Sincere apologies for not posting in the past three weeks. Life got in the way, not to mention I am nursing a fever, so yeah, I am high on medication right now. In a couple of weeks' time it would be Christmas, and I would be vanishing in the radar for another 2-3 weeks again because, you know, family. That, and some ME-time. I owe myself a period of relaxation and just doing nothing- not worrying about deadlines and paperwork, not worrying about twhether I posted a new chapter or whether I wrote something down.

Nevertheless, I am posting 2 chapters for your guys. :)

Title: A Song About Dreams

Inspired by: Chapter 41 of the manga Akagami no Shirayukihime

Characters: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki

Word Count: 808

Rating: General

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

That mysterious smile of hears lingered with me far longer than I wanted. It kept me awake during the restless nights I laid on my bed. The blankets snaked around my legs, binding me to my fate, giving me doubts about my future. My mind was divided into two about my recklessness in sending that letter to my mother, the Queen. She could be sending a reply anytime soon, and I guarantee that whatever my decision is, she would approve; for she knew I only made sound judgement. Always.

Almost always.

But the doubts about my incoming betrothal to Lady Haki filled my thoughts with nothing but should and shouldn't.

And all the while, Shirayuki's face swam in my thoughts, her last words echoing. I love…

Who?
What?

What did she mean by those last words? I should have chased her right then and force it out from her when I had the chance. Then I wouldn't be thinking so much about it like a lovesick fool that I am now.

But cowardice seemed to be my companion these days, and my tongue seemed to get stuck in the roof of my mouth, just nodding my head to acknowledge her presence whenever I see her. I could not command my limbs to approach her; so, the days go by as I let chances slip through my fingers like sand.

Working days continued, and I met endless parades of diplomats and messengers from all over the country, as well as from distant Kingdoms wishing to make trade with Clarines. I received them all as representative of the Queen, entertaining them in the Castle as we draft agreements and proposals mutually beneficial to both of our Kingdoms. And even if my days were as tiring and grueling as it could possibly get, my nights plagued me with dreams of what ifs.

It has come to such a point that I found myself walking, once again towards the pharmacy, intending to ask Garack Gazelt if she can prepare a sleeping draft to ease my stress and tension. With no alcohol involved. Garack would often tell me that I just need a couple of nightcaps to soothe my nerves- an activity that she regularly favors after a grueling day in her own lab.

Passing by the greenhouse, I heard faint singing.

I paused, listening. It would be somewhere coming from…

I spied my brother first, and he was sitting at corner, eyes closed as he hummed along quietly. Judging from the blissful expression of his face, I surmised it was Shirayuki singing. I can smell wintry pine and eucalyptus wafting from the greenhouse. She must be preparing the Ærra Jeola plants to decorate the palace halls for the upcoming festive season.

Leaning from my hiding place behind the pillar, I watched my brother's peaceful face, before he stood up and left the greenhouse to continue his work. He did not even bother Shirayuki while she was working; she was oblivious to his presence, judging by the continued humming and singing I could still hear coming from the greenhouse.

When I was sure that my brother has left, I sneaked closer, feeling like a thief that shouldn't be anywhere near her. But my limbs have a mind of their own; it can only follow the sound of her resonating voice, singing a haunting melody about dreams.

A sea of grass I haven't seen
is swaying and rustling in silver
The scenery at the boundary

near dreams and consciousness

Is it in order to meet you?
Or is it for the eyes of someone

I haven't seen yet?
I'll continue, dividing the wind
Dreamscape

The alarm clock will ring soon, right?
But what lies ahead might still be a dream
No matter where you are,

your important things don't change,

you know

I stood there for a few minutes, for once, the tension from my shoulders easing. Shirayuki has a pretty singing voice, cool to the ears. Peering at her through rows of tall potted plants with star-pointed leaves and white flowers, she looked busy replanting some small herbaceous seedlings, transferring them to prepared plot spaces. Despite the smudge of dirt on her cheek, sweat-covered forehead, the unruly red hair, and the dirty smock, she looked enchanting to me. She does not need expensive clothes and jewels to shine; her eyes alone sparkle like precious stones.

Regretfully, I began to move away again, remembering my intent for a sleeping draft. However, soothing her voice is, I am sure tonight, she will continue to haunt me in my dreams.

Relentlessly.

There are bends in the road

at the top of the hill,

but I want to go further
Sittin' in the silence...
Beyond the scenery

that exists only in music
It's just too dark to see...

In the continuing dream,

there's another dream
Like a maze with seven colors
For the sake of finding a song

on a reed pipe without scales

Even if it's too wide and

my eyes become tired
Even if I sing too much

and my throat becomes dry
With that sea of grass

I haven't seen, I'll dream...
Even if you disappear...

Notes:

Song lyrics are from the song "Dreamscape" from the anime Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles. You can search youtube for Yuji Kajiura Live: Dreamscape, and the song is performed live by Fiction Junction.