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I hope you guys enjoy this chapter.

Title: Lady Kiki, The Bride Candidate

Inspired by: Chapter 46 of the Manga Akagami no Shirayukihime

Characters: Izana Wistalia, Zen Wistalia, Lady Kiki, Mitsuhide

Rating: General

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

I am used to seeing Lady Kiki wearing trousers, thin chainmail, light armor, a sharp, flat blade strapped on her waist; golden hair tied up in a severe ponytail and no artifice on the face. But tonight, she looked exceptionally beautiful. Her face is glowing - artfully powdered and rouged just right to make her look different from the usual face I normally see. Her hair was twisted into a loose chignon, white flower buds decorating the top, and a thick pale-pink ribbon cascading on the side of her neck; the fringe on her forehead, parted to the side, gave her a mysterious aura especially when she glances sideways.

Being an unmarried woman, the silver colored gown with pale pink roses and ribbons suited her, which I found highly appropriate. To complete the princess look she was aiming for, Mitsuhide stood behind her - a stern-looking sentinel in formal attire, guarding a treasure.

Without really concentrating on the crowd in front of us, I noted that Zen and Kiki looked good together. Lady Kiki is the perfect foil for his sunny looks-the silver cloud that hugs the brilliant sun in the afternoon sky. If I am an outsider, I would consider this a great match.

However, Mitsuhide looming in the background remains a constant reminder that Lady Kiki's affections lie elsewhere. A shame, really. While I do like Mitsuhide, the Seiran clan would not be a terrible alliance between my own brother. They have great wealth, and their lands are vast. Any children between Zen and Kiki would inherit power and influence. And with Kiki's good genes, my nieces and nephews will not be bad-looking either.

I am in no position to force Kiki to marry my brother; Clarines' law forbids forcing a woman to marry a person she does not agree with. My ancestors have long ago foreseen what consequences occur when these things were in practice centuries ago. There was a lot of bad blood and unrest among kin members-some even affecting the political scene. So, one of my ancestors decided enough is enough, and wrote a law forbidding anyone, especially women, to be forced to wed. Besides, even if the law did not exist, Lady Kiki would not hesitate to slit my throat if I came between her and her Mitsuhide. I pity the tall aide for being such a dense creature.

I crossed the space between us, standing formally in front of Lady Kiki. I detected a hint of blush underneath her rouged cheeks.

"Lady Kiki." I bowed a little before extending my hand, palm side up.

She placed her own hand, and I clasped it before kissing the back of her gloved fingers. "I am disappointed that you choose to keep such beautiful features hidden behind your uniform on a daily basis. Is there a chance in the near future wherein you continue to grace us with your true beauty?"

"Stop your teasing, Prince Izana. You forgot to remove my name from the list of eligible ladies." she replied dryly.

I gave a chuckle. "Indeed. Who would've known my brother to be so cheeky as to pick someone who is already taken?" I gave a sideways glanced at the tall, lean man who stood rigid, and pointedly ignoring our conversation.

Lady Kiki's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Who indeed?" She withdrew her hand from my grasp. "I'd expect to be compensated for this little entertainment, Your Highness." she muttered under her breath.

"When the time comes when you marry, I will personally grace your wedding with my presence." I promised her, moving behind to allow the pair to precede me in the presentation.

"My father would certainly like that, Your Highness."

Zen managed to fix his hair with the help of one of the servants, who did a last-minute grooming on his formal coat. He stood next to Lady Kiki, clicking the heels of his highly polished leather boots together before bowing and bestowing a kiss on her hand.

"You owe me a huge debt," I heard Lady Kiki murmur to my brother, "and I tend to collect debts."

I swallowed my chuckle as soon as the door opened to let us out to the ballroom.