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Title: Marriage Meeting
Inspired by: Chapter 46 of the Manga Akagami no Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia, Zen Wistalia, Lady Kiki Seiran, Mitsuhide
Word count: 994
Rating: General
Status: Beta-ed chapter by Kartara. Please check out her profile and support her works
Haelan held the formal coat out, and I took one step backwards, smoothly sliding my arms through the sleeves and pulling the lapels of the coat together. My valet turned to face me, intent on making the cloth fit snugly around my broad shoulders. Signaling for another servant, he took a clothes brush from the tray held out to him and began to brush the coat before taking a clothes iron to smoothen out the tiny wrinkles at the hem. The imperial bleu tone of the coat was set in accordance with the color of my eyes, making them even bluer, and I smiled in satisfaction at my own reflection generated by the gilded-framed polished glass serving as my mirror.
I can hear the faint sounds of music and talk from outside; the gentle, cooling night air rattled the huge, framed doors of the balcony hugging one side of my bedroom apartment. In the last few days, temperatures have dropped, and the fireplaces continue to burn logs of wood to ward off the chill that has descended into the city. Though there would be a promise of snow in the coming days ahead, the dark, inky blue sky outside is clear, and the full moon is out.
I wore very little jewelry, except for a heavy heirloom ring on my right finger and the signet ring of Clarines' crown prince, plus the beaded hair ties that Shirayuki gifted me during market day. The lapis lazuli and pale blue coral made me look like a rebel Prince.
Haelan fastened the insignia of my rank on my coat, on the top of my left breast. I stood still, a little impatient with anticipation. I wanted to see her, and I feel like tonight, it would be something special. But then again, maybe it's just my imagination that's working overtime.
My valet stood back to admire his handiwork.
"There, Your Highness."
"Thank you, Haelan."
Maruko led the way to the back portion of the ballroom; a small private room that has direct access to the ballroom itself. It is where I will wait before being presented. It is customary for all the invited guests to come first and wait for a member of the royal family to appear.
A maid has prepared some refreshments while I waited inside the room. I felt a little restless, even as I grabbed a crystal goblet and poured myself a healthy measure of strong drink.
Behind me, the door opened again, and Zen strode in, looking irritable. Like me, he wore an imperial bleu formal coat, though the designs were different—his was simpler.
I surveyed his form silently, checking for imperfections.
"Zen, your hair is sticking all over the place," I pointed out before taking a sip of wine.
He glowered a little, eyes descending a little too long on the lapus lazuli and pale blue coral grazing the back of my neck, before holding my gaze.
I felt a small tug of satisfaction linger at the corner of my mouth.
He broke his eye contact first. "This feels too tight," He muttered, tugging at the sleeves.
"Try to relax. It would be less embarrassing for your ballroom date if you minimize your fussing." I suggested in a teasing manner.
Come to think of it, he has yet to tell me who among the list of eligible ladies he invited to spend the evening with.
"I daresay you look dignified if you stop scowling." I added, lowering the goblet I was holding. My brother looked like a school boy about to be introduced to his first formal dance rather than a second prince who has been gaining experiences in the past few years under my guidance.
He sighed in defeat, sneaking a glance at me as if begging for permission to sit. I knotted my eyebrows before relaxing my expression.
Taking the cue from my person, he sat on a sofa and exhaled loudly. Maruko looked a little scandalized by my brother's lack of grace and finesse.
"It is only for one night, you know."
"I know," He replied wearily. "But you know very well how I hate these kinds of social engagements. This is even more nerve-wracking then when the Prince of Tanbarun visited." He eyed me enviously. "If only I could be half as confident as you."
"Give it a couple of hours. I myself will retire early and let the rest of the guests enjoy themselves." Tilting the contents of the goblet into my mouth, I found myself warming up and less tense. I personally do not enjoy these kinds of parties myself, too. But for the sake of showing the whole country that the kingdom is being run in tip-top shape, such functions needed to be done. Besides, I have done enough practice to don a mask of subtle boredom. That, and combined with my commanding presence, people will be hesitant to approach me.
Though I cannot blame my own brother for being nervous. A lot of the guests would be expecting us to be serious about ensuring the line of Wistalia will be perpetuated. It is our duty to present to the citizens that by assuring them of a line of strong, steady leaders, the future of their country is secure.
"By the way, who is the lucky lady?" I asked in a bemused tone.
Zen held out a hand, waiting for a moment. I swiftly turned my gaze towards the door where we entered earlier. A second later, a tall, regal woman entered.
Wearing a full skirted dress of silver, adorned with pale pink silk roses and ribbons, Lady Kiki Seiran bowed gracefully before our presence.
I felt a bubble of laughter rose from my chest.
"Good evening, Your Highnesses."
Oh, dear. My brother really is determined to marry Shirayuki. Desperate enough to resort in asking his own aide as his escort for the ball.