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Title: Starlight Gate

Inspired by: Chapter 19 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime

Characters: Izana Wistalia, Zen Wistalia, Shirayuki, Lord Haruka, Obi

Wordcount: 992

Rating: General

"You need not have bothered to see her off, Your Highness."

I leaned against the stone ramparts, breathing in deeply the early morning fresh air. The faint breeze ruffled my hair, cooling the back of my neck. The days were beginning to get hotter, but early mornings were always the best part of the day. Dawn was just breaking. Already pink and gold light peeked out from the distant mountains up ahead.

Lord Haruka stood rigid next to me, expression stony, not at all looking eager to start imparting wisdom to his charge about to travel.

"Only members of the Royal family use the Starlight gate. And that also includes guests of high rank." He huffed a little in a disapproving tone.

"Shirayuki may well be on her way to becoming a person of high standing," I answered enigmatically. "If she played her cards right, Prince Raj might even propose to her, and she could be the next Queen of Tanbarun in a fortnight. And you," I added, "could be greeting her as Her Majesty instead." I deliberately failed to add that she could very well be easily a princess of Clarines should Zen continue his path to pursuing her.

The older man snorted, but his expression softened a bit. "Royal title, huh? How ambitious!"

I shrugged. "The roads out of Starlight gate are the safest route for traveling. The guards stationed in the outposts will certainly be on the lookout for the carriage and its outriders once your journey starts."

"What could possibly go wrong with this journey?" Lord Haruka asked. "She is only a mere pharmacist!"

I pursed my lips in silence, unwilling to divulge the news that only few people are aware: that someone is still after the maiden in question.

I spent last night barely sleeping, mostly tossing and turning. The fact that I'd stolen another kiss from Zen's intended bride unsettled me. Was it because she was so adamant that she fulfilled the mission I had tasked her with? Or maybe I was touched by her question on whether it would help me govern this country better? At that moment, I had completely forgotten who she was in the first place; the girl whom my brother fancied. I saw Shirayuki in a completely different light, and it made me feel terribly uneasy, guilty for harboring thoughts about touching her more than I intended.

On the spur of the moment, I instructed my aides to get the carriage waiting at the Starlight gate; a move which, no doubt, surprised my retainers.

"It would be unwise and of poor oversight if we neglected to keep her protection of utmost importance. You have forgotten, Lord Haruka, that the girl you will be accompanying with was invited personally by the Crown Prince. The future King will someday be a potentially strong ally of this country. It is only natural we treat his guest with the same courtesy he has bestowed upon her," I replied silkily.

I felt Lord Haruka stiffen beside me, but he wisely kept his remaining opinions to himself. Presently, he bade me farewell, and he prepared to go down to the grounds to greet his charges.

I watched Obi and Shirayuki sit on the steps waiting. Zen's aide was wearing a soft brown color of buckskin that would help him blend well with the passing scenery. While on the other hand, Shirayuki wore a traditional Clarines riding habit, the white and light blue imperial colors contrasting magnificently against her bright red hair and porcelain skin. Last minute ministrations to make her look presentable had been a gamble, but nonetheless a wise decision. She was beginning to look a lot like a lady of high-ranking with her clear, glowing skin, newly trimmed hair and faint traces of rouge on her lips and cheeks.

But of course she didn't need any cosmetics to highlight her long lashes, or enhance the color of her irises. They were already beautiful enough to warrant a second long look.

A little pleased with her transformation, I sat down and waited for my brother and his aides to show up. Lord Haruka had already made his presence known by showing up and standing near Shirayuki. Obi's face turned a little green before snapping to attention. I stifled a laugh and continued to observe.

A few minutes later Zen showed up, and Lord Haruka made his way to his side, where they exchanged greetings. I could not hear them from my vantage point, but I had a fair idea of what the exchanges were. Zen was probably thanking Lord Haruka for being generous with his time in assisting Shirayuki during the rest of her journey.

I watched as Zen moved towards Shirayuki, exchanging some words before he handed something to her: An old heirloom watch that our mother gave to him for safekeeping.

I felt a little stabbing pain of jealousy at this. Shirayuki's face looked bright, and she beamed at being presented with a token. And then I spied the book I gave her, clutched in one hand. I didn't notice she was keeping it close all this time.

A ray of inexplicable happiness bloomed inside me.

Shirayuki, Obi and Lord Haruka assembled themselves beside the carriage. Together they bowed low and paid their respects to my brother, who stood watching them with a wistful expression. Lady Kiki and Mitsuhide bade them good luck as well, throwing sidelong looks at Zen, concern etched on their faces.

It was certainly obvious that my brother wanted to go with them. Part of the reason why I wished to see them off was to see whether Zen would change his mind about letting her go, but he seemed to have gotten a fair grip of himself and what was expected of him.

Interesting, really, how Shirayuki seemed to bring out our hidden personalities.

Shirayuki looked up.

For a brief moment, our eyes met. There was neither a light of recollection in her face, nor a hint of any embarrassment. She stood confident, determined, and dare I say even content that I had begun to trust her enough with this special assignment.

Her green eyes looked clear and bright. A young woman off to a journey of learning experience.

And then she bowed low, a smile hovering on her lips. I felt my heart thud in response to this, and I tried not to move, wishing to myself that I had memorized her face enough to keep me company at night. Or at least to tide me over for the next few weeks until we would see each other again.

All three members of the traveling party entered the spacious carriage. The footman closed the door with a snap and reached inside to lock it securely. Once he had landed on the ground, a low-voiced instruction could be heard, and they began to march towards the Starlight gate; eight outriders in front, two more carriages behind, and four outriders making up the last part.

See you soon, Shirayuki.