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Title: Her Resolve
Inspired by: Chapter 19 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime
Characters: Izana Wistalia, Zen Wistalia, Shirayuki
Wordcount: 572
Rating: General
"Is your real objective to send her back to Prince Raj?"
My gaze sidled over to my brother. Studying him with half-lidded eyes, I could see storm clouds gathering in his bright blue eyes.
"Aren't we having this conversation because the inevitable has arisen?" I replied silkily.
His hands clenched tightly and he held himself in check, or rather, he was trying his best to. My brother knew when he is treading dangerous ground. He's been generally obedient these last few years, and while he had outgrown his rebellious phase, he was venturing into another phase. I am wary of this phase because consequences tend to last longer, especially when it concerned the red-haired woman before me.
I opened my mouth, intending to caution him about testing my patience tonight when Shirayuki saved me the trouble of reciprocating Zen's inclination to pick a fight at that moment.
"It's about having a close relationship," she interjected quietly.
We both turned to stare back at her.
She let out a long, slow exhale. Shirayuki looked calm, resigned, even though I was sure that a gamut of emotions were running through her, trying to make sense of what was unfolding before her.
"Prince Raj is Tanbarun's next King. If he has displayed his sharpness and ability during his visit to Clarines, I am quite sure Your Highness wouldn't have any doubts about his capacity to rule. However," she paused, her eyes unfocused, warming up to the conclusion, "the fact that he's careless and unpredictably stupid, presents a problem for the future king of Clarines. As a neighboring Kingdom, this country's future may be inexplicably affected if political turmoil brews in the heart of Tanbarun."
Unexpectedly, I let out a beam. Bravo, young lady, bravo!
Not only has Shirayuki managed to diffuse the tension between us, but also she has totally grasped what she is supposed to do.
I began to look at her in a somewhat new light. She's beginning to hone her skills in diplomacy despite her reluctance to participate in our politics. Shirayuki has been trying her best not to cause trouble for her adopted country, particularly to us princes. But however much she wanted to avoid conflict, she's already been tangled up with our affairs on the day she decided to stay in Clarines and allow my brother to get close to her.
"Excellent." I gave a clap.
Zen looked mutinous.
"For this reason, I will graciously accept another scolding." I gave a grin towards my brother, who pointedly ignored me and glanced, instead, at Shirayuki. Zen was looking at her with an apologetic, yet tender expression.
I felt an unexplained tiny prick of pain and jealousy at the sight of them both. There it was again. The feeling of being secluded from something infinite that I could not seemed to grasp. A little envious at the intimacy of these exchanges, I clapped my hands together, interrupting them.
"Well then, Shirayuki," I said, commanding her attention once again. She turned to look at me squarely in the eye. The pupils looked cloudless and bright. I wondered if those green eyes would still be clear when she came back from her mission. If she came back from her mission, that is.
But even before I continued with the rest of my sentence, I heard a sharp rustling sound and found Zen Wistalia down on one knee, his head bowed low.
"Brother…" He murmured.