Unbeta-ed chapter. I am currently in the midst of doing trial works with an interested beta.
Thank you for all the comments and likes.
Title: A Talk Between Two Brothers
Inspired by: Chapter 33 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia, Zen Wistalia
Wordcount: 1637
Rating: General
I did not bother to knock. I knew my brother is still ensconsed inside his office, trying to finish his paperwork after coming back from yet another round of patrols. He would be departing for another one in two days, too. And by the time he finishes, I am well on my way to Lyrias. I needed to hand over the list of things I wish him to oversee and tonight seemed like a good opportunity. It's been more than two weeks since we talked; two weeks since Shirayuki was given a title by the Crown Prince of Tanbarun.
I figured his temper has plenty of opportunity to cool down. But for Shirayuki's side, this is an issue I need to tackle for another day.
"Brother!" Zen paused from his writing when he saw me standing there at the door. "It's rare to see you at such a late hour."
I raised my eyebrows, gesturing at him. "It's rare to see you working so late. I thought you have finished the report? Are those backlog paperwork?" My voice dripped with suspicion that maybe he's playing hooky that's why he's buried under paperwork.
He tried shuffling the papers neatly together, face a little pink with embarrassment that sparked my curiosity. As I strode across the room, I saw the books about Lyrias and other Northern villages of Clarines strewn open on top of his table.
"Well, I decided to read more about the Northern parts of Clarines, since it's under my jurisdiction and I have not toured it long enough to get to know the area and its people." He answered a little sheepishly.
I gave him an encouraging smile. "Excellent! Now I don't need to worry about you misunderstanding my instructions about Lyrias."
Leaning against his desk, I spied the drinks cart and saw that the wine I ordered has already arrived. My brother was too busy doing his own study, that he has failed to pay attention that I am coming to visit. Still, I was pleased by his progress, that I feel like tonight is a good time to indulge in a little tête a tête.
I placed the sheaf of papers in front of him, schooling my expression into a serious one. "I'm leaving for a bit, and these are some of the duties I am passing to you. I trust you will do well to follow things through." I took the bottle of wine from the drinks tray and popped one open before pouring a generous measure on both crystal goblets before handing him one. Zen took his drink with a small frown of distaste. He still have not improved his alcohol tolerance.
Raising my own glass to him in salute, I drank half of the contents, liking the sweet and tartness of the drink.
"You have trained your aides, and their works is excellent. I'm sure you will be able to cope with the extra load. But if something happens send a messenger. Obi would be of good use."
Zen stared down at his drink. "If ever something happens, I will see to the matter mayself first." He murmured, somewhat a little too loudly, if he really intends to say that to himself.
I raised the glass to him with a reply of "And rightly you will."
My brother raised his head up, surprised that I caught what he has just said.
His face turned pink again, and I raised my eyebrows in amusement. Sometimes, my brother still acts like a teenager whose hand is caught inside a cookie jar.
"Erm. Er, Brother, where are you going? And why so sudden? I thought you have settled all your tours for this year?" He asked,changing the subject.
I shrugged nonchalantly, easily doging the need to answer his query. "If it becomes necessary that you need to send me a message, someone will find you and let you know." I pointed at the books scattered on his desk. "Are you studying all those books to keep up with me?"
He scratched his head a little. "Yes."
"Hmmm. If I run into trouble, will you help me?" I asked in a teasing manner.
He gave me a curious look. "I will, if the day ever comes that you ask me for help. Which I highly doubt it will ever happen. You never ask anyone for help." He pointed out, somewhat irritated by this.
Indeed. A time might come that it will happen, but then, will my own brother be willing to help me I wonder. I poured another measure of wine into my glass, having finish my first, pointed at my brother's still full glass. "You haven't drink yours, Zen."
He sipped at the wine a little and made a grimace. Over the rim of the glass, I studied my him, before beckoning him out into the balcony.
As we stepped outside, the autumn breeze feels good on my skin. It ruffled my hair, now growing past my shoulders. I fingered the ends with my free hand and wondered absentmindedly whether I should cut it short or tie it back.
It's been a while since we have a talked like this. We used to have such interesting talks, Zen and I, when we used to share bedrooms and our mother was still permanently running the country at Wistal Castle. I'd give anything just to stop time for a little. I missed being close to my brother. We used to whisper about our plans for the greater good back in those days like there is nothing in the world that could stop us from ruling Clarines. Such a powerful feeling, such a hopeful future. But of course, this too shall pass. And the path ahead is filled with trials. Some of them involving a certain red-haired woman.
He stood next to me, and together we gazed into the dark horizon. The sky is clear with twinkling stars and there are no clouds to spoil the view of the waxing moon.
I swirled the ruby-red contents of my glass. "Zen, I want you to know that any help you extend will always be accepted. But whether and how you help me is up to you.
He nodded, looking a little wistful. "Whatever it is, I am always ready to serve my brother, the future King."
Will you still serve me if the future is not so kind to us? I thought with a bit of melancholy. Again, these thoughts. I can never imagine we would be pitted against each other over a young woman. And I am fairly sure that my brother is not aware about my conflicting feelings over his intended. He would be devastated if he finds out. I feel rotten hiding these things from him. I should be sparing him from pain, but the longer I delayed him the truth, the bigger the pain it would bring. I wish I could turn back time and done things differently.
But now that marriage is in the horizon for me, it's time I reign in my actions and concentrate on a potential bride. Shirayuki is definitely out of the question. Maybe once I start adjusting myself to the idea that I will have a suitable queen to compliment my reign, I do not need to think about her anymore. This could possibly mean that my brother has more room to freely pursue her.
I gritted my teeth; in my mind's eye, I see a regal queen standing beside me. Not some foreigner with red hair. I shook my head to clear my thoughts.
"Have you proposed to her yet?" I asked in a lighthearted manner.
He shook his head. I felt a little tug of satisfaction at the corner of my lips. I bit the inside of my cheek and gaze back at his eyes, so very much like my own, and yet so different.
"Brother, I am not the kind of person who gives up so easily."
I lowered my gaze. "I sincerely believe you."
"Shirayuki has a higher calling to answer. And I intend to support her on this."
"I see." I looked dazed for a moment, seeing my brother's determined look.
"It's what makes her so precious, you see. And I cannot have her any other way, too. I need to work hard to prove myself worthy." Zen gave me a faint smile of reassurance.
"Very noble." I answered solemnly, ignoring the mixture of jealousy, awe, hurt and confusion. I suddenly feel inferior next to my brother. And I did not like it one bit. Even if my brother was disappointed about Shirayuki's reluctance to accept his offer of marriage in the future, he is still willing to stand his ground and prove to her that he is not giving up so easily. Maybe this is why a lot of people follow my brother. Because he accepts his defeat in a gracious manner, and use this as a turning point to improve.
Whereas I, the first prince, has always practiced caution, carefully choosing my battles when I am sure to win. I have rarely experienced disappointment and bitter defeat. I grew up under intense scrutiny, that I am always careful around other people, putting on my mask and never letting anyone come too close. I earned praise with my efficiency and ruthlessness. And yet, I feel empty.
For want of anything more to say, I raised my slightly trembling hands at the sudden transformation of my brother before me.
"How about a toast, Zen? Today, you sounded more like a royal prince. I am pleased to see you doing your best."
"Thank you, brother. I deeply appreciate your confidence in me." He finally took a longer sip from his wine cup.
"By the way, how do you feel about me taking a bride?"