I can't believe we are almost reaching the middle of the year. So many things happened in such a short span of time. Thanks for following on my works. I managed to have some time off and began writing new chapters for this work again. :D

Title: A Prince in an Emotional Conflict

Inspired by: Chapter 37 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime

Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki

Wordcount: 1214

Rating: General

Shirayuki did not make any protest once I presented her, once again, before Zephyr.

And my horse seemed to be comfortable around her, though it has been known that he only lets a few people come near. She waited, while the groomsman checked the bridle and the saddle, tightening the leather straps to ensure we won't be thrown off. As soon as the groomsman pronounced his satisfaction, I immediately took Shirayuki by the waist and gently hauled her up behind Zephyr's back before I followed suit.

As soon as I settled, however, is a different story. She became a little stiff again as I rested my hand carelessly on her hips, jerking a little as if bitten.

"Relax." I murmured, adjusting our cloaks. "I thought after a good night's sleep, you would be back to your practical self."

"I am, my Lord. It's just that…" she glanced behind helplessly, and I caught her eye. "We are sitting too close, and I feel like it shouldn't be the case."

"Oh?" I couldn't help but be curious. "And why is that? Are you afraid that my virtue will not survive staying in your presence for too long?"

She let out a sigh. "No, My Lord. 'Tis unheard of that a royal person like yourself even bothers to spend around so much time with a lowly pharmacist like me."

"A lowly royal pharmacist." I replied dryly, "With a respectable title to boot. You forget, I am undercover. And I can do whatever I want." Almost. I thought to myself.

I wrapped my cloak around ourselves to protect from the heavy snow. I do not want her to arrive at the institute like a shivering mouse. I gave a gentle pat on Zephyr's rump and we were off.

She smelled sweet; green apples and pine assailing my nose. And something else; clean, fresh smell of clothes, and something that I recognized as distinctively Shirayuki, a flowery herbal scent, which seemed mysteriously intoxicating. I felt my heart jump with excitement and arousal.

"May I know what is your relationship with Lady Haki?"

I almost dropped the reigns I held between my fingers.

Raising my eyebrows, I stared at her covered head, frowning. "What made you ask that?"

She gave a careless shrug. "Nothing in particular. I just.. seemed to get some sort of inkling that your trip at Lyrias has something to do with her and her family. You never showed an intention to travel ever since you came back to Wistal."

I narrowed my eyes a little.

"I know it's none of my business, asking such things. I am merely being curious." She added hurriedly, concentrating on the road ahead of us. The snow continues to fall, making our journey seemed even longer. The snow on the streets have been sweeped to the side by the city's cleaners earlier, but with the continuous snowfall, it began to pile up again, making it a little slippery.

Should I tell her the truth? But why should I? I felt a little furious at this. Why should I explain myself to a mere royal pharmacist? It is her fault for getting under my skin and subjecting me into a state of confusion.

But then again, I am partly to blame for not being too careful around her. It's so easy to let my guard down when it is someone like Shirayuki before me. I never even managed to analyze when I stopped being less hostile around her and began to do little things for her. Did she ever take note of what I do around her?

"Lady Haki and her brother, Lord Makiri, are two important people in Lyrias." I composed carefully, trying to be diplomatic as possible without giving anything away. I do not know why, but I think it is prudent I neither confirm nor deny her question. "Naturally, relationships and trusts must be nurtured. They are essential assets for the country of Clarines as well as very important citizens. It would be remiss of me if I do not extend the same courtesy when they have recognized my authority to be the next King."

She nodded in agreement.

I wanted to reach out and turn to face me, but sitting together at the back of the horse made it impossible. I wish I could see her face, peer into her green eyes, possibly divine what she is thinking. But knowing Shirayuki, her thoughts are closed to the outside world. Even I have a hard time deciphering her myself. Which makes her more intriguing, and kept me coming back for more, frustrating it may be sometimes

The silence between us seemed to expand. And yet, I felt its profound impact. By explaining nothing to her, I may have caused more irreparable damage to our otherwise, amiable relationship. If I am the old Izana, I wouldn't mind this at the very least. I can focus more on my planned courtship with Lady Haki.

However, this uncomfortable feeling dissipated when she relaxed a little and settled herself on my chest more comfortably. I felt confuse at this. Why did she asked such questions? Obviously, she is thinking of certain things other than the crisis we are facing. But she acted so at ease that I did not say anything more, focusing instead on enjoying the closeness we shared in the short time allotted to us. The familiar paths before us continued, and pretty soon, we would be arriving at the doorstep of the Institute. Already, a lot of the local residents hurried to and fro; women carrying their basket of food bought at the market, shawls and coats wrapped tightly around their bodies, merchants huddled together, talking in groups, while the early travelers who arrived in the city before the gates closed, darted from one bar to another, curious for news. The atmosphere seemed a little grim.

I glanced down and continued to watch her as she paid close attention to this, eyes peeled for anything that might be of use to her for research. Already she is in her study mode, and there is no way for me to penetrate that hazy cloud of hers as her thoughts toward the disease occupied her mind.

I feel a little jealous on how easy it is for her to shut me out. Maybe the reason why I feel conflicted about my feelings for her is because I am on the brink of something inevitable. If I am still persistent about her, I will only smother her with my greed and possessiveness. I know myself all too well; my obsession about her will only continue to drive a wall between us. I would be selfish enough to demand she give her time to me alone and no one else. I would be aching for her while her face lights up with knowledge and wonder, jealous that I can never be the one to fully generate such an intense concentration and reaction from.

Still, even with such resolve as to leave her alone, why do I feel like I betrayed her over my intentions to propose marriage to Lady Haki?