Title: A Lady of the Realm

Inspired by: Chapter 28 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime

Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki, Zen Wistalia, Sakaki

Wordcount: 1115

Rating: General

Sakaki moved forward and draped the coat of arms around Shirayuki's neck. The small badge was treaded through on a long, thin chain-like links of the same white gold. It gleamed like a long snake's skin.

Sakaki closed the ornate box where the badge was kept and place it back inside his pocket, again, pulling out another item, this time a small scroll and broke the seal.

"By royal decree of his Majesty, King Ruslan Shenazard of Tanbarun, Mistress Shirayuki shall now include in her name, the title of hereditary peer of the realm, The Lady of Lunels. The Royal Family acknowledges her as their close, personal friend and will continue to give support to her and her future offsprings for as long as the country of Tanbarun exists."

I felt shaken to the core. But that's unprecedented! My brother, Zen stood rooted to the spot, jaw dropped.

Sakaki rolled the parchment again and handed it to Shirayuki, who took it, speechless by what had just transpired.

"My Lady. I hope you are happy with this. The King is unable to reward you with land titles and gold due to other circumstances, but he carefully considered giving you this after consultations from the Crown Prince, Raj."

"It is too much!" she exclaimed, embarrassed by the show of praise given to her. "I am extremely honored, Sakaki. I did not expect this!" Tears sprung at the corner of her eyes, and Shirayuki looked radiant.

Sakaki seemed to think the same, for he stared back at her, with a little dumbfounded expression. "Mistress. Er, Lady Shirayuki. It is an honor to deliver this to you. You may enter and exit Tanbarun anytime you wish to do so. This badge gives you diplomatic immunity, and the citizens will recognized your special status. You are a cherish friend of the Royal family, so we hope that you and your future offsprings will cherish us too." He bowed low, almost as if he is bowing to a member of a royal family himself.

Shirayuki curtsied gracefully. I felt a little proud that she still remembers all the lessons taught to her.

"Well, well. Sakaki it is indeed an honor to witness a bestowing of a special title." I moved forward, holding out my hand. "Congratulations, Shirayuki."

She took it, and I placed my other hand to cover it, feeling the warmth from her skin.

I gestured to my brother, "Come, Zen. Give your greetings to Shirayuki."

Zen took a moment before he move. I can understand the shock he felt as he approached Shirayuki. And when he stood in front of her, up close, I can see my brother's eyes shining with pride and happiness.

"Lady of Lunels. One who has been honored by the sovereign. And no less than the sovereign of Tanbarun, a powerful ally of Clarines." Zen offered his hand, and Shirayuki took it with her other free hand. My eyes lowered a little, jealousy rearing it's head, as I watched intently when Zen took her proffered hand and kissed the back of her palm gently.

"Maruko."

"Your Highness?"

I turned and found Maruko has moved a few paces closer. "You may escort our distinguished guest to his private apartments so that he can rest." I turned to face Sakaki, my hands still clutching Shirayuki's right hand. I find his gaze a little unsettling, and I know that Prince Raj's right hand man has taken note of the way we enfolded Shirayuki in our presence.

"Sakaki, I look forward to dining with you tonight. Shirayuki and Zen will be joining us, as well as a few select counsilors of Clarines."

"It is a great honor and pleasure, Your Highness. I would be happy to share news about Tanbarun in Your Highnesses good company." Sakaki bowed and let himself be led away by Maruko.

When the door closed behind them, only Shirayuki, Zen and I were left alone.

"Umm.. Prince Izana?"

"Hmm?"

"May I have my hand back?"

I glanced down where I still held her hand between my own. And then I noted that my brother has already let her other free. Reluctantly, I released my hold and she used her right hand to touch the royal badge hanging around her neck.

"It suits you." Zen said, reaching out to with his hand to take a closer look.

I watch the two of them, understanding dawning on my face. And then, without warning, I let out a chuckle.

"Pffft!"

Both of them looked up with puzzled expressions.

Seeing them like that, I continued to laugh. I couldn't help it. It's the first time I was wrong on all accounts.

When I met Shirayuki, I told her, in a certain voice that she will only put shame on my brother with her current position. I already decided that Shirayuki will always be a pharmacist and nothing else. Even if my brother is determined to marry her and make her a princess, Shirayuki will only experience pain and hardship because of her commoner standing within the society. My brother stands to be ostrasized by the nobility as well.

But now. Now, it's entirely different. Here I was expecting Prince Raj to take her back to Tanbarun; instead, he handed her a far more precious gift. Elevating her status, Prince Raj not only gave her honor, but Shirayuki has suddenly became a valuable commodity. Her title and status in the eyes of the Royal family of Tanbarun will have a few eligible suitors willing to overlook her lack of dowry and commoner upbringing. Her direct links to an important royal family, and that she even has their support far outweighs any amount of gold, had she any in her name.

Still, despite all of her accomplishments, Shirayuki still remains non-eligible to marry my brother. But thanks to the generosity and thoughtfulness of the Shenazard family, she can now walk beside him with less gossip. Once the news spread of what transpired in this room, majority of the court advisers will stop grumbling about how much time Zen spends with her.

To suddently be outmaneuvered by Shirayuki!

I shook my head, tears in my eyes. Ah what a day! I never knew that such a day will come when I am proven wrong by such a woman!

"Shirayuki, I am impressed." I told her. "But I have not yet heard you confess. What type of relationship do you want with my brother, Zen?"

Zen's eyes widened with shock. "Brother! How can you put her in a spot like this-!"

I shot him a warning look, and he closed his mouth. But his blue eyes glittered in irritation at my sudden question.

Notes:

Again, I exerted creative license when I found out that Prince Raj's father has no name in the anime or manga. Unless I was mistaken, please do point it out in the reviews section and I will amend this.

I forgot to make it known in the notes from the previous chapter that the "hammered gold" is actually white gold- not the popular "yellow gold". I find that white gold feels more sophisticated, and kind of matches Shirayuki. Of course this is only my personal preference. Plus the white gold suits the "white background" of the coat of arms. It sounds a little funny to do a coat of arms in gold and paint it in white background, unless enamel is used. In which case, I find it may look too cheesy in my imagination. Sorry!

I finally hit upon a nice description for Shirayuki's title: The Lady of Lunels. In my research, lunels meant moons, and the meaning (below) kind of fits with what I have in mind as a replacement to "Friend of Tanbarun".

Lunels (four crescent moons facing each other that looks like a clover) – one who has been honored by the sovereign