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Title: Love is of all Passions the Strongest
Inspired by: Chapter 36 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki, Lady Haki, Lord Makiri
Wordcount: 979
Rating: General
Lady Haki whirled about.
"And you, Your Highness? Do you need a warm bath as well?" Her eyes twinkled a little with mischief. "Shall I arrange an accidental meeting of sorts with a certain exotic maiden?"
Refusing to take the bait, I replied solemnly. "A change of clothing and a warm meal will set me to my right temper, Lady Haki."
"Very well."
She signaled for another of her attendants and they went out of the room to prepare my needs.
"Haki, stop teasing!" Lord Makiri was about to add something more when there came an urgent knock at the door.
"Permission to enter."
"Granted." Lord Makiri spoke loudly.
A middle-aged looking man entered the room, snow still clinging on his graying mustache and bushy eyebrows. He wore the Allulion's colors in his uniform which clashed against his pale face.
"My Lords!" he rushed forward, bowing. "And my Lady." He added, eyeing Lady Haki's serene expression.
"Speak." Lord Makiri replied. "And be quick!"
"A soldier has collapsed at Saturn Gate. Two more were reported from Oriold checkpoint to the West."
I felt a prickle of sensation.
"..swirly blue patterns on the legs and arms of the three patients." The messenger panted.
Lord Makiri straightened. His transformation made me smile a little. Whenever things go south, I still trust my old friend to do what is necessary. And I need not worry about his temper. Lord Makiri Allulion and his sister will do all they can to protect the city.
"Haki!"
"Yes, brother?" she answered calmly.
"Contact Wilant and the Oriold checkpoint to the West. Send out the messengers. The royal pharmacist has already given assurances that the Institute and the clinics within the city have banded together to receive patients. Have a few of the physicians on standby. If we do not have enough medical staff, gather the midwives and send them to the Institute for basic course in stabilizing victims of the disease."
"Understood."
I turned and snatched my almost dry cloak resting from the back of my chair.
"Do not leave this tower unless it is absolutely necessary." Lord Makiri was already halfway out the door.
"Am I to hold down the fort?" she asked, still displaying her serene expression.
"Of course."
I nodded towards Makiri, signifying I am ready to go as well. I am cold, hungry and a little tired. But I cannot rest until at least we have ensured all the necessary precautions are in place.
Makiri marched out of the room, barking for his aides and lieutenants. I followed him. Halfway through the open door, I saw my aide, Maruko along with my other staff waiting.
"Your Highness, let us handle this." Lady Haki rushed forward to assist me with my cloak. "You've been up all day, and the long travel has drained your strength."
"There is no need to worry. I am used to such workload." I said without expression at her. Thoughts of Shirayuki still lingered. I should be thinking about marrying this woman before me. I am convinced there is no other possible candidate that would hold a candle for her. She would make a good queen judging from the way she calmly took information regarding the situation we are all in.
Except.
I glanced up before meeting Lady Haki's eyes.
"We will be back in short while. For the meantime, follow your brother's orders. And," I paused, "take care of the Royal Pharmacist until I return."
She let out a slow smile filled with mischief. "Prince Zen's red-haired special friend. Though I wonder who really regards the young woman closest to his heart? The older or the younger brother?"
"Lady Haki, it is good that I am going out. Otherwise we have all night to spend where I would gladly state the many reasons that she is not my type!" I walked towards the door and pulled it open.
She gave a low hoot. "Most men don't know what they believe, rather, they only know what they wish to believe."
I frowned a little at her, "Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart, and the senses. If I am truly in love with that woman, I wouldn't hesitate about snatching her under my brother's nose!"
She gave a small clap. "And that is how we are. By strength of will we cut off our inner intuitive knowledge from admitted consciousness. This causes a state of dread, or apprehension, which makes the blow ten times worse when it does fall. Believe me, Your Highness, my brother was just the same!"
I wanted to slam the door in front of her, but being a gentleman, I had no choice but to exercise restraint.
Notes:
Quotes used by Lady Haki and Prince Izana. I love these two. They bicker like close siblings.
Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart, and the senses."
— Lao Tzu
"I'm convinced that most men don't know what they believe, rather, they only know what they wish to believe. How many people blame God for man's atrocities, but wouldn't dream of imprisoning a mother for her son's crime?"
― Criss Jami, Killosophy
"And that is how we are. By strength of will we cut off our inner intuitive knowledge from admitted consciousness. This causes a state of dread, or apprehension, which makes the blow ten times worse when it does fall."
― D.H. Lawrence, Lady Chatterley's Lover