Fanfiction was having some issues. I only noticed it when I started receiving reviews notifications which were posted a week or few weeks ago. So, I'm very sorry if I didn't see your reviews. I was only notified a few days ago. Even the last chapter that I uploaded was having some technical issues.

Thank you for continuing to follow my work. Currently, this is the only piece that I am actively updating on a regular basis. However, that doesn't mean that I never write on other fandoms. I DO have works that I wish to post. However, I've been writing for a few years now, and I totally understand that it's not easy to commit to works which are difficult to complete. Thus, I tried to finish the bulk of the chapters before I even think of posting it in AO3 or FFdotnet.

As for my other unfinished works in a different fandom, I intend to finish them. I really do. I just can't find the time to do it at this stage of my life. As another year comes, the pile of responsibilities that I need to take care of is increasing too. I barely have time to enjoy my 'me' time.

Very sorry if I have to rant on some stuff here.

Title: For It is Easy to Fuss When It is Someone You Love

Inspired by: Chapter 36 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime

Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki

Wordcount: 776

Rating: General

I slept in a fitful sleep. The only time I sleep such is when I am in the midst of an intense assignment for the Queen. I am a little worried for Lyrias. The crisis we are facing continues to loom as a threat. I would be expecting emissaries from my mother the moment morning comes.

Perhaps that is the reason why I am up quite early after a few hours of tossing and turning. The sun hasn't even shown its face even after three days of intermittent snow. Today wasn't an exception. The sky looks gloomy.

The fire in my room continued to crackle. It is comfortably warm; any other person could be enticed to go back to sleep and spend the day lazing around.

I do not have the luxury of time to dawdle, the fact that the number of patients falling victims to the disease forced me to sit up, tossing the bedcovers away from my person.

As if on cue, the door to my bedchambers were opened carefully.

"Good morning, Your Highness. I hope you had a good sleep." Maruko entered with a silver tray filled with letters, followed by servants carrying food and hot drinks, warm water for my toiletry, and clean clothes.

I let out a quiet sigh of resignation and stood up from the bed, ready to face the day.

Barely half an hour past seven, I glanced down at my warm clothes, while a servant smoothed it out. I should have told him not to bother, for I would be spending the whole day out romping in the snow and ensuring that the city does not descend into chaos. I surmised that the news had already spread about the closing of the Saturn Gates and subjecting Lyrias to isolation, never letting any travelers in unless it is the merchants who regularly supply the city with its daily necessities.

Maruko nodded in satisfaction at all the letters I asked him to write, as I ate and prepared myself for the full schedule ahead. I signed the missives with my slashing signature, pressed my signet ring into the hot wax and deemed myself ready.

"Have Zephyr wait for me in twenty minutes." I ordered, and he nodded, following me out.

However, when I got out of the room, I found myself staring down into Shirayuki's face, looking a little anxious. It looked like she was about to knock into my room when I interrupted her.

"Your Highness." She bit her lip as if she was suddenly caught lurking in a forbidden area.

"I forgot to inform you, Prince Izana, but Obi left early this morning to scout the area. He asked me to relay the message to you that he would be back in a few hours and meet up with Mistress Shirayuki and Master Ryuu at the Institute." Maruki whispered hurriedly to me, before bowing himself and went on his way to continue his errands.

So, I am still to play the babysitter. I am not quite sure whether I should be delighted about this, but my heart leapt at the sight of her looking freshly cleaned and alert in the morning.

"I am sorry for interrupting, but the servants won't permit me to leave until you have given permission." She sounded agitated by this, and I could understand why: she's been itching to go back to the Institute to start researching for the cure.

"I see you have had a good night's sleep." I noted, pleased that I at least insisted on this. She may not be aware of the reasons why I insisted, and maybe I do not wish for it to come to light. The truth is, Shirayuki is as dense as a rock when it comes to my gestures. But I do not mind in the least. Despite my resolve not to get myself involved with her any further, I find it quite refreshing fussing over her even if for a little. My whims, really, they make me do things I ought not to do in her presence, but I couldn't resist. It is on these rare occasions that I find it pleasurable to have complete control over her, even if it is only for a few days, or even weeks.

"Come. I know you wanted to start right away to find the cure. I do not wish to let our Ms. Pharmacist wait any longer." I gestured for her to proceed before me.