Updated on grammar and spelling checks. Many thanks to Kartara for proofreading this. :)
Title: Unexpected Medical Exam and Lectures
Inspired by: Chapter 27 of the Manga Akagami no Shirayukihime
Character(s): Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki
Wordcount: 1596
Rating: General
I tapped a castle guard as I rushed past one of the secret side exits we normally used, murmuring about the crowd about to get unruly.
The guard did not even have time to stop and think before being immediately elbowed directly afterward. A couple of his companions came to help him manage the growing tide of people, and we proceeded to the direction whence we came from.
The cape of my stolen castle guard uniform billowed behind me in the early evening breeze as we traversed tight, narrow passageways, opened half a dozen heavy doors and continued into a secret gallery before we finally emerged outside where the crowds are less likely to enter. All the while, I held her hand in a tight grip, never letting go. The castle is illuminated by hundreds of gas lamplights and wood fires, easy for anyone to find suspicious persons. Except the place we came out was dimly lit and surrounded by tall trees.
"Oof!"
Her fingers left my hand as she stumbled behind me, her knees landing on the soft grass underneath our feet..
"You made such huge strides... I can barely... keep up..." Shirayuki wheezed.
"My apologies, Mistress. But we've been instructed by Prince Izana to keep an eye out on you," I replied automatically, my voice becoming muffled by the swishing of the swathes of cloth that hung around my cap.
"Prince Izana?" she asked, puzzled, brushing off grass stains on her skirt and pants. "I didn't know I was one of his priorities. That's a first."
I stood underneath the shadow of a great oak tree above us, so as not to let her suspect that she is actually speaking to the real prince. "Yes, Mistress. Prince Izana wants to ensure that all the castle residents are well taken care off."
She squinted her eyes, trying to scrutinize my disguise. I felt a little film of sweat form on my face.
"Have we met?" she asked, a little suspicious.
Damn! In my haste to get her out of the crowd, I had forgotten that she was quite familiar with most of the guards stationed within the castle, what with her work as a pharmacist, and assisting little Ryuu in the Healing wards. She probably must have treated a lot of soldiers with various ailments. Of course, it's to be expected that she would be familiar with most of them.
"Not yet, Mistress. But I know you. Master Mitsuhide pointed you out during my initial training. I only started a month ago,"I crafted the story immediately out of thin air.
"Hmmm. Your height can rival Master Mitsuhide." She stood up and took a few steps closer. "But you look taller..." Her voice trailed off.
My feet involuntarily backed away from her scrutiny, until my spine hit the trunk of a tree. I fluffed the scarf wounded around my neck to try and cover the lower half of my face as much as possible. The cap slid forward over my forehead, shadowing my eyes against her intense gaze.
"Have you taken your immunity shots yet?" she asked, assessing my form. With a critical eye of a healer and herbalist, she reached out unexpectedly and straightened my shoulders. I saw that she strained a little with my height, lifting her heels into the air, smoothing out my uniform and took a step back to assess me further. I felt heat radiate from the very center of my being. Shirayuki has never examined me that way before, from my head, down to my feet. She always spoke to me with eyes trained on my face. I felt all my muscles hardened with bolts of desire.
Again without warning, she took one of my hands and lifted it out between us.
"Hmmm. Good stock, soldier. You probably did not do any farming works. But your muscles are firm. Forestry, perhaps? Or maybe animal husbandry?" Her fingers glided up and down on my forearm, feeling all the sinews, veins, and even the scars and callouses from my sword fight trainings. "They must be training you so hard in weapons as well. Your hands has, already, a seasoned look of a fighter."
I breathed in deeply, smelling those familiar apple scent of hers; some healing herbs with a hint of citrus. "Forestry, my lady. And I looked after the horses in our farm. We have an excellent stock of horses. But my family wanted me to be a palace guard because it pays so well."
She nodded, pleased. "Ahh. You must be working hard to help your family." She dropped her hold on my arm. "Very well, be sure to drop by in the Healing and Pharmacy ward. We will administer immunity vaccines to you. You are all required to take them. The job of a palace guard can be stressful and demanding but the vaccines will help you against common illnesses and viruses."
