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Title: Unsheathing her Claws
Inspired by: Chapter 28 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki, Zen Wistalia
Wordcount: 909
Rating: General
"Shirayuki, I am impressed." I told her, amused. "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.
She did not answer. Nor was I expecting her to have one ready at a moment's notice. I must have taken her by surprise, asking something too personal. So I tried to be merciful by covering for her lest she gets embarrassed further by my sudden question. I knew I shouldn't have asked it, but I felt I wanted to treat her cruelly for playing at my brother and I. Perhaps she planned on this long before. Even before she departed for Tanbarun. She probably thought that she could at least get something out from Prince Raj for all the troubles she experienced. I certainly do not like being wrong about my assessment on people. Especially on someone of her standing.
"You need not bother to prepare an answer, Shirayuki. I was merely being curious." I told her in a dismissive tone. "Although I am wondering whether it's because you lack the courage to confess about your feelings for my brother or because you do not have the right to confess yet. Either way, you are nearing there."
Indeed. The words left a bitter taste in my mouth. Now Shirayuki is closer to her goal. Her real goal. Why I let myself kiss that beautiful mouth of hers I do not understand. Only deceit came out from it.
She frowned slightly, her eyes turning a shade darker. I felt rotten inside when I saw her expression of disappointment. But I steeled myself. I won't be pushed around by her tears.
"Brother-!" Zen let out a soft growl of disapproval. "What are you trying to imply?"
I wasted no time and began to move towards the door to leave the two of them alone. I find myself unable to stay longer inside the room. My hands trembled with inexplicable anger and shame at what I have just said. I acted like a petulant child. But still, I feel like I've been played like a fool, and not even my brother noticed that the game is up.
I opened the door and let myself out. Behind me, I heard my brother apologise to Shirayuki for my lack of manners and behaviour at making such a rude comment. Think whatever you like brother. Shirayuki will never have you! Such a shrewd woman she turned out to be!
Before I can successfully close the door behind, I felt a tug and I moved away to let the person out. Perhaps Zen will force me to apologise.
To my surprise, I saw Shirayuki still gesturing for Zen to give her a moment and closed the door gently between them.
The two of us stood alone in the quiet hallway.
"Whatever it is you are thinking, Your Highness, you may think as you like."
My eyes narrowed in irritation. "I beg your pardon?" Such impudence! Who does she think she is? Just because she is now an aristocrat, it is only in name! Her bearings are still of a commoner!
"I need not bother to explain what happened. Because no matter how much I try to explain, I myself do not understand why I was given such a reward by Prince Raj's family. I merely followed your orders to come to Tanbarun. And come I did, to serve as a diplomat for the sake of this country who has adopted me for the past year and a half. If only I can decline this honour, I would have done so. For who am I to be given an honourable title? I am just a pharmacist who happen to have red hair and green eyes."
I clenched my fists in anger, ignoring the rising pain in my chest. I can see how Shirayuki was hurt by my words, and despite the pain, I also felt a little satisfaction that she was affected by it. How despicably ugly I feel!
"But," she brought her chin up, "If you think I did this just to be closer to Zen, as I have mentioned earlier, you may think what you like to think. There is no other way working around with you. I'd rather do what is expected of me than spend every minute of the day trying to disprove anybody who questions my loyalty and integrity. While the title can silence malicious rumors, if my true goal really was to ensnare your brother with my charms, there are far plenty of opportunities and diabolical acts I could have done and ensure that he is binded to me!"
I opened my mouth to silence her, but I could not find the right words. The pain twisting inside my chest prevented me from doing so. I watched Shirayuki curtsied in front of me, graceful as a swan, defiant like a hawk. I saw the badge swing from her neck, caught the glittering rays of the late morning sunlight shining through the windows of the hallway, and found myself mesmerized still.
And then she went back inside the room where we both came from, leaving me to my jumbled thoughts and emotional vortex I dragged myself into.