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Title: His Condition

Inspired by: Chapter 19 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime

Characters: Izana Wistalia, Zen Wistalia, Shirayuki

Wordcount: 734

Rating: General

"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.

I frowned a little at my brother, bowing so low before me. A first, really. When Zen requested things, he usually used a tone that bordered on a demand that I mostly granted whatever it was he wanted just to shut him up. His requests were normally reasonable and not beyond my expectations, but looking at him now made me a little wary, a little concerned; even a little angry.

I will not allow him to go with her if that is his wish! I thought to myself petulantly, clutching the end of my sword's handle strapped to my waist.

"Brother. May I add one condition?"

I let out a slow exhale, contemplating about his request. I let my anger simmer, but spoke in a neutral tone.

"A condition," I repeated, trying to buy a bit of time. "A first, Prince Zen. Speak before I consider."

His eyes continued to be trained on the polished marble floor before him. "With regards to Shirayuki's escort, I want one person I trust to go with her. That is the only thing I will not concede."

Zen lifted his head and met my gaze with a serious look. His blue eyes looked even bluer than ever, blazing like a man determined not to be thwarted with his mission.

I knew right then and there that it would be pointless to argue with him when he is in this state. Regardless whether I gave my permission or not, Zen would still act according to his wishes.

Under normal circumstances, if I refused to grant his desire and Zen continued to ignore my will, he could be charged with high treason and be punished.

But no, I was too soft when it came to him. At least in certain cases. The man before me was not my brother asking for a boon. The man before me was Clarines' second prince asking permission from his liege.

My jaw tightened a little.

Watching our exchanges, Shirayuki stood, a little too shocked for words. I glanced back at her, the coldness of my person reaching out and she lowered her eyes, her mouth trembling a little. From her stance, I could almost guess what she was about to do: interfere, should the need arise.

I felt my anger dissipate a little. Shirayuki certainly had guts if she intended to act as she planned. But I did not wish to spend more time arguing with Zen about his plans.

"Very well."

Zen's head lifted up to meet my eyes. Relief painted his expression.

I glanced again at Shirayuki and noted her tense posture.

"Shirayuki, do you have any objections on this?"

I watched closely as her fingers clenched and unclenched.

"Your Highness has given me a mission. I place this first and foremost in importance. If my safety jeopardizes this mission, then, yes. I give my consent. My life is in your hands."

Green eyes met mine. And the scale of purpose and determination written there took me aback.

Breaking eye contact, I straightened. "I will inform your superior, the Head Pharmacist, of your situation." Moving to the side, my hands pulled a rope hidden between the folds of draperies hanging on one side of the wall.

Almost immediately, the door to my office opened and a dignified-looking tutor and a couple of maidservants appeared from the door and gave deference in our presence.

"I'm afraid that with the limited time left, Shirayuki, your princess lessons starts now," I said in a grave tone. "You have two weeks before your carriage departs."

My eyes sweep past Zen's face, who still looked unhappy at how our conversation turned out before pivoting on his heel and removing himself from the room.

With one last look at me, Shirayuki followed suit and proceeded to walk behind the tutor and out of the room, leaving me alone to brood over what had transpired.