I am slowly, slowly, trying to fit in writing time with my busy schedule. Of course, that means I cut down my gaming time. And a lot of my work colleagues are clearing off their vacation leaves before the year ends- that means, my work just doubled, covering for those people (sigh).

Apologies for the occasional rants.

Title: An Unexpected Date

Inspired by: Chapter 41 of the manga Akagami no Shirayukihime

Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki

Word Count: 876

Rating: General

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

I whirled around, my eyes instantly recognizing deep green eyes and a shade of red hidden inside a hood.

"Your Highness, Prince Izana-!"

Instinctively, I grabbed her, one hand covering her mouth to muffle her surprise scream. A sense of deja vu awashed over me, a thrill skating down my spine. Haven't I just swore things are impossible between us?

"Don't scream, Shirayuki. It took me awhile to escape the guards' notice." I whispered on her ear. She nodded in understanding.

I bit my own lip, feeling her soft lips at the inside of my palm.

Dropping my hand, I took hold of her free hand, pulling her to one of the side streets just in time when the wall guards stomped around the corner and began their march again.

She took a wrong footing, gave a muffled yelp, crashed into me, and I caught her in my arms again, cushioning her fall.

For a moment, I closed my eyes, savoring the unexpected bliss coursing through my person, enjoying the softness of her, the sweet, clean scent of her hair as her hood fell behind her shoulders.

Her breath warmed my chest, and I braced myself for the inevitable surge of want. My heart began to pound so loud, I began to curse inwardly.

"Stop fussing, Shirayuki, or else the guards will see us," I whispered at the top of her head. My heart beat went up several notches more.

"Your Highness," her low voice sounded pleasing to my ears, "-what in the world are you doing wearing such clothing? I thought you were an intruder! I would have screamed my lungs out!"

"No, you didn't. And lucky that I caught you." Mirth rose from my body. "My cover would have been blown. How did you know it was me? Hardly anyone recognized me." I was interested to know this bit of information.

She wriggled, pulling away from my person just a little to peer up. Her expression looked puzzled. "Of course, I'd known it would be you. You're the only one I know who sports long, straight blond hair. And I'd known that arrogant gait anywhere!"

I raised my eyebrows. I'd have expected her to mistake me as Zen, but she alone took note of the way I walk, which I find it surprising that she even observed me in the first place. I felt thrilled by the knowledge. What an unexpected boon this day turns out to be!

With my arm still holding her around her waist, I pulled up her hood to cover her hair, making sure to cover every bit of red as possible. She likes to cover her hair whenever she went about- the less people notice her. Though in Lyrias, people hardly commented about her vivid coloring, the city is always swamped with tourists and scholars from all over the continent that they are used to strangers traipsing about in the city. But not here at the capital. She would stand out like a red beacon in a sea of blond and blue-eyed Clarines' people. But her comforts are only second to my reasoning in covering her hair- I feel a little jealous knowing that others have the privileged of viewing her crowning glory. I want that glory to myself.

"Where are you going?" I queried.

Her face colored a little. "It's my day off, and I was thinking of doing some shopping."

"Ah, shopping."

She gestured at her satchel. "I wish to buys some things to give as presents, maybe look around for some clothes.." She bit her lip, looking embarrassed- the buttons of the top of her dress are straining a little too tightly.

I averted my eyes away from her chest; my imagination became vivid at the mere thought of her creamy skin.

Indeed. Shirayuki is filling out nicely, and in time to come, she will be a full-fledged woman.

"Is that all? Will it take you long?" I ran a hand through my hair.

"Well," the blush on her face deepened. I was intrigued, so I prodded her to continue. "Just some female things.." she replied in a rush.

Oh. Thoughts of Shirayuki wearing bits of lace and silk filled my head, and I let out an inaudible curse, when I felt my loins stir in anticipation.

I knew I should just leave her to her own devices and let her finish her errands in peace. But for once, I felt compelled to stay by her side. Besides, her usual bodyguard, Obi, is nowhere in sight. Zen took him along at Calais, and they are not due back in two week's time.

My eyes flickered over to her covered head. Even if Clarines is mostly safe from crimes, a young woman like her walking unaccompanied is bound to attract unwanted attention especially if they are observant enough. The hood does not suffice to cover her beautiful features. Shirayuki's mesmerizing green eyes and creamy skin is enough to warrant an interest from unscrupulous parties. She continues to be an attractive prize for any bandit or slave trader. If no one is around, a pirate can just snatch her away. But no bandit would be lurking in the capital, my brother's rigid inspections made sure of that.

Still, her looks alone will always draw out some leery and uncomfortable comments from any lusty males who crosses her path.

"Um, Your Highness? Prince Izana? I need to be on my way." She tried to move away, but my arms held her in check.

I know I am making excuses. Right then and there, I decided to spend my free day with her. Someone needs to look after her and I am the next available person around to do just that.

I slid my free hand against her jaw, rubbing it gently, before releasing her. Ignoring the warning inside my head to stay away, I tweaked her nose.

"How about you show me what you like about Clarines' markets?"

Notes:

Cascais – is a coastal town and municipality of Portugal.

Trondheim – is a city and municipality of Norway