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Title: News from Tanbarun
Inspired by: Chapter 22 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia, Zen Wistalia
Wordcount: 702
Rating: General
"His Highness Zen wants to see you immediately." Another of my aides called out in a soft voice.
Resigned, I left the spacious bed and grabbed my dressing gown from the back of a chair. Glancing at the clock to note the ungodly hour I was rudely interrupted, I realized my brother would not disturb me were it not a matter of great urgency and importance.
And most likely, it was concerning Shirayuki.
I left the bedroom and headed straight to the adjacent sitting room, where my brother stood, tense and rigid.
Immediately, I noted his tired eyes and pale countenance. His mouth was set in a grim line.
"What business do you have with me at this hour, Zen?" I asked silkily, pouring myself a healthy measure of strong brandy from one of the side tables filled with all types of beverages: lemon water, wine, cognac, whiskey and spring water. Bracing myself for the news, my heart began to hammer loudly, all sorts of possible scenarios running through my head: Shirayuki involved in a riding accident, or maybe she had decided not to come back at all.
But the young man before me was about to test my authority.
"The people after Shirayuki…" he began.
"Yes, I am aware, Zen." I almost snapped impatiently.
"We have news that she will be targeted in Tanbarun-"
"You do not have my permission to go," I interrupted him.
I saw the flash of hurt on my brother's face.
"Regardless, I am going. Allow me, brother." He took a step forward.
I felt my blood boil suddenly.
"Your face is full of defiance, Prince Zen." I addressed my brother formally. "Do you think you can leave without my permission?" I could very well have him be thrown in the dungeons for defying the Crown Prince. The very fact that Zen was ready to ignore my ruling could be considered an act of treason!
"You do not understand-" He tried again.
"Of course, Prince Zen. You do not understand!" I was not willing to let this go easily. My brother's devotion to the woman had clouded his mind and his heart. His refusal to stop and think things through would be his undoing! Acting irrationally was a surefire way to stumble and fall.
He closed his mouth, face lined with worry. I let him simmer for a bit. I eyed his fists, clenched tight at his sides.
"Do you know the consequences of defying my wishes? All of the hard work we invested will go down the drain. The respect and reputation we have painstakingly built will crumble. The advisers will be shocked by the decisions you are making."
"I know," he replied quietly. "The advisers will lose confidence in me, and harbor suspicion that you are not fit to rule if you are unable to control me."
There would be civil unrest, and the people of Clarines would suffer because of it. Etcetera, etcetera.
"Precisely! Our mother, Her Majesty, the Queen, has worked so hard to come to this point! She has sacrificed her health and well being away from us in order to prepare us for the country's future. I am appalled by the lack of restraint in you."
He hung his head low. I felt my chest twist in pain and guilt. I hated reprimanding my own brother. And I hated the way I handled this entire mission. Shirayuki may be indeed in danger, and we were miles away, unable to lend her immediate aid. If anything happened to her… My blood went cold just thinking about it. I entirely understood what he was feeling. Or may be I do not at all.
I glanced back at my brother's face and let out a soft sigh.
"The one who received the invitation to Tanbarun for that girl was I," I started. "The guard I sent to escort her were informed of the situation."
Even if I sent news to my guards, it would take some time to reach her.
"As Prince of Clarines, you do not need to go." I dealt the blow as gently as I could. But Zen has more things to say.
"Shirayuki is the girl I wish to be my consort."