Thank you for the recent bunch of reviews. Truly appreciate your time telling me about your comments on this story. I hit a little roadblock over writing the future chapters. I have some ideas on my mind, and I am doing a little mental process of eliminating some scenarios. Also, I am still on a lookout for a proper last name of Shirayuki- the mangaka never really elaborated much on this, and I feel a little defeated like Izana (noted: read the last part of this chapter. haha).
Title: Duty Over Need
Inspired by: Chapter 38 of the manga Akagami no Shirayukihime
Characters: Izana Wistalia, Lady Haki
Word Count: 1397
Rating: General
Status: Beta-ed chapter by Kartara. Please check out her profile and support her works
"Back so soon?"
Beautiful blue-violet eyes met mine. I paused in my tracks, unsure of what to say to the woman standing beside Shirayuki's sleeping figure.
To hide my discomfort while meeting her gaze, I said coolly, "Good morrow, my Lady Haki. 'Tis small wonder I didn't see you at the breakfast table back in the Keep. You are very kind to extend your time to visit the patients."
She gave an impish smile. "I have been making my rounds ever since the number of affected has increased. I, along with my brother, wished them speedy recovery. However, this young one here deserves a special visit."
I closed the gap between my person and Shirayuki. I felt a little frustrated that I find my future intended standing beside the woman who has been preoccupying my mind for the last few months. I can't help but note the contrast between them. Lady Haki looked completely regal when compared to Shirayuki. Although she has been at a disadvantage due to her incapacitated state, there is no doubt that Lady Haki certainly trumps Shirayuki in both the looks and grace department. They are as different as chalk and cheese. And yet…
I stole a glance at Shirayuki's sleeping face again, my hardened eyes softening a little. And yet, I do not mind in the least that she is as ungraceful as any normal townsfolk. This woman was instrumental in bringing the disease to heal. If it were not for her courage and persistence, we would be devastated with incalculable losses.
"The nurse has just finished administering her regular dosage of painkillers. She had a fitful and tiring night, and it would be good that she sleeps the whole day. Though, I was hoping I can find her awake, to thank her for her efforts. What she has done for Lyrias is beyond words. We are extremely grateful."
The purple shadows underneath Shirayuki's face is deep, highlighting the fact that she had an unpleasant night of sleep. The disease wrought much pain in a patient, and I have no doubt that Shirayuki, even though she was supposed to be resting, couldn't even rest comfortably because of the pain.
"She had a fever a few hours ago when you were resting. Or so I was told," Lady Haki said gently, reaching down to smooth Shirayuki's forehead, brushing the strands of hair away. Her red, gleaming hair looked dull against the bright oil lamps lighting up the whole ward. "Poor girl."
I resisted the urge to touch her myself. Not when Lady Haki is there. Instead, I sat down on the chair beside her and continued to watch Shirayuki's sleeping face.
Lady Haki bustled about, seemingly putting the finishing touches with the flowers she arranged on a vase and placed it on the table beside her. The red winter roses are of no match for their colors against Shirayuki's hair if she's in the best of state, but at least they brightened up her space. I can see a number of trinkets has been placed on the other side of the table as well: some basket of fruits, a folded piece of knitted shawl, a bit of silk ribbon, a colorful card...
Lady Haki saw me eyeing the trinkets with a bit of curiosity.
"They're gifts, from the relatives of the other patients."
I frowned a little. They are not supposed to disturb her when she is in this state. "I specifically instructed that no one disrupts her while she is resting-"
"Unruffle your indignant feathers, my Lord." She interrupted. "Of course no one will dare go against your instructions. The nurses made sure of that. They were placed by the staff so as not to offend the givers who are merely expressing their gratitude for what she has done."
"I did not say anything," I defended, feeling a little petulant at how easy I was provoked when it concerns Shirayuki. "I was merely concerned. She needed her rest. They both needed their rest." I nodded towards Obi, who is equally prone and lying motionless in the other bed. His side table were filled with trinkets and flowers as well.
She smiled a little too knowingly. I refused to acknowledge that smile of hers.
"It seems when this young woman is concerned, you are always on the defensive mode. How will your brother be able to pursue her if you continue to stand over her like a stern sentinel? Why not just admit that-"
"Lady Haki," I began in warning tone, "I am not in the mood for a debate."
She pursed her lips in a disapproving expression.
I strive to change the subject when I saw Lady Haki was not leaving. Instead, she sat down opposite where I sat, on the chair that was provided for her.
"I will be leaving Lyrias soon. I have gathered all the information I need." I eyed her thoughtfully.
"Of course, My lord. And what of the young lady here?"
"She will be well taken care of. I am sure she will want to go back soon as soon as the healers declare it is safe to do so. Otherwise, the Head Pharmacist is here to supervise them."
"Hmmm..." Lady Haki murmured something that I failed to catch.
"Will you not wait for her, my Lord?"
"Of course not!"
Lady Haki stood up, a twinkle in her eye. "I shall endeavor to see that she is fit to travel." She bends down and smoothed the blankets covering Shirayuki. Again, I itched to touch her, but held my hands still. Instead, I contented myself to watch Lady Haki perform her motherly duties to her, feeling somewhat strange. Why did she visited her in the first place, aside from wanting to thank her personally?
As if sensing my very thoughts, Lady Haki straightened up. "You are probably wondering why I even bothered to visit her, My Lord. You only need to ask. But since I opened up the topic, I will answer your silent query."
I narrowed my eyes in response.
"I am curious what kind of a woman sparks the interest of two brothers. One who is cold as ice, and the other who is impulsive as fire. Zen has shared some of his stories about Shirayuki, and she seemed like a good, young woman. But I was intrigued when I saw how well you regard her, My Lord. And I did not have a lot of opportunities to observe her. So, the next few days are my only chance. Perhaps once you have departed, I may invite her over to stay at the Keep. Makiri might find her amusing as well. He never got the chance to know her with his busy schedule." There was a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
"You will not!" I interjected sharply. While Lord Makiri already has offered someone marriage, he has a healthy appreciation of beautiful women. It was once rumored that he used to harbor feelings for Garack Gazelt when she used to live in Lyrias. But I have no doubt that once Makiri is in the right mood, he might take an interest towards Shirayuki.
Lady Haki hid her smile behind her hand. "Interesting reaction, My Lord Izana."
That minx! I held my tongue in check to prevent myself from saying more. I do not understand why Lady Haki is very curious about Shirayuki but it wouldn't do me good when I have every intention of offering for her hand as my future queen. It would be better to nip the friendship in the bud, however, if I forbade her to do so, she would be more adamant to do the very same thing I forbid her to do.
So instead of saying the opposite, I forced myself to relax. "Perhaps you are right. Maybe you can extend an invitation to her, and to Ryuu as well. After all, these two has been instrumental in helping your city eradicate a deadly disease. Lady Haki, you have my blessing. I put her and Ryuu under your care. Please see to it that Garack Gazelt is taken care of, too."
Lady Haki's teasing smile faded a little. And she frowned a little at my speech.
And without so much as a glance at Shirayuki, I turned my back on the two of them and marched out of the room, feeling utterly defeated and frustrated at myself. A future king never puts his needs first; it is always duty above all else.