Thank you for the feedbacks about the twins. Interesting stuff. I was stumped about what was going on that my progress in writing came to a standstill.

I'm going on a short holiday soon, so next chapter upload will come after 3 weeks. But since you guys have been good with all your reviews, I'm posting 2 chapters for you.

Title: Smother her with Care

Inspired by: Chapter 36 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime

Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki, Lady Haki, Lord Makiri

Wordcount: 979

Rating: General

"…control all the checkpoints and only let necessary people in? Shutting all the outer and inner gates of Lyrias and the path to Wilant?!" Lord Makiri looked absolutely livid.

I took the towel held out to me respectfully by one of Lady Haki's female attendants. But instead of using the cotton fabric to dry my wet hair, I turned to Shirayuki, unfolded it and dropped it on top of her head.

I know I am trying to buy some time by mothering Shirayuki.. Lord Makiri can be overly emotionally sometimes, and his temper is worse than his bite. But the few seconds are important to make him calm down and think through what we have done. It is always the wisest thing to do. Besides, Shirayuki is not used to Lord Makiri's attitude, therefore, I need to reassure her that she did the right thing.

"Just a little bit more, Shirayuki. Use this to dry yourself. A warm supper will come and you will need to get out of those clothes as soon as we finished here." I told her in a low, soothing voice.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lady Haki observe us in her own quirky way. Tilting her head slightly to the side, I watched carefully as she smiled a little too knowingly.

Think what you like, Haki. I thought. Zen would kill me if Shirayuki gets sick in the middle of the crisis we are facing. I voluntarily appointed myself responsible for both Ryuu and her. Dragging her along while I explained to the Guardians of Lyrias about the situation we are in seemed the best decision. Shirayuki is in a better position to explain things to learned people like Makiri and Haki.

Lord Makiri eyed Shirayuki, and I saw his eyes grow a little gentle. I hid a smile, knowing that the royal pharmacist has, at least, managed to diffuse the tension between us by just her presence alone. I was half-expecting Shirayuki to hide behind my back when I explained to them what I have decided upon.

"The circumstances are as she has explained." I gestured to the woman standing beside me when I turned to face brother and sister again.

"You have already send the word out!" Lord Makiri raised his voice again, and though Shirayuki is already getting used to his booming voice, I can sense she is at her limit.

Lady Haki's brother threw his hands in the air. "I have a lot of things to say, but I am really pissed that you decided this without us!" He thundered.

I straightened up, drawing on my full height. I am glad I towered over Lord Makiri by at least three inches, for he suddenly shrank back a little when I gave him the look.

"Naturally, Lord Makiri. As the First Prince, and future King of this country, I decided what is best. But, since you are the one managing Lyrias, do you have any issues regarding your future liege's decision?" I paused, feeling a little weary by his pointless argument. "Makiri?"

He opened his mouth, but no sound came out.

I raised my eyebrows, my poker face sliding into place. I heard a small unlady-like snort and saw Lady Haki biting the inside of her cheek to keep herself from laughing.

"What's so funny, Haki?" Lord Makiri's face turned red with defeat.

"I am not laughing, brother."

Absentmindedly, I reached for the towel resting on Shirayuki's shoulders. "Shirayuki, I can hear water dripping on the floor. If you get sick during this trip, I will lock you up back in Wistal for a month." I threatened gently.

I hear a little rustling and Lady Haki rushed forward, helped Shirayuki off her wet cloak. "Here, let me."

Lord Makiri and I stared squarely face to face.

"Maruko received a report that no one outside of Lyrias have displayed symptoms of the disease in question. We will need to do something about the goods and people leaving at dawn. Deliveries will be delayed, and some of the remote villages in this area rely on daily consignment of goods."

I felt a hand rest on my arm. My mind seemed divided about the mysterious disease and making sure Shirayuki doesn't fall sick again. Not that she is a fragile flower. Still, my brother will cheerfully slice my head off, if he learned that I subjected his beloved into a long journey in the middle of a snowstorm.

"My attendants will assist the Royal pharmacist out of her wet clothes before she catches a cold." Lady Haki said carefully, "I will have supper waiting for her in the spare bedroom."

"But I have to get back to Ryuu!" Shirayuki protested.

I held up my hand to interrupted her. "One battle at a time, Shirayuki. You will be of no help if you fall sick. Take your warm bath and meal. Rest for a few hours and I will take you back myself to Ryuu. I have sent word to him that you are with me."Sparing a glance at Lady Haki, she nodded serenely.

"I will see to it that she is refreshed before she returns to do her work."

"Thank you." I felt relief and grateful for Lady Haki's support. While I wanted the cure to be found as soon as possible, knowing Shirayuki, she would plunge headlong without thinking of the consequences of pushing herself to the limits. I have seen her work up close when Mitsuhide needed a cure for his strange behavior: lack of sleep, barely eating, intense concentration with her experiments. Somehow, she reminded me of Garack when she is in the middle of her wild experiments.

She did not voice her complaints when the attendants led her out of the room, and I couldn't help but watch her until she disappears behind the door.