Not beta-ed. Thanks for the reviews and follows. :)
Title: The Princess, the Knight and the Outsider
Inspired by: Chapter 27 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki, Zen Wistalia
Wordcount: 870
Rating: General
The second day of the annual open house is a special event. The changing of the guards is something people look forward to, as well as a parade of troops consisting of palace guards and soldiers from other parts of Clarines' important cities. Each of them has come to participate in this exercise.
After the parade, Zen and I were obliged to make an appearance before the crowd, to thank them and show them our appreciation of their support. The whole morning activity went by without a hitch. Even the diplomats and other members of the nobilities has come out to display their house colors.
It only took me a a few minutes to wave at the crowd. I let my brother have the lion's share of attention. After all, Zen has turned older this year, and every day, he has become more mature and dignified. I am rather content to watch at the sidelines. The crowd has more than doubled since yesterday and judging from my vantage point, they looked pleased to see Zen.
After a while, Zen withdrew from the main balcony followed by his aides Mitsuhide and Kiki. I immediately noted that Obi is not with him, and I surmised that he is probably with Shirayuki.
Zen spied me looking at him, and he gave a formal bow. I nodded his dismissal and turned away, whilst another of my numerous aides helped to remove the heavy cloak clasped around my shoulders and carefully extracted the royal headband signifying my status in the royal family.
"..patrolling again, Master? Shirayuki won't be able to meet up with you as planned. Ryuu fetched her so that she can help a traveling play troupe. I heard that their two main actresses got injured." Mitsuhide's low murmurs reached my ears as they made their way out of the main receiving area, away from the crowd of royal advisers, members of the nobility and diplomats.
I did not asked Zen to stay. I am sure he is glad that I didn't forced him to, anyway. He always hated this kind of acvitity where he has to put on a friendly mask and heartily welcome all our distinguished guests. Besides, I feel better at ease knowing that despite his romping in borrowed guard clothes, he is keeping a close eye on the Castle's security. I can take over with the diplomacy duties on my own.
An hour or so went by; ensconced in the ballroom, all of us taking part in eating snacks and refreshments prepared by the chefs from the royal kitchen. Light drinks flowed freely, an orchestra played traditional music. I listened in closely to casual shop talk, edging away from enterprising mamas out to capture my attention and introduce their marriageable daughters. The nobilities are out in full force even if it's just afternoon. Gatherings like these are rare, as I normally don't give out invitations for soirees and grand balls. Naturally, eligible maidens would surely take this opportunity to try and make us a groom!
I saw Lord Haruka talking to some diplomats recently returned from Wilant Castle in the North. My mother must have sent them here.
"Lord Haruka."
Immediately, he left their side and presented himself before me, bowing a little. "Prince Izana."
"I leave the matter of entertaining our guests to you. I wish to retire."
"Certainly, your Highness. It is my pleasure."
At once, all of the guests in the room paused from whatever they are doing, as Lord Haruka cleared his throat and murmured the necessary excuses for me. All of them gave their curtesies and I left the room.
Maruko followed me behind along with three more attendants.
We walked towards my private apartments. As soon as we reached the doors to my office, I waved my dismissal, asking them not to disturbed me until evening.
They all left me alone. I entered liking the solitary silence around me. Outside, the merry making continues, the crowds eager to enjoy more of the beauty of the palace grounds. Plus, the play troupe who was invited to perform has been renowned for its costumes and acting.
Smiling a little to myself, I decided to poke around in my disguise again. Zen is not the only one permitted to enjoy the day.
I let myself out of the room, confident of my costume. This time, I am a higher ranking officer of the palace guards. Their uniforms suited me better, plus, a lot of the officers are tall like me. Surely Shirayuki will not be suspicious at all.
Rounding the corner, I easily made my way to the Swan garden, where the huge open space is enough for the gathering crowd to watch the play. Already, a lot of families sit comfortably on the grass, patiently waiting for the next act. A few hundred people stood on the sidelines, whistling and cheering for the actors waiting in the sidelines.
"I heard the actresses were injured." A woman sitting below the steps nudged her friend.
"Oh, that's unfortunate. But they probably have a stand in."
"Well, we've been waiting for ten minutes now, and they still have not started the last act." The first woman shrugged.
I made my way closer to the stage, trying to blend in the crowd. I spied Kiki and Mitsuhide milling around, as if looking for someone. Zen must be somewhere nearby.
The sudden opening music rouse the crowd. Flutes and violins swelled harmoniously, as the velvet curtains were drawn to the sides to reveal a backdrop of a beautiful castle undernight a full moon.
