I just came back from a short, business-related trip. And I am tired. But I am pleased to let you guys know that I finally found a way to continue with the progress of the story, albeit, still hitting a few snags that I have to tackle. It was a long process that took me a couple of weeks- thinking what stuff I needed to focus on, and so on. It's a little hard to decide on stuff, as I have to consult the manga every so often, to see if I am on the right track. the only problem is, the time I needed to write the future chapters.
Good news is, you guys are getting more chapters in the future. Bad news is, you are in for a long haul. And I get distracted on other stuff sometimes, so I hope I can wrap this up pretty soon.
Title: A Letter of Intent
Inspired by: Chapter 41 of the manga Akagami no Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia,
Word count: 792
Rating: General
Status: Beta-ed chapter by Kartara. Please check out her profile and support her works
After five days, I was a little reluctant to depart. But Wistal Castle awaits, and I can no longer delay my intent to inform my mother about my plans to marry.
Our travel back to Wistal continues to be smooth, and faster than I expected. The Captain of the Guards at Starlight Gate has been on a look out ever since I sent advance notice that I would be arriving soon. And when our group finally arrived, I was ushered in with less fuss than I anticipated.
The first thing I saw as we march towards the Castle entrance was the apple tree. It caught my eye even when I wasn't really on a look out for it. The leaves have turned a golden shade of yellow, contrasted beautifully by branches heavily laden with the red fruit. Some of the apples lay enticingly on the ground, a few has already rotted. Apples has always been a part of our favorite seasonal fruits, and the tree has been with us for generations. In fact, three generations ago, my great-grandfather saw that much of its fruit is wasted, and he decreed that anyone within the palace is free to pick the fruits for themselves and enjoy its sweetness.
I found myself smiling a little when I saw a small group of children- the sons and daughters of the servants-has come and pick some of the delicious fruit that were dropped on the ground. At least most of the fruit doesn't go to waste and it made me feel much for the tree who is probably glad that its fruits are not wasted.
Zephyr clomped up to the courtyard, halted and waited for me to get off its back. A waiting groomsman took hold of its reigns, and he neighed in farewell, possibly happy that he's finally home where a bucket of carrots and a few cubes of sugar is waiting for his return. I wish I could say the same for myself.
However, each step I took seemed to weigh heavily upon me.
A handful of advisers and ministers stood in line, waiting, and I greeted them. Each professed a welcome home greeting in return, a few of them inquiring about the condition at Lyrias, and I informed them that the crisis has been dealt with. Lord Haruka stood amongst them, nodding at me. And when I came up to him, he murmured that a letter from the Queen has arrived, and I informed him that I will prepare my reply soon enough.
Castle Wistal gave off a solemn air. Most of the regular occupants are probably still on their way back from Lyrias. It reminded me of the days when everyone else is mostly at Tanbarun chasing pirates and suspicious, black-bearded characters. Traversing the immense Rose gallery that leads the way to my office, I can smell autumn wafting through the windows.
I feel lonely.
I paused on my step, feeling a little more tired than usual. As if my whole being is opposing to what I am about to do. But I need to. I have to.
Brushing aside these feelings, I took a deep breath, and hurried to the left. Maruko informed me that a tea service would be ready for me soon. Iyasu has went on to inform the ministers about the schedule to meet with them to update me of their affairs in running the country while I was gone.
The first thing I did when I entered my office is to sit down and pen a quick message for mother. I am sure The Queen is most anxious to hear from me after being quiet for several days.
Surprisingly, my hand felt steady as I wrote, making my sentences precise. As soon as I finished, I paused, my eagle quill hovering in the air.
I will make formal preparations to offer for Lady Haki of Allullion for her hand, Your Majesty.
I read the last line a few times, seemingly tattooing the words inside my head, so that there would be no more confusion. I am doing the most logical thing a Crown Prince is expected to do- and that is to ensure the survival of our dynasty and this Kingdom.
"Your Highness, the tea is ready," Maruko interrupted my absent-minded thoughts.
I nodded.
Folding the parchment paper, I poured hot wax over the flap, blew on it for a little to let it dry, before stamping it with a seal.
Maruko placed a cup of steaming tea in front of me, and I handed the letter to him.
And with a finality, I gave him my instructions.
"Send it to Wilant. I want this delivered as soon as possible."
"Consider it done, Your Highness."