I'm back from my vacation. :) Thank you for the reviews and story favorite/follow alerts. I have also just read the latest chapter. Have you guys seen it? It was filled with fight sequences!
Updates may be interrupted again in the next 2 to 3 weeks. Life has suddenly intervened. I barely have time to write the new chapters that is stuck inside my head. :(
Title: The Bodyguard
Inspired by: Chapter 36 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki, Obi
Wordcount: 800
Rating: General
It was a few hours later when Makiri and I all trudge back to the Keep. At fifteen minutes past midnight, we tossed all our wet cloaks onto a chair near the fire to let it dry. Servants milled about, collecting wet boots and coats, the others carrying basins of lemon-scented warm water to give us a chance to wash our faces and hands. The cheerful fire on the grate did nothing to warm our spirits. As of tonight, the number of patients affected by the mysterious disease has climbed to 46. Two last minute travelers who arrived at Lyrias collapsed and was taken to the Institute's wards for observation.
But thanks to my brother's insistent stubbornness, the risk of travelers acquiring this disease has been nipped at the bud.
Lady Haki is still awake as she supervised the servants. Dressed in a finer, simple gown of light green, she looked beautiful even without the normal fancy finery she normally wore during the day. She immediately updated her brother with the news, while we sat for a very late supper of cold meats, freshly baked breads, hearty vegetable soup and slices of preserved peaches.
Only after we have regained our strength with the nourishing food did she turned to me.
"Your bedchambers are all ready, Your Highness. However, I almost forgot to inform you that your brother's messenger arrived. He requested for a servant's quarter that is near to the Royal Pharmacist's room. He informed me that you might wish to call upon him as soon as you can. Should I send him to your private sitting room?"
Obi is here?
I rose quickly upon learning this, a bit irritated by my brother's decision to send his messenger to hound Shirayuki's shadow. Am I not capable of taking care of Shirayuki? But I clamped my mouth shut around my hosts. While Lord Makiri is busy into giving last minute instructions to his aides before retiring to bed, Lady Haki seemed to caught hold of what is going on.
"Thank you, Lady Haki. Your family's hospitality is par excellence." I dismissed myself from their presence. Makiri barely grunted a good night greeting at me, growling at his aides from lack of sleep.
Maruko was already outside waiting for me.
"Your Highness, the baths are ready."
"Give me a moment, I need to speak to someone."
"Ah." He understood who, and quickly led the way to my private rooms set aside for my use by Lady Haki. He opened the doors for me and closed it carefully behind as soon as I entered.
Obi stood erect, waiting for me.
He bowed low. It is the first time I stood before him face to face. I noted a faint trace of nervousness about him. I raised my eyebrows.
All I could remember about him was that he failed in his protection of Shirayuki.
"A messenger, eh?" I strode across the room, into the corner table, where a tray of drinks is constantly replenished by the servants employed by the Allullion siblings. "I've heard about you from Mitsuhide. When you're by Zen's side, you keep doing the impossible."
He straightened up and shrugged a little. "My feats are ordinary, Your Highness."
"Since he sent you here, can I use you, then?"
He permitted himself a slow smile.
Cheeky, I thought, expecting a contradictory answer.
"My sincere apologies, Your Highness. Unless my Master orders me too, I won't raise a finger. My duties are clear."
Protect Shirayuki and look after Ryuu.
" messages from your Master?" I asked wryly.
"I am to stay with Mistress Shirayuki and Ryuu whilst until they return to Wistal. Should you wish to send a message to Master Zen, you may use me." He answered respectfully.
I studied him, discerning quietly on whether he has any capacity to continue protecting his Mistress. While Zen still chooses to trust him, I have my doubts.
However, it seems my whims have come to an end. Perhaps it is for the best. I would have liked to send Shirayuki back at the Institute tomorrow whilst we still have a bit of time alone. However, Obi will now watch her like a hawk and most likely be reporting to his Master on a daily basis.
I felt a little regret at this. My time with Shirayuki is already over before I knew it. I guess this is the time I need to focus more on other things.
Such as informing Lady Haki of my intentions.
"You'd better run along now, then. Your Mistress sleeps across my room. Guard her virtues well. If you fail in your mission, Your Master may not be so forgiving." I waved his dismissal.
He stood straight, clicking his heels at attention, before bowing again.
"Good night, Your Highness."