The crowd moved in a tight circle, each jostling for a good look.
"Mama! Look, the princess is wearing her beautiful dress!" one small girl called out plaintively.
"Lovely dress, isn't it?" her mama answered, lifting her daughter up to her arms so she can take a better look.
I edged closer and raised my eyebrows.
What is Shirayuki doing there?
"…are you going to fight him, then?" the princess, wearing a silk veil sewn with lots of fake glitter stones sparkling in the sunlight took a step forward. Shirayuki's face, though partially hidden looked slightly flushed. Of course I wouldn't mistake that look on anyone. That person really is Shirayuki!
What the hell is going on in here? I wondered, checking the sides where the actors came from and saw a few of the members of the troupe gathering at there as well. I can see Obi watching his mistress very closely.
I frowned. Hmmmm.. I thought she was supposed to look after the injured actress?
A few more dialogues were thrown in. Judging by the gasps and sounds emitted by the audience, they are captivated by the last part of the story unfolding. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mitsuhide and Kiki paused in their search for Zen. Mitsuhide was actually frowning a little as he studied the actors on stage. He has obviously noted Shirayuki as well.
"..remove the veil, and show me your face, Princess."
I dropped my mouth open. This is bad, I thought. No one outside the castle has ever seen Shirayuki's natural hair color. I should know. Zen is very protective when it comes to Shirayuki's well-being. Plus, residents of the castle were already used to Shirayuki's presence. But outsiders are unaware of her real features.
My free hand clutched on the hilt, I made a sudden movement to stop the play when a booming voice interrupted the actors on stage.
"Stand back, Princess!"
The crowd gasp.
A tall knight suddenly appeared, the tip of the sword pointed at the actor playing the prince.
I almost dropped the sword strapped against my hip. I whipped around and saw Mitsuhide slapping his forehead, when he finally found his errant Master.
"You have lost the honor to protect the Princess.." Zen's voice was muffled by the bejeweled mask he wore on his face.
I let out a small groan. Really?
Who choose such a cheesy line?
Torn between the urge to call my brother out or continue watching, I stood still and waited for the play to finish. I shook my head several times as the actor playing the prince clumsily fought Zen in a pretend swordfight. The crowd is not aware of the changes in the story as they all gasped and shout with each movements made.
My eyes focused on Shirayuki. Despite the obvious confusion, she gamely participated alongside Zen. The colorful costume, though too garish for my taste, somewhat suited her. It hugged her female curves in all the right places. Though personally, I prefer her in flowing skirts and simple hairstyles; like how she looked like before her departure for Tanbarun. My brother, at least, had the privilege of seeing her in her gown, for the ball that the Prince Raj threw for her after their return from the clutches of the Sea Talons was indeed a success- or so I've been told by my shadow guard.
Finally, the actor portraying the Prince surrendered, throwing the sword in defeat. The crowd gave a huge applause, appreciating the funny conclusion to the story.
As they began to disperse to explore other parts of the Castle, I made my way towards the stage, rounded the back where the dressing tent of the drama troupe has been set up. I was about to take another step, when from the din of the crowd, I heard Shirayuki's voice from within.
"..that was a fantastic display of acting and swordplay, Prince Zen."
I paused from where I stood and cautiously listened in.
'..well, I know you disliked having your hair exposed in a crowd and it makes you uncomfortable." My brother's voice sound a little sheepish but unapologetic.
"Mitsuhide looked shocked when you appeared." There was a soft chuckle.
"I will be reprimanded the moment I step out of this tent." Zen commented with a sigh of resignation.
Silence.
I moved in closely, wanting to hear more. The green-eyed monster lurking in my chest reared its head. I wanted to be with them there, and watch Shirayuki's face. At the same time, I am curious on the expression painted on my brother's face. I feel like an outsider trying his best to enter a cozy-looking room where no one is allowed. The third wheel.
I clenched my fist, my chest painfully thudding. This feeling of exclusion is unbearable. This feeling of having someone to cherish is something I kept on denying myself when I began to take in more responsibilities as I grew older. I thought myself above these feelings. I never did tested myself on how far my own emotions will go for someone I really care most about. For me it is and always will be just my family.
But Zen's youth is blooming before my very eyes. And the very thing that I kept on avoiding all my life is now making me envious. I wanted to feel it too.
My hand rested on my chest, as if trying to calm it down by touch alone.
".. Thank you, Zen."
I closed my eyes at the sound of Shirayuki's voice. And then I turned away, and left them alone.