Apologies for the delay in chapter uploads. I am swamped with work deadlines. I also found myself unmotivated to write as of the late. So I am trying to remedy that by delving into the backlog of books I haven't read and watching some animes that I missed out. Recently, I finished binge-watching Seirei no Mobirito. It was an awesome anime. I was lucky enough to discover this. Why is there such less fanfare for this gem?

Also, I am re-reading some of my old books. I highly recommend Dragon Sword and Wind Child by Noriko Ogiwara.

Title: A Sufficient Reward for a Loyal Pharmacist

Inspired by: Chapter 38 of the manga Akagami no Shirayukihime

Characters: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki, Obi

Word Count: 653

Rating: General

Status: Beta-ed chapter by Kartara. Please check out her profile and support her works

I slowed down my pace a little, letting Obi walk further ahead. He can have very sharp ears, and his senses are like those of a bloodhound. When I judged that we are a fair distance away, I glanced down at Shirayuki's face.

She looked even more pale now, her mouth trembling. I felt my chest ache at the sight of her, imagining the internal suffering she is feeling right now. The coldness seeping into her bones can be painful based from the reports I gleaned. It's a wonder that she is not crying from the pain, though I can see the moisture in her eyes as she tried to keep it all in.

"You did well, Shirayuki."

Her unfocused eyes rested on my face. And I felt a little ashamed for not doing much. A little ashamed for the accusations I threw back at her previously. A shameless little gold digger wouldn't risk her life for people she does not know.

She gave me a brief smile.

"What do you want as a reward?" I asked.

Ask for jewels. Or gold. You can even ask for lands, even a title. Ask me for the moon and I will give it.

What Shirayuki did was exceptional. It deserves due merit. And cold-hearted as I, I do not even mind bestowing her a title that will uplift her standing in Clarines. Yes, some respectable title that would even help alleviate the gap between her and my brother. She is already a peer in the realm of Tanbarun. It would be a feat to make her a respectable peer in Clarines as well.

I blinked fast when I felt her hand rest against my jaw. Her fingers curling a little to cup them. She gently stroke my skin, making me respond with a shiver.

"Shirayuki?"

"Prince Izana. Those words, just now... were sufficient as a reward..."

I held her close against my chest, cradling her like a precious treasure. I was supposed to take care of her. And yet, I did little. She was so close to being in danger. Shirayuki, I swear.

My nose nuzzled her jaw. Her eyelashes fluttered to a close.

I swear.

I continued to walk, unsure of my direction. I wanted to swear to her the moon and stars; the sky and the sun. I wanted to promise her anything, but how can I if I can't promise myself to her? Or she to me?

I swear…

Obi paused outside the door to the ward.
"Your Highness?"

I nodded, and preceded him while he held the door, and I carried my precious cargo.

One of the staff saw us. Recognizing Shirayuki, she immediately beckoned us to an empty bed. Obi took the bed next to her, unable to stand any longer. He practically fell on top of it and slept immediately. His lips have turned a little blue as well, and the first of the nurses began to administer a medicine to stabilize his temperature.

The other staff began to prepare Shirayuki's medicine, too. I took the opportunity to stay a little longer. Smoothing out her tresses spread on the pillows, Shirayuki slept a painful sleep. My heart ached for her.

I stood there, wondering, praying, thinking as I gazed down at her face.

I swear…