalty had he not known any better. She flickers her gaze up, meeting his. Her face flushes and she looks away, almost shyly. His throat tightens. This is what he'd been expecting, waking up the way they had. Ignoring the small pinch of hurt in his chest he forces a smile and holds his hand out to her.
"Wow Miss..." She meets his gaze again, this time gently slipping her hand into his. "You look beautiful Miss."
Her cheeks redden but she smiles up at him. "Thank you, Obi." She enters the carriage and he glances toward the road ahead, an uneasy feeling in his stomach as he wonders what will await them when they arrive in Clarines.
He seats himself across from her. The carriage pulls forward with ease and Shirayuki stares out the window, watching as they make their way out of town. Obi sits tense, his thoughts plagued by the uneasy feeling in his gut.
After a while, Shirayuki raises her hands to her hair, fiddling with the jewels. Her lips press and a small crease forms between her brows. He eyes her, amused by her odd frustration. "Do you need help, Miss?"
She nods. He smiles and reaches forward, stopping suddenly when his gaze finds the delicate ornament tying all the jewels together in the back. It's the very first one he'd ever given her. Seeing it so delicately placed in her hair, glowing against the jewels, warms his heart. He untangles her hair from the jewels before pinning the tresses back into place.
A sudden bump sends him fumbling forward. His hands thrust out in front of him instinctively, catching himself.
His breath hitches as he meets her wide jade eyes. Her lips just inches from his. With the suddenness, he'd caught himself only inches from her face. He searches her gaze, something inside him refusing to pull away. His hands curl to fists against the cushion beside her head. His throat tightens. He glances down at her lips. Slightly parted, her breath a warm and their closeness inviting.
She remains still and silent, her eyes searching his. After a moment her gaze flickers toward his lips and his heart stops. His body reacts without thought, leaning in toward her. At the last minute, He jerks back, quickly forcing his composure.
Jaw clenched, he drops back into his seat across from her. Despite the adrenaline pumping through his chest, he attempts to dismiss it. He glances toward Shirayuki. She fiddles with her hair, staring down at her lap, face flushed. He frowns, his fists clenching at his sides.
The familiar seaside rouses him from his thoughts. Seagulls cry in the distance and with a flicker of excitement he turns to Shirayuki. He leans forward, placing his hand on her shoulder. "Miss, we're in Clarines," He says, gently rousing her from her nap. She stirs, blinking dazedly. She quickly springs to life, turning toward the window with wild eyes. Obi smiles, watching the excited gleam in her jade eyes.
It's been almost two years since they were last in Clarines. Despite all the time they spent away from the calm little portside town, not much seems to have changed except for the festivities of the day. The royal announcement seems to be awaited among the townsfolk. Decorations have been hung in honor of the Clarines Royal family and everything is in high spirits. Obi glances toward Shirayuki, quietly wondering if she'd really ready for this.
The small crease between her brows and determined set of her jaw is enough to tell him that she came for answers and she likely won't leave without them. He sets his gaze on the town outside, confident that he will provide her whatever support she required of him. If she wanted him to bring her to Zen himself, he would, despite Zen's demands.
Their carriage blends in with a long line of other carriages, arriving from various parts of the country, few from the bayside, others from the bridges. The closer they get to the main gates, the more restless Shirayuki seems to get. She fidgets with pieces of her dress, her expression twisted with unease.
The carriage comes to a steady and slow stop and Obi turns to her. "Are you ready, Miss?"
She takes in a deep breath, her chest filling with air. She releases it a moment later, and with determination, she nods her head. Obi's jaw tenses and he pushes the carriage door open, stepping down and observing the area before turning to help Shirayuki down from the carriage.
She takes his hand and looks out at the court yard in the distance. Festive music fills the air, conversation flows easily between other attendants of the banquet. Her hand remains tightly intertwined with his as they approach the gardens. Despite the odd stares in their direction and the subtle murmurs in regards to Shirayuki's "Strange hair", Shirayuki remains oblivious.
They reach the garden were an arrangement of tables and food has been organized for the guests. Attendants wander around with trays in hand, offering drinks and appetizers. Nobody approaches them, cautiously watching them from a distance. Their idle gossip reaches their ears, some comments far better than others.
"Isn't that the girl we've all heard about? Wasn't she the one rumored to be engaged to the second prince?" A woman asks.
"What a shame," Says another.
"Such a scandal! Why would she show her face here?" Cackles an older woman.
"Clearly the second prince never had any intention of marrying such a low-born girl. It stands in proof that those were only rumors," says one of the men in the group.
The man's comment catches both their attention. Shirayuki's gaze saddens as it lowers to the ground. Obi turns toward the group, fists clenched, scowl in place as he starts to approach. Shirayuki grabs his sleeve, stopping him. He glances down at her.
She stares toward the ground, clearly hurt. "It's alright, Obi..." She raises her head, forcing a smile up at him. "We'll just ignore them."
