Good news. I managed to finish a few more chapters. I'm quite happy about it. But over the past few days, I started to review them, refining some words, contemplating. I love slow-burn romance; that, and torturing Izana in this Multi-chapter fic. But when it comes to intimate conversations, I find myself at a loss. Everything sounds so cheesy! ugh! It's like watching a bad romance movie that you know will suck big time.
It's.. been awhile since I am inspired by romance novels. I've been notorious for swallowing books during waaay before Youtube became popular. But ever since second hand books shops were pushed out of business by bigger, better bookstores, I hardly ever get to read good romance stories (I'm an old school sucker for a great romance story). I remember those times when I would travel for 20 And since I've stopped reading less, I find, to my utter despair, that lack of inspiration hinders my creative juices. So, throw in some recommendations in the comments section, okay?
I hope I don't screw up the future chapters. :( wish me luck.
By the way. Has anyone ever read Mahoutsukai no Yome. I've been following this manga for quite some time now and I just found out that it's anime is ongoing (currently at Episode 22). Chise is a red-haired young girl like Shirayuki and is being trained as a mage. I find the similarities cute and touching, as Chise learns the use of herbs and other materials in the natural world- just like Shirayuki. In fact, she could just be an alternate version of Shirayuki in an AU setting. :D You guys should check this manga out and let me know what you think.
Title: Waltz
Inspired by: Chapter 46 of the manga Akagami no Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki
Word count: 961
Rating: General
Status: Beta-ed chapter by Kartara. Please check out her profile and support her works
I surveyed the huge ballroom with a critical eye. The extra staff employed were carefully hanging the polished crystals of the three massive chandeliers installed at the center. Green foliage was tied together in bunches, suspended amongst the sparkling crystal droplets, flower buds still closed. By the morning of the ball, those white buds would be blooming fully and regaling the whole room with their winter scent.
The tables and benches were all stacked up on each side of the ballroom, awaiting to be arranged. A few maids were seen sweeping debris with their brooms and putting them inside baskets to be whisked away. Even the stable boys have come to help, stacking folded table cloths on top of a table, while Shirayuki stood in the midst of them all, counting the linens and crossing off another item from her parchment list.
Clearly, I have underestimated the time. I tried to delay my visit as late as possible. I never thought that that they would still be up and about well past midnight.
Once the maids have cleared the debris, they all departed. One of the stable boys took the stack of books that Shirayuki requested him to take back to her temporary office. The hustle and bustle of the ballroom's preparation activities reverberated loudly across the room, but as soon as the last of the palace staff left, closing the door of the ballroom behind them, the silence became deafening.
Leaning against my private corner, I waited as I watched Shirayuki take a final survey of the whole ballroom. There were shadows underneath her eyes. The lack of sleep during the last few days is catching up on her, I noted with a sinking heart that she lost a little weight. Again.
The candles flickered around as she made her way silently across the room. She began to hum softly, a tune I have never heard of.
And despite my initial misgivings, she seemed happy and content.
Quietly, I made my way down the steps from the upper minstrel's gallery, feeling my heart leap at the thought of spending just a few minutes with her.
When I reached the same level, I paused in the shadows, gazing at her lithe figure doing a pirouette over the side, her mouth puckered into a gay tune, lost in her daydream.
Time goes by,
Even though the stream of time changes us,
I can even remember the things I lost and the dreams I had
when I hold your hands.
Always, I am by your side.
Shirayuki does not have those ethereal voices of singers that I am used to hearing. But hers is pleasant-sounding, and her pitch is more than acceptable. I let myself be awashed by the tune of her song, my feet tapping lightly on the floor in rhythm with the beating of my heart for her.
I recognized the opening of a waltz as she held her hands aloft, eyes closed to an invisible partner, twirling about. At one point, I heard her giggle a little, seemingly relaxed, letting all the stress of the day seep out from her pores.
Emerging from the shadows, I waited until she was near enough, before I caught hold of her waist and gazed down at her shock expression. Her eyes flew open, huge and so very green.
I took a step and began to lead, holding her close to my person.
"P-Prince Izana!" she finally blurted out.
"Shirayuki, I know very well who I am. There's no need to tell me," I drawled, leading her away from bronze candlestick holders stacked in a group at one corner. "And it's been a while since I have danced the waltz. I think my skills are already beginning to rust. Think of how my image will suffer if I keep on stepping on the ladies' toes."
She lowered her gaze, her face turning pink. I savored the apple scent she emitted, along with orange blossom and freesias. Around us, we were enveloped with the scent of sensual beeswax candles, pine leaves, dry wood and moss, the cool marble at our feet. The bright, glowing candles dimmed intimately as we twirled alone in the middle of the ballroom.
For a few seconds, she followed my lead, and we swayed on the dance floor, the music playing inside our heads; like a spell weaving.
And then, it was broken.
"I doubt Your Highness will ever be remiss of such skills. How else will you fare when you look for a bride?"
I came to an abrupt halt. She almost stumbled against my chest. Still holding her close, I let go of her hand and used my finger to lift up her chin so that she has no choice but to look at me.
"Don't worry, Miss Pharmacist. I will make sure that I claim a few dances with you during the ball."
She tilted her gaze sideways. "You need not bother, Your Highness. I would be busy with last minute issues."
I clucked my tongue gently. "A shame really. I am looking forward to seeing you wear a gown. I remember a certain color I am partially fond of." I slowly released her.
Garnet… or Jade. Or anything of deep green color that brings out the depths of your eyes.
She took a step away. I had to restrain myself from snatching her back into my arms. But I kept pace with her, my foot moving forward, and yet keeping distance.
She smiled faintly, retreating. "Goodnight, Your Highness." She bit her lower lip, hands fumbling behind for the door latch.
I felt a surge of desire course throughout my veins, and I forced myself to relax.
"Until I see you tomorrow, Shirayuki."
Notes:
Song lyrics are from Tsubasa Chronicles entitled Wings of Dreams