"Is it very hard then?" I asked, curious about what her opinions are on a common guard's line of work.
"It is,"She confirmed. "You have a very important job of keeping peace within the castle and guarding important people."
"The royal family."
"Yes."
I couldn't help but ask. "Aren't they.. Aren't they working you too much?"
"Of course,"She answered swiftly.
I looked taken aback by this.
"Everybody employed by the castle has their job to play. And each must work hard." She raised her eyebrows in disapproval. "Are you shying away from such an important role? You did know what you were doing when you entered this castle as a recruit, did you not, sir?"
"I do,"I replied back firmly.
She frowned at my answer, not entirely convinced. I felt amused.
"Sir, it is important that you make your contribution to protect the royal family and the symbol of its power at all costs. You may think that this family does nothing but sit on a chair all day while being waited daily by a bevy of maids. The royal family has sacrificed a lot to keep this country stable. But they will not be able to function without each of their people's support." Her stern face relented a little when she caught hold of what she wwas doing
"But I thank you for giving your best." Her face took on a flush look.
"Don't mention it, Mistress."
"I have not thanked you yet for saving me from those bunch of people about to trample us, too,"She added. She took a step back and bowed low.
"Thank you, Sir."
"Would you mind if I ask for a kiss?" I blurted out before stopping myself. I wanted to kick myself for being careless. And yet, I couldn't resist asking. She just looked too cute there, not realizing who I was. She even have the gall to command me to come to the Healing wards for immunity shots and for giving me an unexpected lecture.
"W-What?"
"Forgive me for being too forward, Mistress. I could not help but be glad that I met such a strong-willed woman.. You remind me of my.. childhood sweetheart. I miss her." I reached out and stroke a few strands of red hair that came loose from the hood she was wearing. "And you have such an unusual hair color. Did you dye it yourself?"
She blushed a little, dodging my question. "A kiss, you say?" She looked flustered by my request, biting her lower lip.
"Well, if it makes you uncomfortable, you may always refuse, Mistress." I hid a smirk, trying not to burst out from laughing.
"Fine. Close your eyes sir, and lean down. Do not do anything else!" she warned.
My eyes grew wide at this. I did not expect her to comply! I obeyed without hesitation and leaned down, closing my eyes immediately. The night breeze gently blew around us, enveloping us with the scent of autumn: apple wood fires, barbecued meats, cinnamon spices, and the clean scent of dried leaves.
"Just so you know, sir. I do not give out kisses so freely and easily. But you have been so kind watching over that little boy and saving me, so I am making this an exception." She whispered. "Besides, I felt comfortable the moment we talked."
A soft touch landed on my cheek.
I straightened up, my free hand involuntarily touching the place where she kissed me. I felt warm inside; happy with a tinge of being giddy. I was only teasing her. Her expressions are a reward enough. But here I am getting a proper reward from a red-haired, feisty maiden.
"I got to get back. The head pharmacist would be looking for me. Don't forget your medical appointment, sir-"
With her question about my name, I sprang away from our hidden spot and left her standing alone there.
"Sir?"
I quietly hid in the tall bushes, making as little noise as possible. But luckily for me, the first program of the fireworks had started and the wheezing and booming filled the night air, as colorful sparks lit up the sky.
Quickly making my way back to the familiar parts of the castle, as soon as I landed near my private apartments, I took off my hat, feeling stifled all of a sudden.
Gods, what am I doing,messing around like a kid and even tricking Shirayuki?! I swore that this would be the last rendezvous ever, only to stop myself, knowing that saying never ever is just an invitation to do more in the future.
I crumpled the rest of my uniform in my hands, feeling hot and bothered by what transpired earlier. I close my eyes, the light kiss on my cheek making my back tingle.
Notes: This is something I just felt like adding in between the chapters. For my want of more fluff between Izana and Shirayuki. I hope it's not too lame.