He frowns. He darts a sharp look toward the man who'd made the comment, lucky enough to catch his eye. The man flinches and quickly backs down, sipping his wine quietly. With a sigh Obi observes the banquet. He doubted that even food would cheer her up in this circumstance.
Suddenly the gathering goes quiet. King Izana steps out onto the balcony overlooking the garden. Beside him, his radiant wife stands proudly. The two of them together look fierce and beautiful, god's among commoners. A true King and Queen.
Thank you all for attending." King Izana's gaze finds them in the crowd. Even though his expression is unclear from a distance Obi could tell that King Izana looked pleased by their attendance. Too pleased. He cuts his speech short, gesturing behind him with a smile. "As most of you have heard, The second Prince of Clarines, Prince Zen, has something he would like to announce."
"Prince Zen," King Izana addresses.
Zen steps onto the balcony, his white dress shirt glistens in the sunlight. Shirayuki's breath catches at the sight of him, her wide eyes bright with hope. Zen's passive expression warms to a smile as he turns just slightly, offering his hand to something behind him, still hidden from view.
Another hand slips into his and slowly a young woman emerges from the shadows. Her fair, pale skin glows like gold under the sun's rays. She reveals a pair of bright blue eyes and a kind smile toward the crowd. Standing beside Zen she suits him perfectly. Their smiles fill the crowd below with joy and admiration.
Obi's heart sinks and he shifts his gaze toward Shirayuki. She stands frozen, her expression one of surprise. Zen glances at the woman beside him before addressing the crowd. Lady Akari, has accepted my proposal. We will be married this coming spring.
The gathered nobles clap in approval meanwhile, Shirayukis shoulders slowly slump. Obi frowns, glancing back toward Zen.
Zen turns toward the woman. His hand gently cups the side of her face and they slowly lean in toward each other. Obi's teeth clench and with swiftness he turns so hes facing Shirayuki, blocking her view. "We should go, Miss."
Her jade eyes widen and with a sinking feeling in his chest, he realizes that she'd still been able to see the two of them from over his shoulder. The tears in her eyes are unmistakable and she turns away, running toward the trail they'd taken to the garden.
Obi darts his gaze toward the balcony, fists clenched at his sides. His scowl turns to alarm when he meets Zen's heated blue eyes from the balcony. His gaze flickers in the direction Shirayuki had gone. He looks back to Obi, hostility in his stare. Obis throat tightens. He turns away and sprints after Shirayuki.
He stops at a fork in the trail, glancing in each direction with urgency.
"Miss?" He calls, peeking over hedges.
Small sniffles reach his ears from nearby and he turns down a section between the hedges. He stops at the sight of her. She sits against the bushes, her knees curled to her chest, her hands covering her face as she cries.
He drops to his knees directly in front of her. His arms wrap around her and he pulls her in against his chest. Instinctively she clings to him, her cries so much worse than the ones from days ago. This time Zen had definitely, without a doubt, broken her heart.
His arms tighten around her. "Let's go home, Miss."
She nods against his chest.
He glances over his shoulder. Shirayuki sits, curled up beside the carriage window, staring out with a vacant expression. Obi frowns and nods to the Coachman. He nods back before climbing up the side of the carriage. He turns to enter the carriage when his gaze lands on Zen, standing just a few feet away.
Obi hesitates, gently shutting the carriage door. Zen approaches him, a cold look across his face but heat in his stare. Obi stands firm, knowing he'd be punished for his actions. Instead Zen passes him. He reaches for the carriage door. Obi jerks his hand out, slamming it against the door.
Zen hesitates. He shifts his gaze toward Obi.
Obi's sharp gaze pierces Zen's. "I'm sorry Master, I was sworn to protect Shirayuki."
Zen quirks a brow at this. "Have you decided that I'm someone she needs to be protected from?"
Obi frowns but holds his stare.
After a moment Zen takes a step back. He turns away. "We'll talk about this later, Obi."
Obi expected as much. He glances toward the carriage, rubbing the back of his neck. what a difficult position...
He enters the carriage, instinctively looking to Shirayuki. She meets his gaze for half a second before looking back out the window. Obi takes his seat across from her.
The carriage pulls slowly forward.
"Thanks, Obi." She says quietly.
He averts his gaze. She must have heard them outside the carriage.
As they leave, Shirayuki doesn't look back. Clarines fades in the distance and she remains an unmoving statue, staring out at the world, lost. He knew they likely wouldn't return to Clarines anytime soon, maybe ever again. Even Shirayuki wouldn't be able to erase that image from her mind. Part of him hated Zen for causing her this much pain but another part knew that Zen was also hurting. Maybe he should have let him say goodbye, or apologize. He knew the minute he saw Zen that that's what he intended but the damage to Shirayuki seeing him again could have caused was too great.