A longer chapter to keep you guys happy during the holidays. :) (Unbeta-ed, of course). I will be posting a new story soon, please remember to register at Archives of Our Own to read the complete version of the new story.

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

Title: The House of Allulion

Inspired by: Chapter 33 of the Manga Akagami no Shirayukihime

Characters: Izana Wistalia, Lady Haki, Lord Makiri

Word Count: 1756

Rating: General

The stone castle of the Allulion family is not as grand as Wistal or even Wilant. Certainly, it also doesn't come close to my personal residence, Grisaille. But Allulionne Keep is no doubt ancient, designed to withstand even the fiercest snowstorms that constantly plague the city with its huge boulder-like granite blocks, steep shingles designed in such a way as not to collapse under a pile of snow, and paths covered with rough-hewn stone tiles.

The contrast of materials used to build the castle was certainly more prominent now that I stand face to face with Lady Haki. In comparison to the cold, grey granite walls, the woman certainly has an air of fragility about her.

I've been acquainted with the Allulion family when I was growing up. They're a family whose lineage are old, and the respect that accompanies it is genuine. In fact, I have met Lord Makiri a few times-a serious person, a year older than I, if I remember correctly. Whereas for Lady Haki, I have known her since she was growing up, because she used to play with Zen on a few occasions, both being of the same age.

Regal and dignified, Lady Haki presented a delightful view after days of seeing nothing but forbidding trees and blindingly white snow. She wore a forest green velvet gown, decorated with semi-precious stones. Her golden wheat hair was artfully made up with braids and beads of colored crystals. There is no doubt about her lineage; Lady Haki is truly a woman of high-ranking-graceful and beautiful.

And, coupled with her looks, she is certainly not to be trifled with. Her blue-violet eyes rested on me before she bowed low and gestured for me to sit and rest. The warmth inside the formal sitting room is good for my freezing limbs.

"Welcome to our home, Your Highness. It's been a while since you have graced us with your presence." She proceeded to direct the maid to pour wine, and instructed another to stoke the fire in the fireplace and add more logs. The crisp scent of pine filled the air.

Both their parents have passed away a few years ago; Lady Haki, as the head female of the clan, looked at ease running the household. She has had some practice and I have no doubt that should I chose her to be my queen, she would be able to run Wistal Castle smoothly. Possibly, I need not bother too much about my own household with the way the Lady works efficiently.

Her brother, Makiri, sat down after I took a seat, waved for his own glass of drink and gulped. "Prince Izana, I would really appreciate it if you inform us in advance in the future. I do not like unannounced guests arriving at our doorstep. Our hands are full in managing the city."

"Again, my apologies for arriving without prior announcement. I thought it best to come here while I have free time." I took the wine and drank. The mature grapes tasted wonderful for my parched throat.

"Hush, brother. That is not the way to welcome your childhood friend and our future King," Lady Haki admonished Lord Makiri before turning to face me, "Allulionne Keep is always available for your Highness' use."

I smiled at her warmly. I do not mind waking up next to a beautiful lady's face every morning. Perhaps, mother is right in suggesting I consider Lady Haki. Not only is she pleasing to the eyes, but her manners and upbringing are also an asset for the Wistalia family. "Thank you, Lady Haki. As always, your practicality and diplomacy is an asset of the Allulion family."

A basket of bread, a platter of cold meats and a bowl of fruits were set in front of me before the maid withdrew. I glanced at the red, shiny apples resting on top of the oranges and grapes, and thought of Shirayuki.

I wonder how she is doing now? We've hardly exchanged any words since that event, and it took all my effort to stay away from the Pharmacy and Healing Ward. But my efforts were in vain, for whenever I thought about her, she would appear in a distance, hurrying to the soldiers' barracks, coming out of the greenhouse, talking with Mitsuhide as they made their way towards Zen's office. Why does her face have to appear so suddenly in my head now?

"-anxious to know what we can do to be of service? Surely Your Highness has a full agenda while staying in Lyrias."

I was brought out of reverie when Lady Haki posed a question and waited for my answer. Her brother, Lord Makiri sat back expectantly.

I reached for the apple and bit into it, carefully choosing my words.

"Her Majesty wants to know more about the plans for Lyrias' future expansion. This city is an important apex of knowledge and she is concerned about the increasing number of scholars and scientists wishing to take up residence here."

