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Title: The Importance of a Rank and a Name

Inspired by: Chapter 36 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime

Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki

Wordcount: 1209

Rating: General

"Shirayuki, you can lean towards me. Our journey towards the Keep won't be over so soon." I scolded her gently, following the path to our destination.

She continued to sit stiffly, trying to move away from my person as much as possible. I let out a sigh of frustration at her stubbornness. Gripping the leather reigns I held between my fingers, I swerved a little to the right, causing her to let out a low shriek of fright.

Thudding against my chest, I held her securely so that she might not fall.

"I told you." I murmured, feeling a little wicked now.

"Your Highness. The path is relatively flat. There is no need to prove your point." She grumbled. But she stopped fidgeting and continued to lean back against me.

My heart thudded with our touch, and I felt calmness sweep over me, dispelling the jealousy I felt earlier seeing my brother bid her goodbye. Our journey from Oriold to the Keep is long, and we have plenty of time to get acquainted while the horse continued to make short work of the paths.

I can think a little more clearly despite her presence distracting other parts of my anatomy. I posed questions about her findings, and she answered them all as much as she could. I formulated plan after plans, occasionally throwing a few questions at her to ask for her opinion. Admittedly, her practical answers floored me. Sometimes, solutions to problems need not to be elaborate, and I find wisdom in her simple answers.

Halfway through our ride, I felt her stomach gave a low rumble.

"Hungry?" I asked.

She nodded.

"I am, too." I admitted, and my stomach seconded my answer.

"We would be reaching soon. I will ask the maids to prepare a bath for you and supper."

Thankfully, the path we took was lighted up with fires on brazen pots, kindled by highway guards along the way. The sky has deepened significantly. The day seemed like a dream away.

"Prince Izana."

"Hmm?" I maneuvered Zephyr to the left and continued.

"Thank you for listening to what I had to say."

I felt my mouth stretch into a pleased smile.

"It is my duty."

She turned her head to the right slightly, as if she wanted to see my face, and then hesitated before looking forward again.

"Shirayuki.." Her named rolled off my tongue like velvet and I leaned closer to her ear.

"If you had just said you are close with the second prince, you could have gotten through the gates with ease."

She shook her head immediately. "I do not represent Prince Zen. So, I wouldn't do that."

"Oh?"

"The Prince Zen that I know, even if the result is good, or scolded, he always thinks about what he can do best as a prince. And he trusts the people by his side."

"Pray continue, Ms. Pharmacist." I felt jealousy rising up from my chest. My fingers tightened their grip on the leather reigns. Even when my brother is far away, his existence is a constant reminder of where I stand. There's still hope for him, I see.

"The name of the second prince shouldn't be used by just anyone. It would be unforgiveable." She replied with quiet conviction and respect. "The only thing I can claim to be is a pharmacist from where Prince Zen is. That is all."

I lowered my eyelids and gaze back at the woman sitting before me. Such words of respect and admiration from someone who has just received an honorable title. I imagine how I would feel if I am on the receiving end of such loyal emotions.

"Well said, Shirayuki." I felt a prick of pain stab me through the chest. Even if she has refused his offer of security, she genuinely thinks highly of him. I can't help but be the wedge between them. What must I do to be able to stand on the same pedestal as my own brother?

Feeling possessive, I clutch her against me.

"Prince Izana?" she asked, bewildered at my sudden action.

"Hold tight, Ms. Pharmacist. The path at this portion is a little steep." I warned.

Zephyr gave a small protest as we climbed up a steep hill. Unused to the extra burden he normally carries, we slowed down a little. No one has ever ridden Zephyr except for me; the woman I held is the only other person I have ever allowed to graze his back.

The horse bucked a little, and I felt Shirayuki clutched at me with one hand, holding on for dear life. All throughout our ride, my nose drowned in her apple scent. I wished our ride continues longer than necessary. I wish I can continue the rest of my life sitting here, holding on to her as she holds on to me.

But alas, we are almost at our destination.

Zephyr halted. Letting out a loud neigh of relief, he cantered towards Allulionne Keep. The guards recognized us and immediately prepared to open the gates.

The Keep looked welcoming after our journey through the snow. It glowed with warmth, and I heard my charge sigh in relief. Sliding down from Zephyr, I landed on the cobbled ground, grateful that we have reached our destination in one piece, and my dignity intact. It is a little uncomfortable riding on a horse, when my clothes are a little too tight when someone soft as Shirayuki sat intimately next to me. Luckily, my cloak hid the evidences of my arousal; otherwise, there would be hell to pay.

Stripping my thick, leather gloves off, I reached up to Shirayuki, and pulled her away from the horse. Gliding down my full length, she maintained composure, avoiding my eyes while I studied her expression. I noted her red face with satisfaction. There is no better way to ensure a woman thinks about a man than to drown her with his own presence. I'm sure that she would have sleepless nights from now on. At least until we return to Wistal, and I needed to compete with my own brother for her attention again.

"Thank you, Your Highness." She landed on her feet, trying to avoid my eyes.

"It's always a pleasure to have you ride with me. I look forward to the next opportunity." I alluded.

She frowned a little. "I hope there is no next time."

I gave her a smart salute. "Oh, there would be plenty of next times, Ms. Pharmacist." Plenty more.

She lowered her gaze.

Before I could stop myself, I reached out and lifted her chin, so that she is forced to look into my eyes.

"This is the first time you answered all my questions without any hesitation. I appreciate your honesty and sheer determination to turn this catastrophe around."

The red-haired woman before me let out a small smile. It seemed to light up her whole face, making her look serene and beautiful. I felt my heart drop at my feet.

"I will always heed the call of anyone who is in need." She replied simply. And then she turned and began to make her way to the main steps leading to the entryway of the Keep.

Worthy of a queen.

Notes:

There are no updates with the manga lately, and I am beginning to be worried. Has anyone seen the raws yet? What's up with the twins? What's their name again? Can anyone enlighten me on what's going on with those two? I was a bit confused.