I got delayed because my apple mini got busted. I saved all of my fanfiction files to dropbox. However, my latest media files went kaput. :(

June 18, 2017 Updates: Beta-read by Kartara. Please check out her profile and support her. Thank you.

Title: The Travel to Lyrias

Inspired by: Chapter 33 of the manga Akagami no Shirayukihime

Characters: Izana Wistalia, Zen Wistalia

Word Count: 810

Rating: General

My contingent was ready a week later after making hurried preparations.

I have my doubts about this unexpected trip. Marriage has yet to be put on my list of things to do. But I cannot say no to my mother, so I might as well indulge her a little. Only Mother and I know this so-called marriage interview will soon take place. Not even Zen is aware of it. The official reason we informed the counsels and advisers is that I am due to do a tour of the city and see what else we can do to improve it further and accommodate the growing number of scholars applying for residency. Thus, I am representing Her Majesty on this trip.

Before I departed, Garack was there to see me off along with a dozen of the palace ministers. My brother, his aides, and even Shirayuki were out of town; Zen doing his own tour of the borders of Clarines; Shirayuki and Ryuu are fulfilling some errands for Garack. I am sure they would be meeting up at some point on their way home, but by the time they came back to Wistal Castle, I am already halfway through my journey to Lyrias. Not that I should be thinking about her while I am about to leave for a secret marriage interview, although I am disappointed that it would be weeks before I could see her face again.

"Will your Highness have enough time to visit Lyrias and get to know its people? Two weeks seem so short," Garack murmured softly after the Palace Ministers bid me their farewells and took a step back.

Two weeks is long enough. I gave her a quick smile, wishing that my journey was already halfway done. I am already thinking of going home when I have not started my journey yet.

"How soon will Ryuu arrive?"

She let out a soft little sigh. "In a week's time, I guess. Or I can even ask him to depart immediately as soon as he gets back from their errands. I am anxious about news in Lyrias. The reports that I received are far fewer than expected, and the intervals keep on getting longer and longer. I am hoping Ryuu can enlighten me on what is happening over there."

I gave a dismissive wave. "Give him time to rest in between. Besides, Ryuu will be fretful once he realizes that he will be on his own without you to guide him every step of the way."

Garack nodded thoughtfully. I can always tell that when it comes to her young, brilliant protégé, Garack acts like an anxious mother hen. "Well, it's too late to back out now. I am sure he will manage on his first foray outside this Castle's fortress."

I gave an answering chuckle. "I will certainly keep an eye out for him while he is there. Or, if you are worried that much, you can always send Shirayuki to accompany him. She would do well to know more people there. I have high expectations on her potential. Once the mission is complete, I will send them back first while I follow behind."

"Somehow, when you say that, I get a bit more worried," She answered quietly.

I felt my smile froze on my face. "I jest, Head Pharmacist. I would be too busy with internal affairs to pay much attention to the red sparrow in question."

I felt a little hurt by her doubts. Am I that arrogant to do something untoward to Shirayuki? I know Garack has a faint inkling of what my feelings are towards her, but decided to keep mum on it. Does she think I would just play with her beloved apprentice? Or does she favor my brother more as a potential partner for Shirayuki?

"I did not mean it that way, Prince Izana, and you know it."

I feigned ignorance with her explanation. Garack Gazelt doesn't know how it feels to be the first-in-line to the throne. Whenever I celebrated my birthday, I felt its noose tighten around my neck. "Take care of the Castle while we are gone." I began to turn away after giving her a jaunty salute.

"Your Highness..." She called out.

I stopped in my tracks, but did not turn around to face. Instead, I turned my head sideways, presenting my sharp profile in her view.

"I am not sure what is going on when it comes to her. I've noticed in the few occasions on how you look at her. She's made of sterner stuff. Any obstacles that appear in her way, I have confidence that she will overcome it. I just hope that when the time comes, you will have the same courage to face her too."

I inhaled deeply, unwilling to answer at first. "You presume too much, Head Pharmacist. What do you think I feel for her? However, I do agree that she is made of sterner stuff. Let us hope that she is tough enough to endure what fate has in store for her. I, for one, will not be impressed if she gives up halfway through."