The brother and sister both nodded in understanding.

"We were thinking of engaging surveyors to advise us on which part of Lyrias is appropriate for what we have in mind. The city is currently strained at its limits. For now, we are full to capacity with the dormitories and laboratories being used by resident researchers." Lord Makiri sat up straight and went down to business.

"The Head Pharmacist, Garack Gazelt, is thinking of hiring more apprentices to help on producing better quality of medicines and vaccines for the citizens. She was worried that the small royal pharmacists assigned to her will not be able to cope with the demand. Measles outbreak has been reported in the South and she is concerned that it might spread further if we do not do anything to keep it in check."

Lord Makiri placed his wine goblet down. "Huh, so Garack Gazelt is still there? Pity, really. If she only stayed here and continued her residency, Lyrias' population would have tripled by now. Everyone wants to know how you managed to keep her in Wistal Castle." He grumbled.

I gave him a satisfied smile. "Garack is very much happy in Wistal Castle, Lord Makiri. Do remember it is I who offered to give her free reign in her endeavors provided she took the position of Head Pharmacist and resided in Wistal Castle."

"Pshh! Garack Gazelt's talent is wasted under your care. She would have flourished better here in Lyrias. After all, she's the star researcher here. A lot of people who come here to study wanted to meet her and were disappointed when they find out she is now in Wistal," He snorted, downed his own wine goblet before asking for a refill.

I leaned back on my chair. "Not to worry, Lord Makiri. While you may think that Garack Gazelt's talents are wasted, she is fully supporting the projects you are undertaking. In fact, she wishes to participate in helping to build Lyrias as a premier destination for learned people wishing to create revolutionary discoveries that will change the country and move it as a forefront to other nations in the continent. Especially in the field of medicine and botany, two things close to her heart."

Lady Haki looked pleased at this. "I agree. We do not have enough medical researchers here at Lyrias for the moment. Only a handful, nothing more. We have been on the lookout for more while we screen through the applicants wishing to stay here." She tilted her head, deep in thought. "Winter has been particularly harsh these past two years. Last year, we had a bit of an accident, when an avalanche destroyed two laboratory buildings at the western part of Lyrias. Some promising experiments on agriculture improvement were unrecoverable."

I leaned forward. "That's why we wish to know more on how we can improve the situation without putting a strain to the city's support system. Overcrowding is a grave concern."

"I will be gathering the city's head scholars for a meeting to discuss on this further." Lord Makiri stood up. "You must be tired. I will have the maids prepare rooms for you and your guards. We have much to discuss tomorrow morning. Haki, will see to your needs. We shall dine early tonight to allow you ample rest."

"My sincere gratitude for the hospitality," I replied, standing up and gathering my heavy cloak. I glanced back at Lady Haki who nodded graciously. "May I ask a request?"

The brother and sister glanced at each other before they waited expectantly.

"I would like my identity and presence to be kept to a minimum. I intend to observe the city on foot and I do not wish to raise alarm and concern amongst the scholars and residents."

"Why-" Lord Makiri started, seemingly puzzled by my request, but his sister raised a hand to him and he kept his mouth shut.

"Your request shall be fulfilled, Your Highness. Do approach us if you need anything else." She murmured some instructions to her brother.

Lord Makiri sighed in acquiescence. "Izana. We may have briefly lost in touch these past few years, but I know you. I grew up with you together with Zen. Your business in Lyrias is a sudden surprise, and I know you don't just move without other ulterior motives."

I chuckled, feeling the tension in the room dissipate a little. "Makiri, as first prince, I could have you thrown in the dungeon of your own keep, simply for the fact that you are reluctant to fulfill your future liege's demands. I don't need to add that you are required to address me in a proper manner in public, but since we are alone in this room, you may call me Izana."

He shook his head. "You never changed. You are still as secretive as ever. I can feel it in my bones that there is something you are not sharing with us with regards to your visit here. But I will soon find out," He added, "once I beat you in chess tonight."

I smirked. "You are welcome to try."

He shook his head. "I'd give you a head start by allowing you to rest. We shall dine tonight and play chess afterwards. Prepare yourself," He warned, before heading to the door of the room and opening it.

"Please excuse me Your Highness," he said dryly. "It seems I have work to do." And he left, closing the door behind him.

Haki and I were left alone.