Cophetua

by Zara Allegra Vespertine

Izana Wistalia is on the cusp of inheriting the crown of Clarines. Preparing to launch the country into a new era, he thought he had everything sorted out. The arrival of a red-haired foreigner has put a dent on his perfect plans. His will is strong, but can his heart withstand an unexpected siege? An intimate take on the manga chapters from Izana's POV. Possible IzanaxShirayuki.

23. Chapter 23

Thanks to Talye Kendrin for doing a fantastic job of beta-ing these chapters. Please check out her profile and support this fandom.

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Title: Protection Under His Name

Inspired by: Chapter 11 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime

Characters: Izana Wistalia

Wordcount: 345

Rating: General

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"Your highness." Maruko bowed before me. I waited until he straightened up.

"Any news?" I asked, taking my regular break between work and practice. The tea service arrived moments ago, and I was just about to help myself to some of the hot beverage.

"A certain guard named Obi was assigned to shadow Shirayuki."

"Indeed." I paused; the teacup I was holding hovered in mid-air, remembering the stranger who had taken to hiding in the trees as he stood guard over the red-haired pharmacist.

Why should I be surprised by this news? It would only be a matter of time before some unscrupulous members of the nobility took note of the fact that the second prince of Wistalia had taken a keen interest in a normal girl like Shirayuki. It was akin to inviting trouble. With Shirayuki in the picture, potential brides from noble families would have no chance to meet with Zen; just as they didn't have luck with me, when I already stated years earlier that I already had a potential bride to consider. That left Zen, as the second prince in the Kingdom, to be their one and only chance to gain a foothold into the Wistalia family. But if Shirayuki had taken Zen's attention, the political ambitions of the noble families would bear no fruit. Shirayuki had become a priceless target, no doubt.

After Prince Raj's visits a few weeks ago, it seemed that my brother took my threats very seriously. And since I had proven to him that he left Shirayuki vulnerable to outside threats, he decided to assign a bodyguard for her.

By making that person her bodyguard under the guise of a personal messenger.

Clever brat, I thought to myself.

We shall see what the future brings with your gamble.

Zen never liked playing chess with me, because he knew he couldn't win. It was one of my favorite pastimes. This time, my brother was playing a dangerous game of chess with me. One that would show whose will was stronger.

I intended to win this game.