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Title: Winds of Change
Inspired by: Chapter 18 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime
Characters: Izana Wistalia
Wordcount: 897
Rating: General
As predicted, the young aide Miyoshi looked sheepish and contrite when he showed up to my office bearing a sealed, thick, expensive-looking parchment. Not bothering to tell him off, I accepted the letter he delivered and had him request a tea service for three people. The seal alone bearing the crest of a certain neighboring Royal family was enough to know that my two guests would be arriving soon.
I cracked open the seal, unfolded the paper and began to read the contents. A smaller, intimate-looking letter came down and fluttered on top of my table. I recognised the thin, slanted writing with a raised eyebrow.
Prince Raj had sent a personal letter to Shirayuki along with his invitation.
Another complication, I see.
I placed the letter I was holding down and stood up. I had been expecting the letter ever since the last report passed to me by one of the casual observers employed by my aides throughout the neighbouring kingdoms. It was better to gather information and store it for future use. And in the light of my information gathering, I came across reports that Prince Raj seemed to have turned over into a new leaf and had begun to take interest in Tanbarun's internal affairs. Although reports varied from person to person, I found it unsurprising that this change was unexpectedly brought about after his visit at Clarines. No doubt it was all because of our very own pharmacist.
His father, the King, is holding a grand ball for the 200th anniversary of their dynasty, and had taken a keen interest into the woman that inspired his eldest son to turn over a new leaf.
Clasping my hands behind my back, plans begun to form inside my head. Technically speaking, Zen and I were not invited for the occasion. This was an actual celebration that mostly involved its own citizens, and while outsiders may be invited, it is normal not to do so. But the King and Prince Raj had went out of their way to send a special invite to Shirayuki, who, in all things to consider, was actually a citizen of Tanbarun even though she resided within Wistal Castle.
A coach will be sent to fetch her at the checkpoint of the Iris bridge, about two hundred kilometers southwest of Clarines. We have prepared a contingent of guards to escort Mistress Shirayuki to the palace where she is welcome to stay for about two weeks. We look forward to receiving a reply in a week's time.
If Shirayuki accepts, she would be gone for at least a month, possibly being extended to two months. But if things went really well for Prince Raj, Shirayuki may not come back at all.
And Zen would be forced to accept that she was not meant for him after all.
I paused at this thought, frowning, feeling a little apprehensive by this. What had changed? A few months ago, I would gladly receive these tidings and need not worry too much on how to get rid of Shirayuki from my brother's side. This news from Tanbarun is an answer to all my prayers and more. Shirayuki would be far better off with a crown prince, rather than a second prince.
But…
Would I able to bear my own brother's sad look should things succeed? Would I actually be satisfied if she is finally gone for good?
I felt a small pinch of guilt and hurt stab me in the chest. I chewed the bottom of my lip, thinking hard.
I would be lying if I said my answer was yes. In a short span of time, that young woman had managed to get under my skin, too.
Shirayuki's image last night flashed into my mind. I found myself absent-mindedly rubbing my fingers, remembering the soft texture of her hair when I slid the hairpin behind her ears.
Clenching my fists, I tried to calm myself. I should be looking at this situation in a different perspective. If Shirayuki turned out to be the greedy social-climber that I initially suspected of her, then it would be good riddance if she stayed at Tanbarun. She need not come back and bother my brother. I had all the means to limit our communication with the Royal family of Tanbarun, enough to spare Zen from further heartache. There would be more suitable ladies in other parts of this country, even the neighboring ones. I would make sure my brother had his pick.
On a different note, however, if Shirayuki proved her integrity and worth to me, I could consider this trip as a testing ground for her, in future missions for the Kingdom. If she was smart enough to analyze the reason behind my consent to this trip, she might possibly elevate her usefulness to me.
There was a knock on the door. I whirled about and gave my permission to enter.
"My deepest apologies for disturbing, Your Highness." Miyoshi bowed low.
"Continue."
"I was informed that a certain Mihaya from the Kingdom of Tanbarun has arrived and requests to meet Prince Zen. Urgent information concerning Mistress Shirayuki."
"Indeed." What was with Tanbarun citizens these days? Everyone seemed to be quite interested with Shirayuki. I stifled the urge to let out an irritated sigh. "What is it about?"
"We have received information that some bandits are planning to kidnap the mistress."