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Unbeta-ed chapter. I am still on a look out for volunteers to tidy up my grammar and storylines.
Title: The Visitor from Tanbarun
Inspired by: Chapter 28 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki, Zen Wistalia, Sakaki
Wordcount: 1098
Rating: General
"Prince Izana, it is time." Maruko stood next to my table, neatly placing the stack of unfinished papers I have yet to perused. I finished signing the last of the parchment documents I have before me, taking my time with the hot wax to imprint my seal on it. Sealing the papers securely, I handed the letter to Maruko, who nodded and kept the letters hidden inside the pockets of his coat.
When I stood up, my valet appeared immediately from the adjacent room, carrying the necessary grooming kits. I usually don't like my schedule of the day to be disrupted. But at the last minute, a messenger from Tanbarun came three days ago to announce that a special visitor is coming in four days to seek an audience with Shirayuki.
I was apprehensive when I received the message, thinking it was too soon for Prince Raj to come and visit again. Barely two months has passed since Shirayuki and Zen came home and recovered from their injuries with their encounter from the Sea Talons; did he come and changed his mind about letting Shirayuki go? He wouldn't be so easily welcomed if that is his intention.
However, the messenger informed me that the visitor is a high ranking person, not a member of the Royal family, but close enough to warrant enough influence. This news unsettled me a little. Because while it is not Prince Raj we are expecting, he could be either be a powerful ally or an enemy since we have no knowledge of his identity yet. The messenger has no idea who he is other than details of when he would be arriving.
So for a couple of days while I waited for the visitor, I was in a foul mood. Of course none but my closest aides can sense this, given that my exterior still maintained its charming self. But I know Maruko is a little wary about my mood and continued to walk on eggshells, cautious not to disturb me further.
Even Zen, when he came back from his short visit at Fontainbleu, knew immediately that I am not in the right state of temper to mess around with. So when he presented his report on his visits to the other parts of the country, he did not make a sound of irritation when I informed him that I require his attendance when the visitor from Tanbarun arrives.
"Done." My valet, Haelan, step back with the clothes brush and let another assistant help me on a light formal coat.
When I stepped out of my office, both Zen and Shirayuki were waiting for me. I noted Zen was wearing the same colors as mine, the only difference was the insignias sewn on our coats.
Shirayuki, meanwhile, was dressed up by the maids with one of her formal clothes prepared for her during her short trip to Tanbarun. The light pink sleeves and dark velvet material of her dress complimented her skin and hair perfectly, making me think of strawberry desserts topped with rich cream and drizzled with red berry syrup. Zen looked a little flushed on the face, trying to sneak furtive glances in her way. I shook my head a little, feeling amuse at this scene. My brother can be so demanding about his future plans sometimes, but he still acts like a kid when it comes to matters of the heart.
I nodded when they saw me, and we all filed in one line, with my person leading the way, as we headed to the formal drawing room, a smaller version of the throne room, still an important location for receiving distinguished guests, in a more intimate setting.
When the doors opened to let us in, I saw a familiar, tall and dignified looking man who was always by Prince Raj's side.
His right hand man, Sakaki.
I stood there as he straightened himself, looking better than ever with his formal uniform dark blue and a heavy cloak.
Once we stood opposite him, with me slightly closer as befits my ranking, Sakaki gave us a formal bow of greeting and respect.
"Greetings Your Royal Highnesses, Prince Izana, Prince Zen." He uttered in his clear voice. "My sincere apologies for keeping my visit in secrecy, for it is in the best interest of both countries that I formally present myself first before news spread. Tanbarun Royal family has also agreed with this decision."
"We think it best that we be present during your visit." I eyed Shirayuki, noting her serious expression. "And it would be good to have some witnesses." I added.
"Naturally, Your Highnesses. I would expect nothing less." Sakaki bowed again.
I braced myself for Sakaki's formal permission to court Shirayuki, but his next words were not what I expected to come out from his mouth as he spied Shirayuki and smiled to her.
"If my Royal Highnesses would permit me, I wouldn't like to delay this special message any further. May I present my message to Lady Shirayuki?"
The way he said her name gave me a premonition. Today is the day that Shirayuki might achieve something I wasn't expecting her to reach.
Zen and I nodded and took a step back to let Shirayuki come forward.
"Sakaki. It is good to see you." Shirayuki gave him a gentle smile, and I found myself mesmerized by it. And from the looks of it, even my brother was distracted.
In front of us, like a knight bestowing a gift to a lady, Sakaki took out an ornate wooden box and opened the clasp. Inside was a brooch, with a shield type coat of arms made with hammered white gold. Sakaki took out the coat of arms and held it up for her inspection.
Shirayuki gave out a surprised gasp. "Oh!"
From where we stood, I can clearly see the symbols painstakingly etched on the hammered gold. The skill of the craftsman is evident by the intricate shapes.
The shield is divided into four parts: the fleur de lis, the swan, grapevines and the unicorn each occupied the four spaces in a clockwise position. Two sealions with crowns support the shield on both sides, while a crown of four crescent moons is carved above the shield.
Stunned, at the significance of the symbols, I dropped my mouth slightly and closed it again. Even my brother, Zen, looked taken aback by the generosity of Tanbarun's Royal family.
"I present to you, Shirayuki, a symbol of the Shenazard family's deep gratitude over the patience, compassion and wisdom which you have shown during your short visit in Tanbarun. The King himself is especially grateful for the friendship you have bestowed upon the Crown Prince."
Notes:
The anime/manga did not provide any details of Shirayuki's special title. I am sorry to others if I find the title "Friend of Tanbarun Royal family" too cheesy for my taste. I decided to temper this by researching a little on aristocratic titles and try to find a way to curb this into a more acceptable sounding one. You will find out more in the next chapter.
As for the coat of arms, I wasn't sure what is a proper thing to give when bestowing a person with an aristocratic title. I read a fair amount of books, and I kind of put things together by making things look authentic, so I decided to make it traditional for titles to be accompanied with favored trinkets; be it a sword, a jewel, a shield, etc. I settled for a jewel with a coat of arms. Something like a brooch that someone can wear like a necklace or even an accessory on a gown. Below are more details of the brooch/coat of arms and the symbols on Shirayuki's gift from Prince Raj and his family, something I spend time thinking about to make it a little more authentic for reading pleasure. These are symbols which I think best describes Shirayuki, and at the same time, describes her personality that shown even under duress from the pirate queen in Chapters 19 to 25 of the manga.
Coat of arms - the distinctive heraldic bearings or shield of a person, family, corporation, or country.
White background – symbolizes innocence and purity, cleanliness and sincerity
Fleur de lis – a stylized form of a lily. It is known as the "flower of light"
Grapevine – represents strength and lasting friendship
Swan – represents perfection, beauty and grace. It also represents poetic harmony and learning
Unicorn – extreme courage, virtue and strength
Sealion – dauntless courage at sea