I wanted to posted as much chapters as I could, but I held back since, I do not have a beta-reader. All interested parties seemed to have vanished. :P I'm still looking for a committed one, if anyone is interested- not just for this work, but for a whole bunch that I am writing.

Drop me a PM!

Also, future chapters will again be different from the manga. The Lyrias arc is not yet over as this is a pivotal part of Izana's development of feelings towards Shirayuki. There would be a loooooot of swoon-worthy comments, some OOC things from Izana as well, but I tried to make it subtle as much as possible. He's such a cool cucumber that any drastic changes in his personality would be a disaster. See how hard it is to balance his personality at best?

Enjoy the chapter updates!

Title: Staking a Claim

Inspired by: Chapter 35 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime

Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki, Ryuu, Suzu, Yuzuri

Wordcount: 640

Rating: General

Shirayuki gave a little wave at the two people. The taller of the two, a handsome man with longish blonde hair and sharp features eyed Kirito with a slightly bored look.

"Kirito, stop pestering our guests. Your friends will be cured if only you'd behave and stop nosing around." He reprimanded the boy.

Kirito stuck his tongue out a little. "If you'd stop idling, I'd probably believe you!" he retorted. "Adults are so unreliable." He grumbled.

I saw the man named Suzu slid his gaze to me, and murmured something to his blonde female companion, who turned her gaze on me as well. They both quickly hurried down to the stairs at the side and soon reached our table.

"I don't believe we've met? Who's the lady-killer, whose looks could melt ice?" and although Suzu is referring to my presence, he directed the question to Shirayuki, whose face turned a little pink.

So this is Suzu. I tried not be too obvious with my interest at the red-haired woman who stole furtive glances at me and looking away when I directed my gaze at her.

Ryuu slightly raised his eyebrows but refused to say anything.

I gave a friendly smile, moving closer to the red-haired woman in front of me and clapping a hand on her shoulder, giving it a little squeeze. The gesture was not lost to the man, noting its subtle message: don't come too close.

I have no idea why my body did something involuntary as that. I feel a little uncomfortable whenever another person from the opposite sex becomes a little too forward or interested with Shirayuki, especially if that person is not someone I am not familiar with. Except maybe for Zen, who I am used to seeing him monopolize Shirayuki as much as I do, maybe more.

"I'm the Royal Pharmacist's assistant, Luen. I came a couple of days ago; Garack Gazelt assigned me to assist the Royal Pharmacists."

"Hmmm." Suzu frowned a little. But his companion Yuzuri brushed passed him and extended her hand.

"Pleased to meet you, Luen. My name is Yuzuri Inglemar. I'm a botanist. This is Suzu Cristelnoe, he's nothing important so you may ignore him." The woman looks exquisite with her elfin features, long eyelashes and gleaming, straight blonde hair. As with Suzu, she saw my hand still resting on Shirayuki's shoulders, and her eyes sparkled knowingly.

Suzu turned to Ryuu and began to ask questions, seemingly not impressed with my credentials, while Kirito hovered and attempted to join in. Feeling a little uncomfortable under Yuzuri's stare, I lifted my hand away from Shirayuki's shoulder.

Leaning forward, I decided it's time I leave them here. "Sorry, Shirayuki, I have to go. I'll be off." My voice is low against her ear.

Shirayuki jerked a little at my abruptness, turning her head to look at me. "O-okay." She stuttered, eyes puzzled at the unreadable expression on my face that is inches from hers.

Straightening up, again, I was subjected to Yuzuri's penetrating gaze, and I gave her a jaunty salute. "Please excuse me, I need to fulfill some errands on my list. Garack Gazelt will have my head if I don't complete them." I lied smoothly.

She nodded. "Goodluck." And turned her attention to Suzu and Ryuu who are now seated at the table, grabbing quills and listing down the medicines given to their patients, as they perused the files Suzu carried on his hands.

My boots clamped gently on the parquet flooring, and I pivoted like a soldier, intent on giving them the space they need to do some brainstorming when I felt a warm hand caught me at my wrist.

"Luen…"

Shirayuki's green eyes met mine.

Still holding my wrist, she pulled me away from the small group behind us.

"This way." She urged me to follow her.