Unbeta-ed chapter. Thank you for the reviews and follows

Title: The Girl with the Moonflower

Inspired by: Chapter 28 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime

Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki

Wordcount: 1458

Rating: General

I felt a little apprehensive knowing that my brother cannot rest easy while one of his aides is acting strangely. While I do trust Lady Kiki because of her levelheadedness and sound judgement, I suspect, she is also worried about the man and may find it a little difficult to concentrate on tasks at hand. This is the first time that Mitsuhide's behavior has caused some worry.

I found myself, traversing the hallway towards the Healing and Pharmacy Wards yet again. These past six months alone, I have visited this area more than when I used to grace the place when I was growing up.

It is mostly because of that girl whose very presence has made our life in the castle, admittedly, more interesting.

The day has come to an end. I reached my destination and I can see the full moon on my right side, glowing with a halo of soft blue around it. The trees swayed gently in the evening breeze, and branches cast faint shadows.

I was about to turn left towards the healing rooms when I saw Ryuu and Garack leaving the medicinal library together. Despite their low tones, I can clearly hear the topic of their discussion. Automatically, I slowed down, casually stood to the side and listened in.

"I was only expecting Shirayuki to identify the poisons I prepared as part of her final examination before her apprenticeship ends." Garack hugged the clipboard she was holding and waited for Ryuu to catch up with her.

"Mitsuhide inhaling the hypnotic drug was just pure coincidence. But the ingredients for the antidote are with Shirayuki. She'll figure out the solution eventually." Ryuu replied confidently.

The Head Pharmacist nodded, chuckling a little. "I saw all the glass phials on the table. She sure is determined to create the antidote before the evening ends."

"I gather, she will hit upon the answer in a couple of hours. I dare not disrupt her in her thoughts in there. She looked too busy with the books surrounding her." Ryuu shuffled beside her, making their way back towards their offices.

I waited for their voices to fade before making any move. Silently, I walked up to the door of the library. My hand automatically went to the handle, pushing it down gently so as not to make any noise, but I need not bother. The ironmongery gave way easily, smooth and noiseless.

Closing the door behind me, I squinted my eyes against the bright lights illuminating the huge room. This library is nowhere as big as the main palace library, but it is a huge repository of herbal medicine guides, healing manuals, hospital plans, medical notes and other written paraphernalia that the Castle healers have used for centuries. It is a one of a kind storage of medical knowledge and wisdom.

There was no one about. The library has no custodian, but it is always open day and night. All healers and their assistants can enter freely here at any time of the day. But tonight, there was only one occupant.

I found her almost immediately. Sitting ensconced on the baywindow, between bookshelves reaching up almost to the ceiling, her back was against the wall, legs stretched out in front of her. She was surrounded by several open books, and yet she was staring out at the window, hand clasped on one glass phial hanging around her neck.

I made as less noise as possible, but somehow she sensed my presence in the quiet room.

"Prince Izana? What are you doing here?"

I smiled genially back at her, and she returned it with that half-distracted acknowledgement which is beginning to grow on me. I do not know why that expression of hers made me feel intrigued. I always like puzzles. And Shirayuki is woman who is like a labyrinth full of twists and turns.

"How is your progress on Mitsuhide's antidote?"

She lowered her gaze and held out the glass phial. Upon closer look, it actually contained a flower petal of which origin I am not aware of.

"I have no idea how to make this flower bloom in shades of blue. It's extraction would be vital to create the base of the medicine." She replied, sounding a little defeated.

I weaved a pattern towards the place she sat. The narrow space between the bookshelves were littered with unopened books stacked five or six deep. When I finally reached her, I looked down, but she continues to study the petal she held in her hand.

"Thank you for taking care of my brother."

She looked up, surprise by my words. "It was nothing, Prince Izana. It is always a pleasure to be of help." And here she frowned a little, "Though it would always be a good thing if Zen does not frequent the Pharmacy and Healing wards. Because it only means he is injured or not in good health. I prefer him just poking around."

Here I smiled at her remarks, hiding the jealousy rising from my chest. "Indeed. I have to agree. Although it would worry me still that my brother has time to play hooky rather than doing his duties."

Shirayuki pursed her lips and blushed a little. "I didn't mean-"

I chuckled.

She went red further.

Pushing the books at her feet, I found a spot and sat down. I felt her feet against my back. The sensation distracted me, knowing she is so near my reach and yet so far.

"While I do appreciate your dedication for finding the antidote as well, it is rather late. And I am sure that we can loose a few hours over sleep and rest. We should not jeopardize the creation of his antidote with poor concentration."

"I know." She agreed. For once. I was simply taken aback.

"But then," she added, "I am inspired to work a little longer tonight. So I think I will try and stay for a little while longer. Maybe the answer will come to me while I contemplate on my formula."

I shook my head. "Shirayuki.."I began.

But she interrupted me. "You see, I feel like Mitsuhide should be by Zen's side while he recuperates. But not on this state. Zen will not be able to recover fast enough while he continues to worry for Mitsuhide."

Typical of Zen. I frowned a little. "Mitsuhide will be alright."

"Of course he will be!" Shirayuki nodded. "It's just that, I do not wish to see Zen's expression looking all sad and apprehensive when he told me that Mitsuhide values Zen's life more than his own."

I opened my mouth a little, surprise by this revelation. "Mitsuhide told Zen that?" No wonder my brother looked so annoyed and anxious while he was stuck in bed! It was not because of his injuries.

I may not have the same outlook as my brother when it comes to my own aides. To me they are loyal, yes, but I am still cautious of my other actions and activities. A crown prince cannot afford to have many openings for an attack.

And here is where I envy my brother. Despite having suffered betrayals himself, his outlook and blind trust towards his followers earned him loyalty even I cannot get. He has Mitsuhide, Kiki, Obi and even Shirayuki backing him up for anything and everything. He has charisma and he can persuade anyone to join his cause. A few more years and Zen's number of followers will double- followers who will not hesitate to give their lives to him.

When he told me years ago that he will be there to protect me, I never thought of needing anyone else beside him. I did not cultivate friendships like he did, because I know that Zen alone is enough for me. As I climbed my way to the top, the only person who prevents me from ever being alone is Zen. And of course, there's Shirayuki as well.

If I succeeded in persuading Shirayuki to join me, my journey to inheriting the crown and governing Clarines won't be so lonely anymore. I will have the two of them by my side. If I could just be permitted to be selfish enough for the two of them to stay together with me.

I stared at Shirayuki, looking at her in a new light. Suddenly, everything seemed clearer now. Shirayuki as someone I can trust like my brother. Someone who can become more than a hostile foreigner. Someone who may even be there for me through thick and thin.

I continue to watch her as she held up the glass phial, intelligent eyes trained on the single petal locked inside. And slowly, something magical unfolded before my eyes.

My breath caught.

Notes:

I decided to tweak my take on Chapter 28. It's fun to imagine what Prince Izana would act on and feel when he learned about Mitsuhide's predicament. Of course, this is also an opportunity for him to get to know Shirayuki more.