I forgot to upload last week because I was binge-watching the Korean-novela show called, Goblin: The Lonely and Great God. I am totally smitten with the actor playing the lead title (Gong Yoo). If anyone thinks he looks familiar, yep, he starred in the zombie movie called, Train to Busan. And He was very popular with another rom-com show called, The First Shop of Coffee Prince. I suggest you check this show out. It's really good.

Okay, I rambled on too much. Happy New Year! On to the latest chapter (unbeta-ed, of course).

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

Title: Call me, Luen

Inspired by: Chapter 34 of the manga Akagami no Shirayukihime

Characters: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki, Ryuu

Word Count: 1380

Rating: General

Garack Gazelt wanted Ryuu to visit Lyrias and start familiarizing himself with his fellow colleagues residing there. She entrusted Ryuu to evaluate the progress of medical research, thus it will substantiate her recommendation report for Her Majesty, The Queen. Seeing Shirayuki with him should be no big deal. There are botanists living in the Scholar's district, and many of them are involved in various types of research concerning plants and their natural habitat. Of course, Shirayuki would benefit greatly from a visit here. As a pharmacist, her specialty is to endemic plants with high medicinal value. She would lend a valuable assistance to Ryuu.

It felt good to see her. I never knew how much I missed looking at her until the moment I saw her wandering in the district. I felt giddy with freedom as I observe her without restraint, following her and her companions until it was time for them to go back to the dormitory rooms assigned for their use.

I barely paid attention to the conversation at dinner that night. Lord Makiri invited some of the scholars to join us for dinner. Lady Haki probably took note of my distraction but kept quiet. When it was time to retire, I bid everyone a good night and went straight to the rooms assigned for my use.

I still have a few days to tinker about in Lyrias. With both Makiri and Haki occupied in their duties, I am free to do whatever I fancy. Since I am curious on what is going on within the Scholar's District, I decided to go incognito and lure in both Ryuu and Shirayuki along. This is the perfect opportunity to observe Shirayuki at work; after all, she would be my future sister-in-law. It is better I start adjusting myself to this fact…

Immediately, I knew this was a bad idea. I am making excuses to spend time with her. I should put a stop to this nonsense. Haven't I decided that I will be taking a bride? Someone who will be suitable as a queen Clarines will be proud of?

But as I lay down in bed mulling things over, I can only be sure of one thing: I wanted to spend as much time with Shirayuki as I could dare. And with Zen not around to keep watch, this is the only time to do it.

Feeling a little reckless with my thoughts, I decided that I would leave it until tomorrow before I act.

Early the next day, Lord Makiri departed. He would be spending a few nights away making his regular checks in the western border of Lyrias. I asked Lady Haki to allow me to use one of the sitting rooms for a private interview. She obliged, and instructed the chief steward to assist me on anything I require before leaving the Keep and resuming her work back at her own office in the Scholar's district.

I do not feel entirely like myself today. All the emotions I thought I could control were running rampant: giddiness, excitement, recklessness. When my father died, I told myself I would be responsible and strive towards being the good King as befits the next in line to the throne. My mother is extremely proud of my accomplishments; she mentioned that she has no qualms in putting our country's future in my hands.

But my actions today put me in a doubtful perspective. Adhering to my selfishness makes me realize that I was never in control of my real personality; that is, the selfish me, one who is curious about the world and wanted to try things at least once.

Certainly, my attraction to Shirayuki is one of those things I wish to explore more. Why can't I live a little and do things for my own enjoyment rather than putting others' needs first?

Thus, with these thoughts, I stood by the large framed windows, expecting them to arrive any moment. Maruko dispatched one of the guards to fetch them from their dormitory.

I waited, a little impatient. Today, I wore ordinary sets of clothing. Nothing about my clothes could give way that I am the next in line to rule this country. No sooner had I tied my long hair into a low ponytail to complete my disguise, I heard a knock on the door before it was opened and two people were ushered in.

I composed my features immediately into a welcoming smile. After all, I need not be hostile to Shirayuki, despite our last confrontation.

"Hello."

Ryuu doesn't look surprise to see me. He has a healthy color on his face, cheeks a shade of pink due to the cold weather. It was rather a pleasant look for him, as he always sports a pale coloring for spending most of his time indoors.

"Prince Izana. How are you?" He bowed before moving a little closer.

"Never better, Ryuu."

Green eyes met mine. I felt my heart beat faster.

She stood a few steps behind Ryuu, wearing heavy winter garments in deep blue color that made her eyes look even greener. Her cheeks flush red, and her hair was covered with a hood, which she now pulled back to reveal it in all its glory. For the past months, her fiery tresses have grown past her shoulders, giving a hint of its formerly glorious waterfall of red curls.

"How are you, Shirayuki; or should I start addressing you as Lady Shirayuki?"

The red color deepened in her cheeks. She was probably remembering the last time we talked. "Shirayuki will be fine, Your Highness," She replied stiffly, determined not to call my name. "Besides, I will not answer if you start calling me Lady."

I felt a slow smile forming in my lips, the tug in my heart insistent. "Very well."

I turned to Ryuu, who was observing our exchange with curiosity, but kept quiet. Beckoning them to come closer, they obeyed without hesitation until they stood next to me, face to face.

"Listen, I'm here on official business, but I'm lying low, so let me come along with you," I whispered in a conspiratorial tone.

They both looked taken aback. "W-what?" Ryuu spluttered.

I shrugged. "I've been racking my brain on what would be a good disguise, but when I saw the two of you yesterday, I thought of a perfect solution. Ryuu, I shall be your assistant in the next few days."

But he was already shaking his head, face turning pale in horror.

I raised my eyebrows before chuckling. I supposed playing his assistant might be too much for him.

Looking at Shirayuki's puzzled expression, I leaned towards her, "No good then? Then maybe I shall claim to be Garack's assistant. That way, you won't have any issues with my authority." I could smell her hair now that I stood so close to her. Shirayuki with her crisp, green apple smell and sweet orange blossoms. It made my mouth water and my senses tingle with familiarity.

"I supposed I could borrow Mitsuhide's name." I pointed at my hair, my long blonde fringe escaping from its constricting hold, and covering my forehead.

"B-but." She started, glancing down at Ryuu. "Why do you need to stay incognito, and why do you have to come with us?"

I shook my head in mock sadness, "For diplomatic reasons, of course. Though I'm afraid I can't tell you. Why? Can I not join you?"

She shied away from my person a little, "Not really. Ryuu, what do you have to say for this?"

Ryuu got his initial shock over. But it looked like he was a fish out of water. Garack was right in sending him here. The boy needs some work to improve his interaction with people. "I supposed it's alright to have him follow. After all, we work under him."

Shirayuki bit her lower lip, unsure of what to say. My eyes flickered over her lower lip, half-wishing I can have a taste. Whatever she's thinking, she kept those thoughts to herself. I take it that her silence means she agrees.

I smiled. "Excellent. You may call me Luen."