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Title: Homecoming

Inspired by: Chapter 27 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime

Character: Izana Wistalia, Zen Wistalia

Wordcount: 761

Rating: General

"His Highness, the Second Prince Zen, has returned," Maruko announced before he left to give us some privacy.

I did not pause from what I was doing. The sharp blade before me took all of my focus. Advancing forward, I drew the sword from sideways, blade flat before I swung it in a series of thrusts.

Sweat beaded my forehead, while the fast-paced steps I took and thrusts made my arms ache a little. Finally, I stopped when I began to breathe a little heavily. The set of exercises was complete.

"I have returned, brother."

I sheathed my sword, feeling the hilt hit the ends of the sheath with a tiny click. When I turned my head sideways, I found my brother bowing low.

"Welcome home, brother."

Zen Wistalia lifted his face and met my gaze head on. His pale hair looked silvery against his lightly tanned face; blue eyes more piercing against his somewhat more vivid coloring. I noted that his tanned face failed to camouflage some bruising on his left cheekbone. He had quite a close call.

Nevertheless, he was in one piece, looking robust and more alert than ever before. Whatever transpired during the last month had made him wise and ever more cautious.

"Above all, you are safe." It was a statement.

"I will be preparing my report very soon, brother."

"Yes, I look forward to reading it, as well as Shirayuki's". I took the cotton towel resting on the table not far away from us and began to pat my face dry from perspiration.

"About Shirayuki…"

I turned to face him. "What about her?" I asked, surprising myself with the calmness of my voice.

"I would like her to take a few more days' rest before she seeks an audience with you."

My brow furrowed. The shadow guard informed me that she had recuperated whilst in Shanazard Castle. Did they deliberately withhold some information from me? "Was she injured severely?" Concerned, I found myself moving with lightning speed and stood directly before my younger brother.

I noted the slight flicker in his eyes. I checked myself and composed my features to act cool and normal.

"She was well enough to travel the long journey. But because she had a broken rib and sprained her ankle when she attempted to escape from the Sea Talons, I think it wise she rest for a few more days before she resumes her duty. I do not wish her to have a fever again." Prince Zen's blue eyes glazed in remembrance.

"Very well," I agreed benevolently. "Was she immediately taken to the Healing and Pharmacy ward?"

"Yes."

I should be bracing myself for another round of scolding from Garack Gazelt. I suspect she would personally be attending to her new patient and might not be in the mood to let any visitors come near until she herself pronounces that she would be recovering nicely.

"And what about you? I hope this won't affect your prospects of finding a bride." I found myself feeling another knot of pain forming in my chest. I had come so close to loosing them both, and it seemed like a miracle to see my brother in front of me. Our mother would be most devastated if she found out that her youngest son was in danger. Of course, I wouldn't be able to face her if that truly happened.

I reached out and brushed the falling strands of pale blond hair away from my brother's cheek, fingers smoothing the faint purplish-green mark. At least this wouldn't be permanent. Otherwise, his cuteness would go down a notch.

"You and your teasing." He let out a soft growl of disapproval, covering up his wincing expression. "And my mind is already made up. Shirayuki will be my intended."

"Indeed." I cocked my head a little to one side and gave him a smug smile. "Looks like you made little progress with her after all. I am not worried yet."

He left the practice room in a little irritable huff, but not before bowing again and dismissing himself as politely as he could. I could almost hear his teeth breaking through the forced smile.

I removed the soaked shirt I wore and let the late morning breeze continue to cool me down. Despite my initial fears of not seeing them again, I felt happy now to have them safe and sound under my watch again.

And perhaps a visit to the Healing Ward was in order tonight. Without the watchful eye of Garack Gazelt hovering on my shoulders, I hoped.